What Handel Groeit does

Handel Groeit (Stichting Handel Groeit) is a Dutch sectoral foundation (stichting) established in 1997 and headquartered in Zoetermeer, Netherlands. It functions as the Opleidings- en Ontwikkelfonds (Training and Development Fund) for the wholesale trade in vegetables and fruit (AGF) sector, governed jointly by the employer federation GroentenFruit Huis and the trade unions CNV, FNV, and RMU. The foundation represents approximately 20,000 employees covered under the sector CAO and operates with a small core team of 5 staff.

The foundation's core offering is a portfolio of training, certification, and workforce-development products. These include the Erkende Brancheopleiding Keurmeester AGF (a formally recognized inspector certification), the Logistieke Leerlijn (a 10-module e-learning program delivered on the aNewSpring platform), and a suite of sector-specific instruments such as the RI&E AGF Branche, Arbocatalogus, Vitaliteitsscan, Quickscan Leercultuur AGF, QuickScan Fysieke Belasting, Functiehuis, and a Vertrouwenspersoon scheme. Recent additions include Financieel Fit (financial wellness, offered in partnership with Sammen) and a Pilot Subsidie Coaching.

The business model is a statutory, premium-funded pass-through. All employers under the applicable CAO contribute a compulsory 0.2% levy on loonsom (payroll), which is the foundation's primary revenue source. These funds are redistributed as training subsidies, coaching subsidies, and program operating costs. The premium is declared under the AVV (Algemeen Verbindend Verklaring) mechanism, extending coverage to all employers in the sector through 2027. Delivery is subsidized rather than priced per user, making the foundation a sector coordinator rather than a commercial training vendor.

Name

Handel Groeit

Legal name

Stichting Handel Groeit

Website

https://handelgroeit.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Handel Groeit is the Dutch sectoral training and development fund (stichting) for the wholesale trade in vegetables and fruit, funded by a compulsory 0.2% payroll levy and serving roughly 20,000 employees across AGF wholesale employers under the relevant CAO.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sectoral Training & Development Fund

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Agricultural Services (700)

akta.pro primary industry

Training & Competency Programs (HACCP, PCQI, GMP) (AFALADAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Agriculture & Food Production (EDABALAA), Food Safety & Workplace Sanitation (HACCP, Hygiene) (EDABAEAN), Supplier Approval, Verification & Food Safety Risk Management (GFSI-aligned) (AFALADAH)

Keywords

• Sector training fund
• Vocational training subsidies
• Occupational health services
• Workforce development fund
• Sustainable employability

Headquarters

HQ city

Zoetermeer

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Annual premium contributions from member companies: Companies that fall under the werkingssfeer of the CAO Groothandel Groenten en Fruit are obligated to participate and pay annual premiums. The premium is calculated as a percentage of the total wage sum (loonsom) from the previous year. For 2025 the premium percentage is 0.2% of the 2024 loonsom. Maximum premium wage for 2024 is €71,628. The fund uses these premiums to finance subsidies for training, tools, and sector development activities.
2. Training and education subsidy fund: The fund disburses subsidies to member companies for approved training courses, coaching, and education. A maximum subsidy ceiling of €1,000 per employee per year applies for training subsidies. The annual fund budget for 2026 is €350,000 for training subsidies, plus €30,000 for the coaching pilot. A separate DI (Duurzame Inzetbaarheid) budget of €500 per employee per year is also available.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Handel Groeit is the Opleidings- en Ontwikkelfonds (Training and Development Fund) for the Dutch wholesale trade in vegetables and fruit. The foundation administers training subsidies (30% to 60% of training costs depending on category), sector-specific e-learning programs such as the Logistieke Leerlijn hosted on aNewSpring, and Erkende Brancheopleiding certifications including the Brancheopleiding Keurmeester AGF delivered via accredited providers. It also delivers online tools and assessments — RI&E AGF, Vitaliteitsscan, Arbocatalogus, Quickscan Leercultuur, QuickScan Fysieke Belasting, and Functiehuis — to support occupational health, sustainable employability, and HR functions for AGF wholesale employers and their approximately 20,000 sector employees.

