Customer Wentink Groenten B.V.
Location Luttelgeest, The Netherlands
Author Tom de Boer
Date 19-03-2026
Wentink Groenten B.V. is a specialized carrot processing and packaging company with over forty years of history. The family business, founded in 1987 by brothers Jos and Wim Wentink, made a strategic decision in 2003 that proved crucial to its current position: to stop growing their own crops and fully focus on sourcing, processing, and trading.
From Grower to Processor
The combination of high risks, price fluctuations, and limited scale made this model vulnerable. By switching to sourcing from dedicated growers, Wentink created room for growth and specialization. The impact was immediate: in the first year, processed volumes increased from approximately 5,000–6,000 tons to over 14,000 tons. Today, Wentink processes around 20,000 tons of carrots annually. “Our added value is not in growing, but in sorting, cooling, and packaging. That is exactly where Wentink’s strength lies.”
Focus on quality and the premium segment
Wentink deliberately positions itself in the higher-quality segment. Carrots are selected for uniformity and visual appeal. “The eye is the buyer,” says Jos Wentink. “By applying strict selection at the start, we reduce waste, minimize manual handling, and achieve a more consistent final quality. The carrots are supplied to exporters across Europe and Africa. Consumer-ready 1 kg packs go directly to retail, while 5–10 kg packs are sent to companies that repackage or process them further.”
Three Manter weighing and packaging lines
To ensure consistent and scalable quality, Wentink operates three complete weighing and packaging lines from Manter. Together, these lines form the beating heart of the operation, providing flexibility in capacity and packaging types. By using multiple lines, the company can quickly switch between different product flows and markets, preventing lost sales. The lines run steadily with a constant output. “We prefer slightly slower, trouble-free operation over high speed with frequent stoppages,” emphasizes Jos Wentink.
Practical experience makes the difference
“Although the base of the line is solid, the real advantage lies in the details. In close collaboration with Manter, small, well-thought-out adjustments are made to further improve reliability and efficiency. Additional strips, plates, and guides prevent bridging and ensure that bags remain precisely positioned, especially when approaching the checkweighers. This is crucial for heavier packages, where speed, stability, and clear separation of bags determine accurate rejection. Even in the Kwik Lok sealing unit, seemingly minor details can make a significant difference in reducing waste.” “By continuously analyzing, testing, and refining these details together with Manter, the weighing and packaging lines continue to run smoothly, with minimal waste and maximum process reliability.”
Smart automation, humanly managed
“At Wentink, automation is not an end in itself, but a means to ensure continuity. Optical sorters automatically remove defects, carrots are sorted by diameter, and batches are managed by length and fineness. Before packaging, the carrots are hydro-cooled to slow respiration and prevent spoilage. The total capacity is around 120–130 tons per day.”
At the same time, the organization remains deliberately compact, with only eight people, five family members and three employees who have been with the company for twenty to thirty years. “There is no hierarchy: everyone knows the entire process. This fosters engagement, short lines of communication, and quick problemsolving.”
Maintenance, sustainability, and oversight
Forward thinking extends beyond the production lines as well.“Carrots are stored at 0.5 °C with high humidity. Wash water is fully recirculated through a settling system, and soil is separated and disposed of responsibly. This not only results in a better product but also reduces maintenance.”
“In addition, a well-organized Manter spare parts cabinet provides clarity and prevents unexpected downtime. Maintenance is largely carried out in-house, supported by clear service information.”
Company with vision
“Wentink continues to invest in flexible packaging capacity, a modern appearance, and technically well-thought-out innovations. Existing machines remain in use as long as they operate reliably. Why invest eighty or ninety thousand euros if a machine still works perfectly?” says Jos Wentink, as we stop at the end of the packaging line by an older model AutoMesh Baler from Manter. It is a clear example of how Manter lives up to its slogan: Engineered for you. Built to last.
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