Portugal

Koppe Begonia opens new greenhouse

In 2025, Koppe Portugal commissioned a new greenhouse. This expansion enables further growth in begonia cutting production and the relocation of part of the production activities from the Netherlands to Portugal.

von Koppe Begonia erschienen am 05.09.2025

Lisanne Koppe (right from the table) and team leader Sandra Kus (left) brought in the first bench of mother plants, marking the official opening, which was celebrated together with all employees. © Koppe Begonia

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Since 2012, Koppe Begonia has been producing high-quality cuttings for pot plant growers worldwide from its location in Odeceixe (Algarve, Portugal). The site benefits from excellent climatic conditions: abundant light, moderate temperatures, and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. This ensures a stable and optimal growing environment.

In addition to the favorable climate, Portugal offers further advantages, including lower labor costs, availability of motivated employees, reliable transport by truck to the Netherlands and by air (via Frankfurt) to North America, and relatively low insect pressure.

The new greenhouse was constructed by BosmanVanZaal and features a 12.8-meter wide Venlo structure equipped with a mobile benching system. © Koppe Begonia

The screening installation, supplied by Peter Dekker Installations, combines an external roll screen with an internal screen, allowing flexible management of solar radiation. Insect netting in the vents prevents pests from entering. For climate control, Koppe has chosen the Hoogendoorn IIVO computer, ensuring that all Koppe locations operate with the same system, facilitating easy knowledge and data exchange between growers.

A key sustainability feature is the use of 100% LED lighting, supplied by DLI, which reduces electricity consumption by up to 50%. This is the first time mother plants are being grown entirely under LED. Based on earlier trials, there is strong confidence that this cultivation method will be successful.

Cultivation of the mother plants in the new greenhouse is managed by grower Avner Musli, who follows a preventive program based as much as possible on biological crop protection. In addition, Koppe Portugal is MPS-GAP certified, which guarantees careful registration of inputs and water use, compliance with hygiene and safety procedures, and transparent and traceable production processes.

On August 26, 2025, the new greenhouse was officially put into operation. Lisanne Koppe and team leader Sandra Kus brought in the first bench of mother plants, marking the official opening, which was celebrated together with all employees. With this expansion, Koppe Begonia strengthens its position as a reliable global supplier of begonia cuttings and takes an important step toward further growth and sustainability in production.