Over ten years ago, we were one of the first growers to specialise in new varieties of peppers: sweet pointed peppers and snack peppers. Since then, Ammerlaan Growers has evolved from a pioneer into a specialist. A specialist that grows the tastiest pepper varieties across three sites, covering an area of almost 10 hectares.
In the late 1990s, John Ammerlaan began growing peppers as a brand-new market gardener. Initially, he grew the standard block pepper, and later moved on to two more exclusive varieties: the sweet-tip pepper and the snack pepper. When his two sons joined the business, this marked the official launch of Ammerlaan Growers. In the years that followed, the family business experienced significant growth. The speciality peppers are now grown at several sites across the Westland region.
What is it that makes sweet-tip peppers and snack peppers so popular? It’s the flavour. Unlike standard peppers, these varieties combine a high Brix content with a firm, crisp bite. Every year, Ammerlaan Growers selects the best varieties. Working closely with breeders, we invest time and energy in their further development. New varieties are still coming onto the market with a sweeter flavour, higher yields or better disease resistance.
Red snack pepper
The very first bite tells the whole story. Red snack peppers are sweet – really sweet – and crunchy. You can taste the sunshine they’ve grown in. Perfect as a healthy snack between meals, or cut into thin strips and added to a salad. There are also seedless varieties available these days.
Orange snack peppers
In taste tests, the orange snack pepper consistently scores the highest. This is down to its unrivalled sweetness, combined with that distinctive ‘crunch’ when you bite into it. Crisp, juicy and addictively tasty. You’ll find yourself reaching for another one before you know it.
Yellow Snack Peppers
Just like its red and orange relatives, the yellow snack pepper has a high Brix value – the official measure of sweetness. That bright yellow colour does the rest: fresh, summery, inviting. You spot it and just want to give it a go.
Red sweet pepper
With its irregular, elongated shape, featuring dents and indentations, the red pointed pepper is instantly recognisable on the shelf. And this red variety scores highly in terms of flavour too. Pleasantly sweet, crisp and fresh, and incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Grill it, roast it or stuff it.
Yellow sweet pepper
The yellow pointed pepper stands out for its gentle, mild sweetness. Less pronounced than red, more subtle than orange. And that is precisely what makes it so versatile. Its fresh yellow colour adds a sunny touch to any dish. Whether pan-fried, grilled or eaten raw in thin strips, it remains juicy, slightly sweet and pleasantly crunchy.
Tatayoyo Snack Peppers
If a snack pepper is given a brand name, it has to be something special. Take the Tatayoyo snack pepper, for example. Its flavour and aroma were distinctive enough to win the Fruit Logistica Innovation Award in 2023. Ammerlaan Growers grows it, exclusively for the Netherlands.
Growing a healthy product calls for a cultivation method that has a minimal impact on the environment. That is why Ammerlaan Growers primarily uses environmentally friendly methods to control diseases and pests. We also opt for energy-saving techniques wherever possible. These include techniques such as heat pumps, combined heat and power units, solar panels and batteries to store solar energy, as well as electric boilers and energy-saving screens. In 2028, the site on Burgerweg in Maasland will be connected to geothermal energy. As responsible business owners, we also believe it is only right to look after our staff properly.
With an area of this size, it stands to reason that it takes a lot of people to run the business. During the peak season, the Ammerlaan companies employ around 75 staff. A small proportion are permanent staff, whilst the majority are supplied by agricultural recruitment agencies. These staff find that working for a family business like ours is a great experience. Interested in becoming part of ‘a growing team’? You’re welcome to join us. Check out our current vacancies here.
The sooner vegetables reach the shelves, the more flavourful they are. This is certainly true of speciality vegetables such as sweet-tip peppers or snack peppers. Ammerlaan Growers has its own facilities for rapid sorting and efficient packaging. These are tailored to each customer, enabling us to meet the requirements of every supermarket. Thanks to a largely automated process, the peppers quickly find their way to the customer. Fresh, and therefore full of flavour.
Will you grow with us?