At 86 years old, Arends is an expert on the flower auction in Eelde. His father is not only an alderman in Eelde for many years, he also has a vegetable nursery there. In 1951 the family decided to switch to flowers. To market them, the flowers go to Groningen. Flower Auction ‘t Noorden has been there since 1927. The auction was first located in the Eieren- en Goederenhal on the Zuiderdiep, from 1937 on the Paterswoldseweg.
But the popularity of flowers is increasing and the auction in Groningen turns out to be too small. In Eelde, near the airport and the A28, there is room for a new auction hall. It was moved in in 1977. “That move took a lot of effort. Groningen did not want to lose the flower auction,” says Arends. “They preferred that the auction should be combined with the vegetable auction. Ultimately, the minister made the decision. Groningen never withdrew the protest.”
There will be a modern complex in Eelde. Arends: “The auction was immediately large in scope. Later, cold stores were added and buyers and transport companies settled here.” As a plant grower, Arends also brings his plants there.
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