Hortipower
Hortipower was founded in 2006 by John Vermeiren, Dirk Van den Plas, and Tom Lefevre, who shared a passion for innovation and sustainable horticulture. John and Dirk, both from horticultural families, decided together with their wives, Karine and Lia, to make the move into tomato cultivation. As early as 1998, John and Dirk had worked together to establish Intergrow, a horticultural operation in the U.S. This marked the start of their joint venture, which ultimately led to the founding of Hortipower.
The Story Behind Our Greenhouses
Discover how a passion for flavor, family tradition, and cutting-edge technology come together at our growing facility.
Pioneering in Taste and Quality
Our cultivation facility has a rich history built on decades of experience in greenhouse horticulture. By investing early in hydroponics and organic crop protection, our plants are grown under optimal conditions.
With the premium Elite vine tomato and flavorful varieties such as Coeur de Boeuf, we strive to create an intense flavor experience with a perfect balance between sweet and sour.
John Vermeiren and Dirk Van den Plas
“Tomato cultivation is a craft in which nature and cutting-edge technology complement each other. Every cluster deserves our full attention.”
Company Information & Contact
Central sorting, quality control, and custom packaging are handled by Tomeco Services in Hoogstraten.
Pioneering Sustainable Greenhouse Horticulture
At Tomeco, all of our growing sites contribute to fossil-free and circular cultivation, with the utmost care for natural resources.
100% Closed-Loop Water System & CHP
In 2018, Hortipower made a major investment in hybrid LED lighting combined with traditional assimilation lamps, resulting in a 40% energy savings. Together with a closed-loop water recirculation system and advanced climate control computers, this ensures a sustainable harvest year-round.
Not a drop wasted
100% recirculation of drain water and rainwater collection prevent any form of discharge or water waste.
Smart Energy & CO₂
Hybrid LED lighting and CHP systems provide energy savings of up to 40% and enable plants to directly absorb CO₂.
Biological Protection
Natural predators and hardworking bumblebee colonies ensure a healthy, biologically balanced habitat in the greenhouse.
“It’s an art to grow tomatoes that are as sweet and delicious as candy, with the help of cutting-edge technology.”
From our greenhouses to store shelves via Tomeco Services
Our growing facilities are 100% focused on plant health, craftsmanship, and flavor. We rely on Tomeco Services for centralized quality control, extensive automation, customized packaging, and direct marketing through Coöperatie Hoogstraten .
Our other modern growing facilities
Each with its own family specialty, united under a single quality label.
Hortipower
10 ha • John Vermeiren & Dirk Van den Plas • 100% Hybrid LED Lighting
Vitapower
8 ha • Adjacent greenhouse complex • Synergy in energy and pure flavor
VW Tuinderijen
8 ha • The Vermeiren Family • The cradle of innovative tomato cultivation
VW Maxburg
10 ha • Mitch & John Vermeiren • Fully lit year-round cultivation
Meer Fresh Products
13 ha • The Vermeiren Family & Dries Aertsen • Floating solar panels
Tomeco Services
Central packaging, quality control, and distribution to retailers
