The company started in the 1950's as a mushroom farm in Batenburg, where most of the mushrooms were marketed via market and the rest were sold direct to customers like supermarkets.

Banken Champignons Group currently has a staff of 430, employed in five different branches, which include three locations outside the Netherlands. This gives the family-business a place among the top-3 exporters of fresh mushrooms.

Over the past few years the list of countries to which they export directly has expanded. These destinations include: Belgium, France, Poland, Russia and South European and Scandinavian countries. There is even export to distant parts of the globe such as the Dutch Antilles, Aruba and the Middle East.

Teaming up with M&C Energy Group

Since August 2007 Banken Champignons has begun operating with M&C Energy Group in The Netherlands, Belgium and Poland. M&C Energy Group has assisted by reviewing all costs concerning electricity, gas and water incurred by Banken Champignons. The energy contracts for the 2 Belgian sites were also due for renewal. M&C Energy Group proved value through optimising contract timing, supplier selection and pricing formula. As a result, estimated annual savings of €66.000 for gas and €11.500 for electricity have been achieved.

Both Banken Champignons and M&C Energy Group look forward to a partnership, which ensures the best possible deal on reducing energy costs.

Managing Director of Banken Champignons, Mr Banken said, "We are delighted with the results M&C Energy Group has achieved for us so far and look forward to working with them for a long time to come - safe in the knowledge that they will ensure that our energy costs are reasonable."