History

Bert Heemskerk Sr. starts as an independent flower trader together with a business partner. The company operates on two fronts: Flying Dutchman and purchasing flowers on commission for third parties. Over the years, the business expands by establishing a Flying Dutchman business to Germany.

We establish our own flower dyeing facilities in France and England, where tinted flowers are in high demand. At the same time, we develop an environmentally friendly dyeing method. Harmful substances are removed through a special filtration system, while released alcohol and dyes are recycled and reused in ink production.

The partnership with the former associate comes to an end, and export activities to the United Kingdom begin. Together with a bodywork company based in Rijnsburg, A. Heemskerk BV develops a small lorry with roller shutters, perfectly suited for transport to England. The low trucks are able to park on the passenger-car deck during ferry crossings.

England proves to be a market with enormous potential. English flower buyers are impressed by the quality of our products and the wide assortment we offer. Our popularity grows rapidly.

As demand for bouquets and mono bunches increases in the UK, a large in-house bouquet department is established, complete with professional designers. A wide range of bouquets in different styles and price ranges is created. Bouquets can be wrapped in foil, bags, linen, or paper, according to the latest trends and colors.

We receive the Anglo-Dutch Award for Enterprise as one of the leading export companies from the Netherlands to the United Kingdom.

160 English customers are invited to experience a spectacular flower event. The entire Holiday Inn hotel in Leiden is reserved exclusively for this occasion.

A new office is established in Hall G3 at the Flora Auction in Rijnsburg. The office spans the entire width of the hall.

A purchase agreement is signed for a 26,500-square-metre plot of land at Flora Park.

The official handover takes place for twelve Mercedes Actros trucks. The large semi-trailers enable the transport of significant volumes abroad.

Thousands of Rijnsburg residents attend the open day of Bert Heemskerk’s flower procurement centre. Following a formal opening ceremony for 600 guests, the open house attracts thousands more visitors. The 10,500 m² facility employs 140 people and supports couriers and commission agents. Mayor Arie van der Lee praises Bert Heemskerk for his leadership and investment in the region. Visitors enjoy cake, champagne, and activities for children.

By harnessing the power of the internet, we offer customers the best of both worlds. Through “live pictures,” customers can view the quality of the products they purchase. The new online system is designed to provide all the advantages of a cash-and-carry service. Customers can purchase flowers 24/7, regardless of where they are. As long as florists have an internet connection, they can buy at any time.

This year, a new conveyor belt system is put into operation. Previously, only one section of the premises had a conveyor belt, requiring a considerable amount of manual work. The new system now runs throughout the entire building.

Heemskerk Flowers uses custom-built Mercedes-Benz Sprinters to deliver flowers quickly and fresh to customers. Reliability and quality are essential, as is the company’s 30-year partnership with Mercedes-Benz.
“Our Sprinters are heavily used, sometimes covering half a million kilometers in just two years. The service and maintenance are excellent, allowing us to focus entirely on our core business.”

Pick by Vision has been developed; order picking through smart data glasses / Google Glass Enterprise Edition that shows the way. It helps our order pickers process orders much more accurately, faster and with fewer errors. We started using Pick by Vision in the plants department this year.

Heemskerk Flowers celebrates its 60th anniversary! The family thanks all customers, partners, and employees for their dedication and commitment. Here’s to another 60 years of Heemskerk Flowers!

Heemskerk Flowers warmly welcomes EZ Flower as a proud subsidiary. Through this partnership, we combine our strengths to offer customers a wider assortment, improved service, and innovative solutions. Together, we continue building a future focused on growth, quality, and inspiration.

The App Flowercrate is introduced as an innovative solution for sustainable flower transport. Thanks to its unique design and durable HDPE plastic construction, this reusable flower crate provides optimal protection, efficient use of space, and a minimum lifespan of 10 years. A green solution that perfectly combines quality and sustainability.

We proudly introduce our new slogan: “With passion we bloom the world!” Alongside this, we launch a refreshed website and expanded branding to better reflect our passion and global impact.

As of October 6, 2025, we have become part of the Dutch Flower Group. This step marks a new chapter in our organization. We remain true to our core values and way of working, while at the same time strengthening our position for the future.