Ethiopia’s Ambassador visits plant breeder Beekenkamp

Added on 18 August 2023

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Ethiopia’s Ambassador visits plant breeder Beekenkamp

A delegation of Brussels-based Ethiopian Embassy staff, including Ethiopia’s Ambassador to the Benelux countries and the EU institutions, Ms Hirut Zemene, traveled to Maasdijk, Netherlands this week to meet with Marc Driessen and Peter Zaat, director Beekenkamp Ornamentals and director Deliflor Chrysanten respectively. The pair explained to the dignataries why Beekenkamp’s cuttings farm Maranque Plants PLC in Ethiopia’s Arsi Zone plays such a vital role in their day-to-day business.

Beekenkamp Group is a family-owned plant breeding and propagation business. The company has grown from strength to strength since its foundation in 1951. The conglomerate comprises four specialised divisions: Beekenkamp Vegetables, Beekenkamp Ornamentals, Beekenkamp Packaging and Deliflor Chrysanthemums.

Marc Driessen, aged 53, spent 14 years establishing Beekenkamp’s presence in Ethiopia by setting up a cutting farm, 130km southeast of Addis Ababa. From commencing a training contract at Beekenkamp in November 1995, the company helped Marc develop his career by offering him the opportunity, eight years later, to form a 50:50 joint venture in Ethiopia: Maranque Plants, a contraction of Marc and Anke, Marc’s wife.

Photo caption: Left to right Marc Driessen, Terefe Dida Meriyane, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to the Benelux countries and the EU institutions, Ms Hirut Zemene Kassa, Mohammed A. Hussen, and Peter Zaat.

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