History

The history of Anthura goes back to 1974, the year in which Nic van der Knaap founded Anthuriumselecties B.V.. In 1995, the company Gunter Arndt Jungpflanzen in Germany was purchased and the assortment was therefore extended with Anthurium en Phalaenopsis pot plants. From that point on it is known as Anthura B.V.. Since 2004 a new management team has been appointed. Anthura B.V. covers an area of 24 hectares. In forty years Anthura has managed to develop from a small family enterprise into a worldwide player in the field of Anthurium and Phalaenopsis, operating in more than 90 countries.

1959
Nic van der Knaap started as an employee at his father’s business in Wateringen. It is a 1 ha. business, including 1,800 m² of greenhouses and 700 single flat-glass units. A great diversity of products is grown here, including tomatoes, lettuce, endive, melons and chrysanthemums.

1963
Nic van der Knaap begins a partnership with his father. Together they grow tomatoes and lettuce in 4,500 m² greenhouse on the Anjerweg in Bleiswijk.

1972
The business (by now 9,200 m²) is taken over entirely by Nic van der Knaap. That year he begins the transition to Anthurium.

1978
Start of the business at Anthuriumweg, 7,800 m².

1985
Starts gaining recognition as a breeder. A 2,500 m² greenhouse is built, with ‘tide’ tables for growing young plants. There are already a few own breeds, including Tropical®. Professional standards are increased and the sale of plants begins (mostly cut flower) under the name of Nic van der Knaap Anthuriumselecties.

1990
The building of a 23,700 m² greenhouse is started at the Groendalseweg. This has become necessary due to the increasing demand for pot and cut flowers in The Netherlands and the increase in plant material exports.

1995
The name Nic van der Knaap Anthuriumselecties B.V. changes to Anthura B.V. The expansion of the business includes Anthura Flower (testing and display greenhouse of 9,500 m²). Gunter Arndt Jungpflanzen’s company in Germany is purchased, adding a good series of Anthurium pot plants and the Phalaenopsis Orchid to the package.

1999
Building of a 15,000 m² greenhouse at the Gerberaweg, with 45 USA Q37 specifications for Plug production.

2000
Expansion of Anthura Production by 27,000 m² and start of automatic sorting of 7 cm pots and plugs by means of a camera. Anthura Plant is provided with rolling containers and is further automated. The sale of young Bromelia plants of Corn Bak in Assendelft also begins that year.

2002
Building of new breeding and laboratory complex. Noteworthy is the recycling of cooling heat from the laboratory in the breeding floors of the greenhouse.

2004
Purchase of 12 hectares of adjoining land for the realisation of a sustainable growth greenhouse complex. The aim of the project is to centralise young Anthurium plant material in the Netherlands. A project aimed at maximum climate control.

2007
Start of the new building project for a large central production department for young plant material. A project that aims for optimal climate control, maximum automation and low energy consumption per plant.

2009
In September Anthura officially opened the new greenhouse at the Cyclamenweg in Bleiswijk. Five different production locations in Bleiswijk are herewith centralized on one location. The production of Anthurium young plant material will from now on be under one roof.