Our history
JONAGOLD FIRST INTRODUCED IN BELGIUM
Jo Nicolaï was the first to introduce a bi-coloured apple in Belgium (a Jonathan crossed with a Golden Delicious). The Jonagold cultivar was developed in Geneva, New York.
THE SECOND GENERATION TOOK OVER
Johan Nicolaï took over the nursery activities from his father, Jo Nicolaï.
N.V. JOHAN NICOLAÏ WAS BORN
The establishment of N.V. Johan Nicolaï, for both the cultivation of fruit trees and the breeding and introduction of fruit.
ZOUK WAS ESTABLISHED TO BREED AND INTRODUCE NEW VARIETIES
Sister company ZOUK bvba develops new varieties and mutations by means of traditional fruit breeding. ZOUK bvba produces propagation material in its own budwood orchard.
THE START OF THE THIRD GENERATION
Laura Nicolaï, Johan Nicolaï’s daughter, joins the family business. She has been responsible for developing new cultivars since the spring of 2012. Vincent Nicolaï, Johan Nicolaï's oldest son, joins the family business in 2014. Michiel Nicolaï, Johan Nicolaï youngest, decides to join the team in the autumn of 2018.
THE FIRST APPLICATIONS FOR PBR (C.O.V.)
A NEW WAY OF WORKING
Agreement with Colruyt Group (BE) and agreement with Prosol (FR)