In the competitive world of fast-food supply chains, consistency, quality, and timing are everything. For the Dutch arable farm Kroes Dronten, led by Philip Kroes and supported by specialists Adriaan Wortman, Alexander Plasschaert, and Wilbert Van de Streek, these are the pillars of their potato operation. Their mission? To deliver top-grade Innovator variety potatoes for Five Guys, the international fast-food chain known for its fresh burgers and hand-cut fries.
The potatoes grown here are not just any tubers. Five Guys demands consistent size, frying quality, and flavor—which means tight control over every aspect of production. To meet these standards, the farm has embraced innovative agronomic practices.
Precision Fertilization and Early Harvesting
One of the most notable updates this year is the use of in-row fertilizer placement, where nitrogen and phosphate are applied directly to the sides of each planted row. This targeted method improves nutrient uptake and reduces waste, increasing both crop efficiency and environmental performance.
Additionally, part of the crop is being grown using pre-sprouted seed potatoes (voorkiemzakken), allowing for earlier harvests—a key advantage in supplying the first batches of fresh potatoes starting in August, just in time for Five Guys’ new season of fry production.
According to Wageningen University & Research, precise in-row fertilization methods can lead to up to 15% higher nutrient use efficiency compared to conventional broadcasting, while early planting using pre-sprouted seed can advance harvest by 2–3 weeks, extending the supply window and improving market responsiveness.
Growing Together: Expanding the Potato Network
Currently, fourteen growers participate in the Five Guys potato program, with more expected to join in coming seasons. The team at FarmCoaching, led by Adriaan Wortman, plays a dual role—supporting growers with agronomic advice and coordinating the commercial side of the business, including the supply chain to Five Guys.
FarmCoaching provides growers with certified seed potatoes and technical guidance on topics like storage, grading, and timing. This coordinated approach allows for greater production capacity, reduced risks, and uniform product quality across the supply group.
In a market increasingly driven by traceability and sustainability, this model positions Dutch potato farmers as valuable partners—not just suppliers—in the global food system. By pooling expertise and resources, the group can efficiently meet industrial demand while keeping production costs in check, a principle Adriaan emphasizes:
“In farming, it’s all about cost-efficient work and smart division of labor—you have to get a lot done in a short time.”
Passion Rooted in Purpose
For Adriaan, who entered agriculture not through heritage but through a passion sparked during childhood, working the land and seeing the results of his efforts in a Five Guys restaurant is deeply fulfilling. His journey—from milking cows to graduating from Aeres University of Applied Sciences in Dronten and working on farms in the Netherlands and abroad—has shaped a professional who blends hands-on knowledge with strategic thinking.
And when the sun sets after a productive day in the fields, he knows exactly why he does this work:
“If you can sit down at 11 p.m. with your team, have a beer, and know you’ve done a great job—there’s nothing better.”
Kroes Dronten and the FarmCoaching network exemplify how precision agriculture, collaboration, and passion can deliver quality at scale—even for demanding clients like Five Guys. With ongoing innovation in crop management and growing partnerships, Dutch potato farmers are demonstrating how local excellence can meet global demand—one fry at a time.
