bygrowers A/S, one of the largest nurseries in Scandinavia, is preparing for a significant change in leadership, set to take effect on January 1, 2024. Founded a decade ago through the merger of Gartneriet Kærby and Gartneriet Abildgaard, the Danish company has thrived under a distinctive strategy that has set it apart from many of its European counterparts.
When the two nurseries merged in 2014, bygrowers A/S adopted a strategy that diverged from the common industry approach. Rather than specializing in the mass production of one or two types of crops, the company opted to cultivate a diverse range of plants. This unique approach, as explained by future CEO Nicolai Abildgaard, was driven by their commitment to providing Scandinavian retailers with a wide variety of plants throughout the year, including bedding and seasonal plants. This strategy proved to be a success, and over the years, additional production areas were integrated.
Today, bygrowers A/S stands as one of the largest growers in Denmark, boasting impressive statistics: a vast total area of 200,000 m2 of greenhouse space, a dedicated workforce of 150 employees, and an annual production exceeding 30 million pot plants. Notably, their most significant crop, the Kalanchoe, accounts for approximately 50% of their total production and is not only supplied to Scandinavian retailers but also finds its way to other European markets.
A remarkable generational change is set to unfold within the company. Since the 2014 merger, the business has been jointly owned by Claus Petersen, Preben Damm, and Nicolai Abildgaard, each holding one-third of the shares. With the arrival of the new year, Claus Petersen and Preben Damm, both with distinguished careers in the industry, will retire. The baton will be passed to Nicolai Abildgaard, who will acquire full ownership and take on the role of CEO. The transition is a culmination of a five-year strategic plan, and the day-to-day operations, as well as the workforce, will remain unchanged, with the significant modification being Nicolai Abildgaard’s appointment as CEO. Preben Damm will complete certain project tasks in 2024, while Claus Petersen will assume a position on the board.
Looking forward, Nicolai Abildgaard emphasizes that the company has substantial plans in the pipeline. The primary focus is to ensure a consistent supply to the market. This not only pertains to bygrowers A/S but extends to smaller growers in Denmark. Recent years have brought challenges, including inflation and elevated energy costs, resulting in several growers reducing or discontinuing production. The market, however, appears to have reached a point of equilibrium, encompassing both the supply and demand sides, which have adjusted in response to recent fluctuations. Additionally, the transition to new leadership will play a pivotal role in preserving smaller Danish nurseries that are grappling with the absence of successors. This ensures that they will continue to operate, collectively maintaining a reliable supply to the Scandinavian market.
In celebration of this generational shift, bygrowers A/S is hosting a reception on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, from 13:00 to 17:00. The event will welcome customers, suppliers, partners, and colleagues and will be held at Allégaarden, located at Odensevej 104, 5290 Marslev, Denmark. Attendees will have the opportunity to partake in light refreshments and beverages.