1978

Generation after generation, the passion for fruit!

The story of Pipo Appelsappen doesn’t start in Sint-Truiden, but in Zillebeke (West Flanders). Walter Porreye, Piet's father and an agricultural engineer, moved with his family to Sint-Truiden for his work as a fruit cultivation researcher at the Gorsem research station. Although Walter wasn’t a full-time fruit grower, he became fascinated by the profession and decided to start growing fruit in his spare time.

Piet loved helping his father in the fruit plantation. It was clear early on that Piet’s career path was set. From his father, Piet learned the famous long pruning method, the “Porreye pruning,” which he later passed down to his son Dries. Today, this technique is still successfully applied!

In the 1970s, Piet bought his first plantation, focusing on Conference pears. But he quickly expanded: Durondeau, Doyenné du Comice, and apples such as Golden, Boskoop, Jonagold, and Jonagored were added. The assortment kept growing: raspberries, strawberries, and even cherries joined the fruit landscape.

At PIPO, this passion is still alive, with a stronger than ever focus on sustainable, integrated fruit cultivation and respect for nature!

From the archives: A young Piet, not yet 18, working on the tractor in Kerkom. His first steps in fruit growing, long before he would expand the family business.