We would like to introduce you to Martin and Carien Duvekot, kiwiberry growers for Hoogstraten since 2013. Martin studied fruit growing in Tiel. In 1987, he started an agricultural and horticultural business together with his father. The focus then was mainly on arable farming, fruit growing formed a small part of the business. Over the years, the fruit cultivation expanded further and the real love for the trade arose. In the early years, they grew plums as well as apples and pears. However, this cultivation disappeared after the company moved. The interest in the kiwiberrywas triggered by reading articles in a few trade magazines. After an appointment with Filip Debersaques (HOGENT), who spoke passionately about kiwiberry cultivation, the spark for this product also went to Martin. He planted a small parcel of kiwiberries and in the meantime this area has already doubled. The combination of apples, pears and kiwiberries is not always easy. On the one hand, because the harvest is in the same period, and on the other because the kiwiberry needs continuous attention during cultivation. The combination of growing fruit, running a farm shop and managing a mini campsite means Martin has very varied days. A working day in which he works 8 or 10 hours in the orchard is out of the question. If he is working on one thing, a question or point of attention from another business unit will pop up. Coöperatie Hoogstraten has done a good job marketing a special product like kiwiberries. By being part of that, he hopes to be able to make his contribution and reap the benefits. In the little spare time that remains, Martin tries to read a good book or watch a film with his wife. He also likes to play board games with his family. Bon appetit!