Maatwerkbedrijf De Kromme Boom, a social enterprise that grows organic oyster mushrooms, has established a unique partnership with BonMush, a 130-year-old Belgian company which is transitioning from being a traditional butcher to selling vegetarian and vegan products.
BonMush sources organic oyster mushrooms from De Kromme Boom for use in vegetarian products such as spreads, burgers, and sausages. The partnership began with weekly testing quantities of 50–60 kg, which has since scaled to 3,000–4,500 kg, to meet growing demand.
This B2B partnership has amplified the impacts of both organisations. The oyster mushrooms are grown by people who, due to different circumstances, are distanced from the regular labour market. De Kromme Boom is thus providing employment for marginalised people, while BonMush is establishing itself as a leader in offering sustainable, plant-based alternatives.
“Scalability and replicability of our services are certainly possible as we provide quality in our products. Our commitment to high standards shows our capability to meet rigorous expectations. Our success with projects like our oyster mushrooms, where we were recognised for outstanding quality despite initial concerns, proves that we can scale and apply our processes effectively. This reinforces that, with the right understanding and support, social enterprises can achieve results that rival those of traditional companies, setting a high standard for all.”
Maatwerkbedrijf De Kromme Boom representative
©Photo by BonMush
