Sustainable growth in greenhouses in Benin

The greenhouse company B & B in Benin is strengthening its production, improving working conditions and laying the foundations for sustainable growth. To achieve this, the company collaborated with a PUM expert and received a partial investment from PUM’s Hans Blankert Fund. When ambition is combined with practical expertise and targeted investment, real change becomes possible.

B&B is a producer of greenhouse vegetables in Benin, specialising in plum tomatoes, cherry tomatoes and peppers for the fresh market. Operating from five sites in Abomey-Calavi, the company cultivates around 3,000 m² of greenhouse area, alongside smaller outdoor plots. Its products are sold under “Les Tomates B&B” brand and are stocked by high-end supermarkets, including Super U.

B&B is founded and managed by Baudelaire Kouton-Bognon, who oversees production, and his wife Morelle Toundoh, responsible for packaging and marketing. They have built a strong market position securing good prices. However, increasing disease pressure and variable yields were limiting further growth.

Improve greenhouse production

B&B approached PUM representative Marijke Gnonlonfoun-van den Steen on improving greenhouse production with particular attention to crop management, irrigation, fertigation and climate control. The goal was to make production more predictable, improve quality and prepare the company for future expansion, both economically and organisationally.

PUM expert Horticulture Carel Zwinkels visited the five sites to assess the situation from young plants to harvest. He analysed current practices and discussed the main challenges with the owners. Together, they identified practical improvements that could significantly raise productivity without overcomplicating operations. During the project, Carel worked closely with the B&B team, focusing on cultivation techniques, irrigation scheduling and hygiene in and around the greenhouses. Attention was also given to recording data, such as water use and drainage, to support better decision-making over time.

Investing in sustainable growth

A key step in turning advice into lasting impact was the investment from PUM’s Hans Blankert Fund. With this grant, B&B invested in a solar-powered drip irrigation system for its greenhouse production. The system reduces operational costs, improves water efficiency and ensures a more stable and reliable nutrient supply to the crops.

The impact is clear. The irrigation system supports more consistent yields and stronger profitability, while reducing manual workload and improving working conditions. By using solar energy and water more efficiently, B&B is also lowering its environmental footprint and strengthening the resilience of its production system.

With practical expertise and targeted investment in place, B&B is now better positioned to grow. The company aims to scale up production, create more stable jobs and continue supplying high-quality produce to the Beninese market.