Bakker Barendrecht builds state-of-the-art fresh produce center

Bakker Barendrecht, part of Greenyard, is taking a major step in modernizing its logistics processes by constructing a state-of-the-art center for fresh vegetables and fruit in Ridderkerk. The facility, being built next to the current location on Laurierweg, will cover 55,600 square meters and meet the highest sustainability standards under the BREEAM Excellent certification. The new center will be phased into operation starting mid-2026.

Application of technological innovations

The new facility will apply the latest technological innovations in warehousing, packaging, and ripening processes. It will feature mechanized systems for warehousing and meal kit production, along with updated production lines for specialized fruit categories like grapes, citrus, and berries. Additionally, the facility will house Europe’s largest ripening center, with more than 150 ripening cells. This will further strengthen Bakker Barendrecht’s position as a leader in product specialization and process innovation.

Strategic partnerships and quality

Maarten van Hamburg, Managing Director of the Bakker division, stated: “For 65 years, Bakker Barendrecht has worked closely with Albert Heijn as a strategic partner. We also have long-standing strategic partnerships with Delhaize in Belgium and Albert in the Czech Republic. Thanks to these long-term collaborations with our customers and growers, we deliver the best quality fresh vegetables and fruit to over 10 million consumers every day. With the construction of the new fresh produce center at Dutch Fresh Port in Ridderkerk, we are investing in innovation, quality, sustainability, and efficiency, allowing us to better respond to the growing demand for tasty and healthy vegetables and fruit. Together, we are making an impact on tomorrow’s food.”

Jan Willem Balk, Director of Sourcing at Albert Heijn, added: “With our mission ‘Making better food accessible. For everyone,’ Albert Heijn aims to contribute to a healthy, sustainable, and social society. By continuing to invest in sustainability and quality, we can consistently offer our customers the best and tastiest products. The construction of Bakker Barendrecht’s new center enables us, as a strategic partner, to better meet the growing customer demand for fresh, tasty, and healthy vegetables and fruit.”

Employee well-being at the core

Bakker Barendrecht is not only focused on technological innovation but also prioritizes the well-being of its employees. The ambition is to achieve WELL Platinum certification, ensuring the facility offers a healthy, safe, and pleasant working environment.

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