Cresco's colourful history

Maarten Prins grew chicory, bean sprouts and wheatgrass among other things. He was also at the time chairman of the former farmers and gardeners union. During this period, whilst on a study trip to Denmark, he came across cresses. In those days cresses were still a relatively undiscovered phenomenon in the Netherlands. Maarten immediately saw the wide potential of these micro vegetables and along with his brother Willem decided to start cultivating the crop. This moment marks the launch of Cresco in 1958. From that start, Cresco has remained a genuine family run enterprise. The fourth generation of the Prins family has now entered the business, which is currently led by Martin and Rita Prins.  

Cresco 

Cresco is derived from the Latin word 'cresco' meaning 'fast growing'. A particularly fitting name on two fronts. First because some types of cresses need only one week from germination to end product ready for harvesting. And secondly, as the name has also reflected the considerable rapid growth experienced by the Cresco company. Cresco is now well recognised as the leading producer of quality cresses. 

'From seed to strength'

'From seed to strength' is the maxim with a prominent place on 'Grandpa Prins's' medallion. For almost half a century, the medallion has had a special place in the Prins family and within Cresco. It has an wonderful history and represents the crowning of Cresco's work. As chairman of the former farmers and gardeners union, Cresco's founder Maarten Prins put his every effort into promoting the fruit and vegetables produced in the Westland region. During the 1968 Floriade, the world horticultural exhibition, Maarten was presented with a medallion in recognition of his wining first prize for his outstanding presentation of horticultural products from the Westland soil. The family still cherish Maarten’s medallion, as the message, 'From seed to strength' is still as appropriate today as it ever was; both for the company and the products we cultivate.