Arien van Viet, owner and director of Van Vliet Antúrios, stands at the helm of a family business in Brazil dedicated to the cultivation of Anthurium pot plants and young plants. His journey reflects a profound connection to agriculture and an unwavering commitment to sustainability within the floral industry.
Born in Brazil to Dutch descendants, Arien resides in Holambra, SP, where he represents the third generation of the Van Vliet family business. With an agronomical engineering background, Arien officially joined the family enterprise in 2005, following in the footsteps of his father, who had been his early mentor.
Van Vliet Antúrios has gained renown for its exceptional production of Anthurium pot plants and young plants, solidifying a partnership with Anthura since 1994. In 2018, Arien assumed ownership and directorship of the company upon his father’s retirement. Leading the charge, Arien’s vision became paramount as his siblings pursued diverse interests and academic pursuits.
The company’s current infrastructure encompasses a sprawling 23-hectare area, featuring 23,000 square meters of modern greenhouses equipped with advanced amenities such as pad fans, shading, heating, drainage, and rainwater collection reservoirs. Recent investments have fervently revolved around sustainability, incorporating a boiler for heating, photovoltaic energy production, and expanding greenhouses to accommodate changing rooms and employee facilities.
A pivotal addition to the business in 2023 was a new 2,150 square meter greenhouse, fueled by the surging demand for Anthuriums. The investment took on increased significance given the economic impact of the pandemic in Brazil.
The choice to focus on Anthurium pot plants raises the question of its profitability and ease of cultivation. Arien elucidates that Anthuriums offer an enticing profit margin and require relatively straightforward cultivation practices. Furthermore, they perfectly align with the preferences of the Brazilian market, where Anthurium has evolved into a beloved and increasingly consumed plant.
Sales and distribution channels are closely entwined with the Veiling Holambra Cooperative, mirroring the Dutch system. The majority of production is channeled through the cooperative, enabling customers from all corners of Brazil to make their purchases. At present, approximately 80% of their sales are direct, while the remaining 20% transpire through the ‘on the clock’ auction.
Van Vliet Antúrios distinguishes itself through its unwavering commitment to sustainability. Their sustainability journey commenced in 2007 when they rejuvenated four hectares of forest near a river on their property. In 2010, they erected a substantial 6,000 cubic meter rainwater reservoir, pivotal for irrigation. All their greenhouses feature drainage systems, ensuring that water employed for irrigation is collected and returned to the reservoir.
In 2022, the company harnessed the abundant Brazilian sunlight with the installation of 432 photovoltaic panels, generating their energy and reinforcing their eco-friendly stance. The company also endeavors to reduce the usage of chemical pesticides by adopting biological alternatives. Furthermore, they are exploring the potential of biofertilizers to diminish dependence on mineral fertilizers.
Despite their forward-thinking initiatives, Van Vliet Antúrios confronts labor challenges. In the Holambra region, situated near industrialized cities like Campinas, sourcing skilled labor for rural enterprises has become increasingly arduous. The declining youth labor force in Brazil compounds this issue. As couples have fewer children, the specter of negative population growth looms in the years to come. To address this, the company is contemplating investments in technology, including treadmills and robots, to offset the labor shortage. They are also actively exploring strategies to make working with flowers and plants more appealing to the younger generation.
Arien van Viet emphasizes the pivotal role of the partnership with Anthura in their success. The continuous genetic improvement of Anthuriums and orchids, along with adaptability to diverse climatic conditions, stands as a cornerstone of their collaboration. Anthura is also expected to provide insights into technological trends and production cost optimization, especially in light of the labor shortage.
In conclusion, Van Vliet Antúrios stands as a beacon of sustainability and innovation within the Brazilian floral industry. Their dedication to ecological responsibility, coupled with their commitment to technological advancement, positions them as leaders in a sector continually evolving to meet new challenges. As they tackle issues pertaining to labor and succession planning, their journey epitomizes the resilience and adaptability required to thrive in the ever-evolving world of agriculture.