Our family history
Ambitious about horticulture?
From generation to generation
ACRES was established in December 2024 through a merger of three Westland family businesses: Lanstomaten, Green2Grow, Kwekerij G.J. van der Wel, and the joint cultivation companies of Prominent (Prominent I & II). However, our rich family history begins much earlier. Discover the story behind each of these family businesses.
Lanstomaten
In 1992, Ariën and René joined their father Wim and uncle Jan’s family business. They had started in 1973 on Groeneweg in ‘s-Gravenzande, after being bought out in Loosduinen. In 1995, the company joined Growers’ Association Prominent, and the brothers Ariën and René switched from loose tomatoes to vine tomatoes.
In 1999, Ariën and René took over the company. With various expansions and new construction in 2005, Lanstomaten grew into a modern cultivation company of over six hectares. Still with the same passion for cultivation and quality as the generations before them. Meanwhile, the next generation is emerging, with René’s son studying at HAS and eager to take over.
Green2Grow
Aad and Niek Groenewegen were the third generation of growers in their family. The origin of Green2Grow dates back to 1917, when their grandfather Nicolaas Groenewegen bought a piece of land to start a nursery. Forty years later, Aad and Niek’s father took over the business. At that time, it was a nursery where various types of vegetables and flowers were grown. From the 1980s onwards, Aad and Niek gradually expanded the family business into the modern and innovative tomato nursery it is today.
As there was no succession within the family, Aad and Niek sold one of the locations in 2022. They transferred the eight-hectare cultivation site at Kaapsebos to Growers’ Association Prominent, of which they had been members for over 25 years. Until the end of 2025, the brothers remained involved in guiding the new location management.
Prominent I and II
In 2003 and 2006, Prominent built two joint cultivation sites on Groeneweg in ‘s-Gravenzande, which served as a testing ground for innovations. Here, new varieties, cultivation methods, and sustainable energy solutions were tested. They also grew varieties for specific market segments for which individual Prominent members had no space or specialization. Both locations played an important role in strengthening Prominent’s position as a leading tomato producer in the Netherlands and Europe.
G.J. van der Wel
For generations, the Van der Wel family has been growing vegetables and fruit on various plots along the Maasdijk in ‘s-Gravenzande. In 1996, GertJan van der Wel took over the family business, began specializing in vine tomatoes, and joined Prominent. Through years of experimenting, innovating, and hard work, the company grew into a modern enterprise of 12 hectares spread across two locations. In recent years, his son Mario took over the leadership and continued the tradition of craftsmanship and innovation. In 2024, the company was sold to the members of Prominent.
An interesting fact: Dave, a grandson of the family, is now a grower at the ACRES hill company on the Maasdijk in ‘s-Gravenzande.
Growing with the Power of Generations
For decades, these families have been dedicated to growing top-quality Westland vegetables. The merger was a natural next step, enabling us to continue expanding and remain at the forefront of the sector.
This new chapter is taking shape under the leadership of our board members — Cornelis de Rijke, Juri van Es, René and Ariën van der Lans — who are building on the strong foundations laid over the years.
Our strength? A unique blend of craftsmanship, a passion for high-tech cultivation, and a constant drive to improve. We are committed to passing this knowledge and dedication on to the next generation.