Irma and Marius Botden are co-owners of Global Fruit, headquartered in Clarksburg, Ontario, where the Red Prince apple is exclusively grown.

The Botden’s were born in the Netherlands, where Irma studied social pedagogy and worked in the health care sector for several years. Marius, taking an early interest in managing orchards, decided to earn a Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, specializing in growing fruit. Eager to advance his craft, he gained more experience by working in garden centres and landscaping companies.

Once this entrepreneurial couple was married, they started their own fruit tree nursery, while Irma furthered her education by following an orchard maintenance course. In 2001, wanting to explore new challenges and expand their business, they decided to immigrate to Canada. Not only did they believe that Canada offered the most potential for success, but they also fell in love with the country’s wide open spaces and rich cultural mosaic.

Prior to their departure from the Netherlands, they negotiated the rights to become the exclusive growers of the Red Prince apple in Canada and brought with them rootstock from its tree. In 2001, they became co-owners of Global Fruit, founded by Hans Soer, and are dedicated to discovering innovative apple production technologies and management practices.

Today they live in Thornbury, Ontario where they take pleasure in overlooking their apple orchards across the valley. Irma and Marius are the proud parents of four children: Gerbe, Ferdie, Sacha and Gitty. In their spare time, the couple enjoys hiking, travel and spending time with their dogs Snyper and Jasper.

-30-

For more information about The Red Prince apple or to arrange an interview with Irma or Marius Botden, please contact:

Jessica Squibb
Faye Clack Communications
Office: 905.206.0577 ext 245
jsquibb@fayeclack.com