Product overview

Handel Groeit is the sectoral Training and Development Fund for the Dutch wholesale trade in vegetables and fruit. The organization offers a portfolio of training programs, digital tools, and subsidy services organized around sustainable employability. The core educational products include the Brancheopleiding Keurmeester AGF (an industry-recognized inspector certification program offered with Normec Foodcare and Kiwa Nederland) and the Logistieke Leerlijn (a 10-module e-learning platform delivered via aNewSpring for logistics operations). Supporting tools include the Vitaliteitsscan and RI&E (both developed with Stigas), the Arbocatalogus, Vertrouwenspersoon service, Quickscan Leercultuur AGF, QuickScan Fysieke Belasting, and Functiehuis. Thematic projects address low literacy, alcohol/drugs policy, learning culture, and financial wellness. The organization also administers training subsidies ranging from 30-60% depending on course category. The portfolio functions as a unified sector support ecosystem rather than a modular software platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Brancheopleiding Keurmeester AGF Recognized sector certification program (Erkende Brancheopleiding) for AGF quality inspectors (keurmeesters), qualifying candidates to inspect and grade fresh produce for the wholesale trade. Targeted at employees of AGF wholesale companies.
• Logistieke Leerlijn (Logistics Learning Track) Sector-specific e-learning learning track (leerlijn) for AGF wholesale logistics employees, hosted on the aNewSpring LMS. Designed for entry-level and incumbent logistics staff in wholesale fruit and vegetable companies.
• Opleidingssubsidie (Training Subsidy) Financial subsidy covering a percentage of training costs for AGF wholesale employers and employees. Subsidy percentages are tiered by training category — 30% for skills training, 40% for soft-skill training, and 60% for obligatory e-learning and required courses. Available to all employers and employees in the Groothandel Groenten en Fruit sector.
• RI&E AGF Branche Online sector-specific Risk Inventory & Evaluation (Risico-Inventarisatie & Evaluatie) tool hosted by Stigas, enabling AGF wholesale employers to identify and document workplace risks in compliance with Dutch occupational health law.
• Vitaliteitsscan Online vitality assessment tool hosted by Stigas for AGF wholesale employees and employers to measure vitality and support sustainable employability (duurzame inzetbaarheid) initiatives.
• Arbocatalogus AGF Sector-specific occupational health and safety catalogue (Arbocatalogus) for the AGF wholesale sector, documenting safe working methods, recognised solutions, and best practices that employers can adopt to comply with Dutch arbo legislation.
• Vertrouwenspersoon (External Confidential Counsellor) External confidential counsellor service for AGF wholesale employers and employees, provided through Stigas. Free for participating employers and employees; €40 per hour with a 5-hour minimum for non-participating companies.
• Quickscan Leercultuur AGF Online learning-culture (leercultuur) assessment scan for AGF wholesale employers, evaluating the organization's climate for employee development and learning.
• QuickScan Fysieke Belasting Online scan tool for AGF wholesale employers to assess physical workload (fysieke belasting) of employees, supporting prevention of musculoskeletal complaints in logistics and warehouse operations.
• Functiehuis AGF Sector job-classification house (functiehuis) for the AGF wholesale sector, providing standardized job descriptions, role profiles, and wage-grade reference points used by employers for HR and remuneration purposes.
• Pilot Subsidie Coaching Pilot subsidy scheme providing funding of up to €200 per employee for personal coaching services supporting sustainable employability of AGF wholesale sector workers.
• Financieel Fit (Financially Fit) Financial-wellness program for AGF wholesale sector employees to strengthen financial resilience and reduce money-related stress in the workplace.

