At Dekker Chrysanten in Hensbroek, we work with over 170 professionals. In Face of the Family, we feature one of these professionals every month. Based on various questions, we would like to introduce you to our colleagues and offer insight into the various functions within our family business. This month, we spoke with Ton Griekspoor. 

Careers in the Chrysanthemum Sector

Ton Griekspoor, who lives in the beautiful bulb growing region of Hillegom, has been working at Dekker Chrysanten for almost ten years. He has gained broad experience in chrysanthemum and bulb cultivation. Before joining Dekker, he worked in various positions within the chrysanthemum sector, including as a breeder, account and product manager.

Ton began his career in the chrysanthemum world during his summer work at a nursery in the region. Although the work there was monotonous, he eventually found his way into the chrysanthemum sector. He entered the chrysanthemum sector in the early 1990s.

In 2015, Ton started at Dekker Chrysanten, where they were looking for someone with experience in sales, account management and breeding. Ton fitted this profile perfectly. As manager of international selections, he oversees our variety portfolio worldwide and advises on breeding.

Role as Manager of International Selections

Ton says: ‘My official position is manager international selections. That means I keep an eye on our entire product range worldwide. We operate in South America, Asia and Europe, with the Netherlands still the most important market. Each area has its own market and assortment. Yet there are varieties, like Topspin for instance, that perform well worldwide. We therefore test our varieties worldwide to maximise their potential.’

He travels abroad 10-12 times a year to assess flowering trials. ‘Colombia, for example, produces 80 percent for the United States, a market with specific requirements for bouquets in different colours and shapes. My job is to translate this market information into breeding and develop varieties that meet the needs and requirements of this market.’

Extensive range of tasks

In addition to his position as manager of international selections, Ton is also Assortment Coordinator. ‘This year, my duties have expanded to include responsibilities for the assortment. Twice a year, we critically assess all Dekker varieties. We evaluate whether the varieties are still profitable by looking at the sales numbers in different countries and examining whether a variety is still interesting from a cost perspective. After all, maintaining varieties also involves costs. Varieties have to be:
- Be kept free of diseases, which is tested annually
- To be kept pure, for which selections are made every year worldwide
- Protected through plant breeders' rights and fees in every country where it operates

If costs exceed revenues, a variety is considered suspect and comes up for discussion. This coordination has been in my hands since this year.’

In his role as Assortment Coordinator, Ton is also the person you can go to with any questions or information about the assortment. Not because he will always know the answer himself, but because he knows who does.

Naming of New Varieties

Ton also plays an important role in naming new varieties. He comes up with short, powerful names that have a connection to the colour and the variety, and are internationally useful. ‘One of my prides is Peptalk. This name was introduced in the middle of the COVID period, a time when everyone could use some pep talk. It is short and sweet, exactly how a good name should be.’ Topspin, with its spider-like petals, is another good example of a good variety name.

Favourite variety

At Dekker Chrysanten, we are constantly looking for new and improved varieties. One of Ton's favourites at the moment is Resq. ‘This variety is not only disease-resistant, but also has a beautiful colour family in development. It is a variety where almost everything is right, and that is what we strive for.’

Passionate about work

Following a variety from birth to release is what Ton finds the most enjoyable aspect of his job. ‘Every day is different, and that's what makes my job so interesting. The fact that I enjoy going to work every day says it all.’

Kansen bij Dekker Chrysanten

According to Ton, Dekker Chrysanthemums offers many opportunities. ‘ It is a company where you get plenty of opportunities on further development.’

Are you curious about what Dekker Chrysanten has to offer you?

Then take a look at our vacancies page: Overview of vacancies at Dekker Chrysanten. You can also contact Erika directly by sending your response to apply@dekkerchrysanten.recruitee.com or by calling 0226 - 45 60 60.