An initiative of

Matthijs Crouwers

The Cranberry Company

I’m Matthijs Crouwers, owner of The Cranberry Company in the Krimpenerwaard, the Netherlands. On 18 hectares of peat soil, We grow organic cranberries with care and respect for the land. By keeping the soil naturally wet, we help prevent peat oxidation, protect biodiversity, and reduce CO₂ emissions — showing that sustainable farming and climate innovation can go hand in hand. Our cranberries are dry-harvested, which makes them firm, flavorful, and long-lasting. Each berry reflects our belief that farming with nature creates better food and a healthier planet for the future.

From Dairy to Organic Cranberries

In the Krimpenerwaard, a low-lying peatland region near Rotterdam, the story of The Cranberry Company began in 2015. Where cows once grazed, organic cranberries now grow — firm, fresh, and full of flavor.

The shift from dairy farming to cranberry cultivation was a conscious choice. By preserving the naturally wet peat soil, we help prevent peat oxidation, reduce CO₂ emissions, and combat soil subsidence. It’s proof that farming can actively contribute to climate restoration and biodiversity.

Our cranberries are dry-harvested — an innovative method that ensures better quality, longer shelf life, and lower water use. A modern sorting machine guarantees consistent top quality.

Today, we cultivate 18 hectares of healthy, organic cranberries that find their way to shops in the Netherlands, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

For us, organic farming is more than just a production method — it’s a way of working with nature, not against it. Step by step, we’re building a future-proof agriculture where soil, water, and people remain in harmony.

Interview with Matthijs Crouwers

What makes The Cranberry Company unique?

Unlike most farms in the peatland region, The Cranberry Company was created to heal the land, not to exhaust it. By replacing dairy farming with organic cranberry cultivation, we’ve proven that agriculture can work with nature instead of against it. Our cranberries grow on naturally wet peat soil, helping to prevent CO₂ emissions and soil subsidence while fostering wildlife and biodiversity.

We use dry harvesting — a method that saves water and ensures firm, flavorful berries with a long shelf life. Every step of our process is designed to farm in balance with nature. What truly sets us apart is our vision: showing that climate-friendly farming can yield exceptional fruit while restoring landscapes for future generations.

What does fresh export mean for the company?
For The Cranberry Company, exporting fresh organic cranberries is a milestone. It shows that locally grown, climate-friendly fruit from Dutch peatlands can compete internationally. Working with Eosta has opened the door to markets in Germany, the UK, and beyond, allowing us to share our story of sustainable peatland farming with a wider audience. Fresh export not only adds value to our farm, but also helps demonstrate that nature-positive agriculture from the Netherlands can make a global impact.

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Geolocation is 51.9995251, 4.7769099

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