Quantifiable outcome

• 60% subsidy on Brancheopleiding Keurmeester AGF modules for participants
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• SammenminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 May 2026Sammen provides financial coaching services for the Financieel Fit program, an initiative of Handel Groeit. Sammen delivers 'financieel inzicht' trajectories (two home visits + budget plan) and ongoing budget support. Costs are partially subsidized through the DI-budget. The program addresses financial stress among sector employees.
• Dutch Fresh PortminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 March 2026Dutch Fresh Port hosts HR community meetings for the GF sector, bringing together HR professionals from companies like Lentiz, The Greenery, Rungis, Bakker, and GroentenFruit Huis together with Handel Groeit to discuss shared challenges in learning, development, and sustainable employability.
• GroentenFruit HuiscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGroentenFruit Huis is the sector employer organization that, together with the trade unions FNV, CNV, and RMU, founded Handel Groeit. GroentenFruit Huis negotiates the collective agreement (CAO) on behalf of employers and participates in the fund's governance through board representation (Cinthia Olivier and Nikki Hulzebos). The CAO is universally binding (AVV), making participation in Handel Groeit compulsory for all sector companies.
• FNV HandelcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFNV Handel is one of the trade union social partners that co-governs Handel Groeit. FNV representatives on the board include Margje van der Woude (werknemersvoorzitter/employee chair) and Corina Hensen. FNV participates in setting subsidy policy, developing tools, and negotiating the CAO.
• CNVcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCNV is a trade union social partner co-governing Handel Groeit. Board representative is Mirjam van Leusen. CNV also provides free training for Leerambassadeurs (learning ambassadors) to sector employees, helping colleagues with career development and finding suitable training.
• RMU WerknemerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRMU Werknemers is a trade union social partner represented on the Handel Groeit board by Melanie Blonk. RMU participates in governance, policy development, and the CAO negotiations for the sector.
• StigascoreTechnology or IntegrationStigas is a certified arbodienst that hosts the online RI&E tool for Handel Groeit, administers the Vitaliteitsscan, and provides vertrouwenspersoon services. Handel Groeit has a framework agreement with Stigas. The RI&E is free for Handel Groeit participants. Stigas also conducts RI&E assessments at €145/hour for participants.
• Normec Foodcare (formerly Normec Maas Foodcare)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerNormec Foodcare is one of two accredited training providers for the Brancheopleiding Keurmeester AGF. They deliver both general (A) and product (P) modules of the inspector certification program, administer exams, and issue certificates. Handel Groeit provides 60% subsidy on Normec courses for participants.
• Kiwa NederlandcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerKiwa Nederland is an accredited training provider for the Brancheopleiding Keurmeester AGF, delivering both general and product modules of the inspector certification. Kiwa also organizes the annual KIWA Groente en Fruit Kennisdag and hosts exams. Handel Groeit provides 60% subsidy on Kiwa modules for participants.
• Trimbos InstituutcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHandel Groeit collaborates with the Trimbos Instituut on the ADM-beleid (Alcohol, Drugs, Medicijnen) project. Trimbos conducted research in the sector, formed klankbordgroepen, and developed toolkits (for companies, managers, and employees), training programs, animations, and a webinar on ADM policy. The collaboration aims to prevent alcohol, drug, and medicine-related problems in the workplace.
• AWVNminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAWVN collaborated with Handel Groeit to develop the DI Denktank format. AWVN is the largest independent advisor on labor relations in the Netherlands and supports the Denktank structure and facilitation.
• Stichting Lezen en SchrijvenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHandel Groeit collaborates with Stichting Lezen en Schrijven on the laaggeletterdheid project. This includes use of screening instruments (basismeters: Taalzelftest, Taalmeter, Rekenmeter, Digimeter), the Escape Koffer for awareness, and workshops on motivational interviewing to address low literacy on the work floor.
• Human Talent GroupminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHuman Talent Group collaborated with Handel Groeit to develop workshops and training programs aimed at establishing a positive, stimulating learning culture (leercultuur) within sector organizations.
• Wageningen University & Research (WUR)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWUR collaborated on the Keurmeester van de Toekomst / Wijs in Vers project, providing scientific knowledge that was combined with practical sector knowledge to create the www.freshknowledge.eu knowledge platform. Josianne Cloutier from WUR served as project leader for Wijs in Vers.
• Katapult (kennisbank voor leercultuur)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKatapult organizes the Roadshow Leercultuur in the region, where companies share how they successfully implemented a learning culture. Handel Groeit directs participants to these events for inspiration on building leercultuur.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• OOM (Opleidings- en Ontwikkelingsfonds Motorvoertuigenbedrijf en Tweewielerbranche): Dutch O&O fund for the automotive and bicycle sector, established via CAO and operating with similar subsidy and training tool models. Comparable in mandate structure, multi-stakeholder governance, and HR/L&D service portfolio.
• Opleidings- en Ontwikkelingsfonds Schilders (OOI/SF Schilders): Sectoral training fund for the Dutch painting and decorating sector, financed through CAO premiums and offering subsidized training and tool development. Directly comparable in legal structure, funding mechanism, and service orientation.
• OOC (Opleidings- en Ontwikkelingsfonds Carrosseriebranche): Sectoral O&O fund for the Dutch vehicle body/repair sector with CAO-based funding and training subsidy programs. Directly comparable operating model and target audience (sector employers and employees).
• A&O fonds Gemeenten: O&O fund for Dutch municipalities offering training subsidies, learning culture tools, and HR advisory services to a sectoral employer base. Operates the same kind of CAO-anchored, compulsory-participation model with comparable tools (learning scans, vitality scans, e-learning).
• Horeca Opleidings- en Ontwikkelingsfonds (Horeca O&O): Sectoral O&O fund for the Dutch hospitality sector with CAO-based compulsory participation, training subsidies, and a tool portfolio similar in scope. Direct structural peer to Handel Groeit.
• A+O fonds (Algemeen Opleidings- en Ontwikkelingsfonds): Dutch sectoral training and development fund operating under the same O&O-fonds model with CAO-based compulsory participation. Structurally and operationally analogous to Handel Groeit, making it the closest functional peer in terms of governance, financing, and service mix.
• Stichting Sociaal Fonds Waterbouw: Dutch sectoral social fund for the hydraulic engineering sector financed through CAO premiums. Operates the same social-partner governance and CAO-anchored funding model as Handel Groeit, making it a structurally comparable peer.

Emerging players

• SVO (Stichting Vakopleiding Food): Dutch vocational training provider focused on the broader food sector. Overlaps with Handel Groeit in food-sector training delivery (including for AGF-adjacent categories) but is not CAO-funded and serves multiple food verticals.

Broad incumbents

• FNLI (Federatie Nederlandse Levensmiddelen Industrie): Dutch federation representing the broader food manufacturing industry. Adjacent to Handel Groeit's sector (food value chain) and engages in workforce/sustainability initiatives, but operates as a broad trade association rather than a CAO-anchored training fund.
• CBL (Centraal Bureau Levensmiddelenhandel): Dutch trade association for food retail and wholesale employers. Adjacent to the AGF wholesale sector and co-shapes employer policy on HR/training in the broader Dutch food trade, but not a CAO-funded training fund.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCjFpbLUZikx0OQvj8Uvofrw
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/handel-groeit

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Handel Groeit