Siegfried Bunnik, together with his brother Björn, leads Bunnik Bromelia. The company, with two locations in the Aalsmeer region, has grown significantly over the past decades. How did they manage to achieve this? "Collaboration and innovation are the keys to success. Satisfaction for everyone involved in the process is highly valued by us."
Bunnik Bromelia has been around for over fifty years, and during that time, you have steadily grown. How did your family business come about?
"Our family has an agricultural background: our grandfather was a farmer. Initially, my father also cultivated vegetables, but in 1974, he started with bromeliads. As people had more to spend, ornamental horticulture grew. However, it was not a given that Björn and I would take over the business. Our father allowed us freedom and encouraged us to explore elsewhere. We gained experience at other growers and on the fringes of the sector. Our father always spoke passionately about his work; his enthusiasm rubbed off on us. We both found our roles in the company. Björn is responsible for cultivation: energy management, breeding, and cultivation. I mainly focus on organization and sales."
Where does your passion for bromeliads come from? What makes this plant special?
"Good question: why bromeliads? Nothing is taken for granted with us. We have genuinely reconsidered the choice of this plant at times. What tipped the scales? What we do, we do well and with pleasure. We are truly skilled in bromeliad cultivation. We have a natural connection to it. This we have further developed. Moreover, it is a product that aligns with our family DNA. Bromeliads have a long cultivation time, requiring long-term vision, patience, and passion. These qualities we possess."
"Also, considering the need for sustainability, bromeliads are a good choice. The plant has a long shelf life and is easy to care for. We believe we can continuously improve its sustainability in production. Additionally, we trust that our product will continue to meet future consumer needs. Bromeliads offer a wide range of varieties and colors."
What is the market for Bunnik Bromelia?
You mentioned that collaboration is a key to success. How do you achieve that?
"First of all: working well together internally. With about 75 people, we form a chain: from breeding, genetic development, young stock production, to final product, assembly, and sales. How do you ensure that the link before and after you is in a better position? When our company was smaller, we had many all-rounders. We have since transitioned to specializations. But the main focus remains: we all work towards the same goal. Every link has an impact. Satisfaction for everyone in the process is highly valued by us. We are a family business with many local employees who have been with us for years. We are committed and focused on strengthening each other."
"In the chain, we also find it important to collaborate well with suppliers and customers. We invest time and energy in that. Since January 2025, we have had a joint sales organization with other growers: Riza Growers. This way, we combine our strengths and share data, knowledge, and technology."
Innovation is a focal point for you. How does that manifest?
"I always tell new colleagues: ask many questions. We also ask ourselves questions every day: What is happening in the market? What can be improved? We are constantly engaged in organizational and product development. When it comes to new technologies, we are at the forefront. We challenge the team to think and take steps forward. New ideas are welcome, and we act on them."
What are the challenges you are currently facing?
"Sustainability of the production process. We are in the midst of the energy transition. Many companies in our sector are faced with the question: do we stop, or do we take steps forward? We have taken the initial steps towards more sustainable production, and in the next two years, more will follow. Ultimately, we aim to completely eliminate the use of fossil fuels."
"Secondly, we are going to further strengthen our position. Ten years ago, we focused on professionalization. In the coming years, we will see a lot of output from our breeding efforts: various new types and colors of bromeliads. We will test them and bring them to market. Additionally, we are working on having our genetics grown in other markets, such as the United States."
You are looking for a company manager, what are your expectations of him or her?
"We are not looking for someone to sit in the backseat," Siegfried chuckles. "Step up front, take the wheel. We are looking for a leader with a focus on people. As a company manager, you will be responsible for one of our two locations. For all processes taking place there: from breeding, genetic development, young stock production, to final product. It is your role to keep an overview and empower people. Some experience in that regard is necessary. You will be ultimately responsible for thirty people, and you will oversee the team leaders. Giving trust is important to us, as well as encouraging and motivating. You will be on the factory floor every day and can involve people in processes. You translate goals effectively into practice. Affinity with the production process of flowers and plants is a plus."
'Satisfaction for everyone involved in the process is highly important to us.'
What does Bunnik Bromelia have to offer? What sets you apart?
"With us, you get the opportunity to fully participate in the company's development. Do you enjoy freedom, dynamism, and entrepreneurship? Then you are in the right place with us. Your input in the company's development is valued. As a manager, you are also part of the management team. And you have the opportunity for advancement, for example, to take on executive tasks in the future. We invest in growth and bring knowledge development in-house to further develop our people."
