Key Takeaways:
- Horticoop has distributed €8 million in dividends to its members, marking its first profit-sharing as an investment cooperative.
- The cooperative transitioned from a purchasing model to an investment focus in 2021, investing in innovative horticulture companies and technologies.
- This payout was announced during Horticoop’s annual members event in Ridderkerk, where industry experts discussed energy transition in horticulture.
- Dividends are based on the number of participations each member holds, linking member investments directly to cooperative profits.
- Horticoop’s strategy focuses on sustainability and efficiency, aiming to advance horticulture through shared investments and knowledge.
Horticoop’s First Dividend Distribution Marks New Era for Horticulture Investment Cooperative
Horticoop, the Dutch investment cooperative, has announced a €8 million dividend distribution to its members, a milestone that represents its first profit-sharing since transitioning from a purchasing cooperative to an investment-focused model. The announcement, made at Horticoop’s members event on November 12 in Ridderkerk, highlights the cooperative’s commitment to investing in innovations that benefit the horticulture sector.
Joris Elstgeest, representing Horticoop’s Supervisory Board, commented, “As an investment cooperative, Horticoop supports companies developing essential knowledge, networks, and growth opportunities for horticulture. Our members play a vital role by sharing practical insights and testing new technologies, which help the companies we invest in create more relevant solutions. This not only supports innovation but also allows members to benefit from dividends, as demonstrated by this €8 million payout.”
Transition to Investment Cooperative Brings Returns for Members
The investment cooperative’s shift to an investment cooperative began in 2021, with official member-based participation implemented in 2023. This approach allows Horticoop to invest its capital in sustainable and efficient technologies that enhance horticultural business operations. Members, who now hold participations, benefit from both the innovations introduced and the financial growth of the cooperative.
Dividend allocations are based on the number of participations each member holds, linking their individual investment in Horticoop directly to the cooperative’s financial success.
Annual Members Event Highlights Energy Transition in Horticulture
The dividend announcement was made during Horticoop’s annual members event, held at the state-of-the-art logistics center of Van Gelder Groente & Fruit in Ridderkerk. The gathering, attended by Horticoop members, industry partners, and stakeholders, included presentations from experts at Wageningen University & Research and sector pioneers who shared their perspectives on the energy transition within horticulture.