Citrus

Both on-site and online

Offering tailored courses for your company

In addition to our open courses, we organize tailor-made courses for your company. These courses are tailored to your own daily practice and adapted to the desired training level. You can choose on-site training or online training where we welcome companies from all over the world.

Learn more about our courses

What courses and trainings does the HDG Academy offer?

HDG Academy is a learning institute that focuses on providing education and training for professionals working in the cold chain and post-harvest industry. This includes workers at all levels, from fork lift drivers to Commercial Directors. The courses and masterclasses may cover topics such as quality evaluation, claim handling procedures, surveying techniques, food safety regulations, and more.

The academy also offers specialized courses and masterclasses on specific types of fruit, such as apples, oranges, or berries. Additionally, the academy covers more general topics and masterclasses on business skills, such as project management, claim reports, and app / database use when needed.

Apply here to receive information about upcoming courses and dates:

Can employees and companies customize their courses to fit their specific needs and goals?

Yes, employees and companies can customize their courses at the HDG Academy to fit their specific needs and goals. The academy is capable of building custom courses around subjects from the perishables industry, allowing employees and companies to tailor their training to their specific needs and objectives. This can be especially valuable for companies that have unique requirements or challenges within their operations, and need specialized training to address these issues.

To customize their courses, employees and companies can work with the academy's staff to develop a training program that meets their specific needs and goals. This may involve identifying the key areas where employees need additional training, selecting relevant course material, and adjusting the format and delivery of the training to fit the company's needs.

By working closely with the academy, employees and companies can ensure that their training program is tailored to their specific needs and goals, providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their careers.

Whats costs can I expect for the courses?

The cost of courses at HDG Academy will vary depending on the specific course being taken and the length and intensity of the program. Additionally, the cost of courses may be affected by factors such as the location of the course, the materials and supplies provided, and any additional fees or expenses.

For an indication of the costs for a specific (custom) course, interested parties can contact the HDG team via hr@hdg.nl or use the form on the website to receive more detailed information.

The HDG Academy team will be happy to provide more information and help you determine the best course for your needs and budget.

Who teaches the courses and masterclasses at the academy?

The training at the HDG Academy will be provided by experienced fruit surveyors Paul van der Meijden and a team of experts, all of whom are also expert in quality inspections of fruit. These instructors will bring their extensive knowledge and experience to the academy, providing valuable insights and practical skills to participants.

The training will cover a wide range of topics related to the fruit industry, including fruit quality evaluation, claim handling procedures, and writing effective reports.

Also, HDG Academy often hosts guest speakers and invites industry experts to share their experience and knowledge. By bringing in outside experts, the academy can provide students with valuable insights and perspectives that may not be available from the regular instructors. These guest speakers and industry experts can offer unique insights and expertise based on their own experiences in the fruit industry, providing attendees with valuable knowledge and skills that they can apply to their own careers.

How can employees and companies benefit from attending the academy's programs?

Employees and companies can benefit from attending the HDG Academy's programs in a number of ways. By attending the academy's courses and masterclasses, employees can gain valuable knowledge and skills that can help them excel in their careers in the fruit industry. They can learn about the latest techniques and technologies used in fruit surveying, claim handling, and quality inspection, as well as gain a better understanding of industry standards and regulations. This knowledge and expertise can help employees improve their performance on the job and advance their careers.

For companies, attending the academy's programs can provide a number of benefits as well. By providing training and professional development opportunities for their employees, companies can improve the overall quality and efficiency of their operations. This can lead to increased productivity and profitability, as well as a better reputation for the company within the industry.

Additionally, by attending the academy's programs, companies can stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends and developments, which can help them adapt to changes and stay competitive. Overall, attending the HDG Academy's programs can provide valuable benefits for both employees and companies in the fruit industry.

What sets the HDG Academy apart from other learning institutes in the industry?

One key factor that sets the Academy apart from other learning institutes in the industry is its affiliation with the HDG Survey Group. The HDG Survey Group is a collection of companies that has been specializing in quality control of fruits and vegetables since 1981. With almost 75 experts, the group has developed extensive experience in this field, working for importers, exporters, and the insurance industry.

By expanding its operations and working with companies worldwide, the HDG Survey Group has built a strong name in the market and expanded its network of international surveyors. In the Netherlands, the group has a strong collaboration with HDG Netherlands, Fruitify Experts, Agri Software, and the HDG Academy, all based in Rotterdam. The group has also expanded its business abroad, with HDG Germany in Hamburg and HDG Ibérica in Valencia, Spain.

This extensive experience and global network of experts sets the HDG Academy apart from other learning institutes in the fruit industry, and provides valuable benefits to students and companies attending its programs.

Where can I find the overview of all upcoming courses, trainings and events?

We're working on making a calendar of upcoming courses and events, and we expect to have it available soon. You'll be able to access this course overview on this page.

We're excited to make this information more easily accessible, and we hope it will help people stay up-to-date with our course and event offerings at the HDG Academy.

If you have any questions or need more information, you can contact us at hr@hdg.nl or use the form on this website.

Can individuals who are not employed at HDG Survey Group attend the academy's courses?

Yes, individuals who are not employed at the HDG Survey Group can attend the Fruit Industry Academy's courses. The academy's courses and masterclasses are not exclusive to employees of the HDG Survey Group, and are open to all individuals and companies who are interested in upgrading their knowledge about topics from the fruit industry. This means that anyone can attend the academy's programs, regardless of whether they are employed by the HDG Survey Group or not.

The academy's courses are designed to be accessible and beneficial to a wide range of professionals in the fruit industry, including surveyors, claim handlers, quality inspectors, and other related fields. By offering courses and masterclasses that are open to all, the academy aims to provide valuable knowledge and skills to anyone who is interested in improving their expertise in the industry.

Does the academy offer any certified programs?

The HDG Academy does offer certified programs. These programs provide attendees with the opportunity to earn professional certifications in their field, which can help them demonstrate their knowledge and expertise to employers and colleagues.

If you would like more information about the certified programs offered by the academy, you can contact the academy directly for more details. They will be able to provide you with information about the specific certifications available, the requirements for earning a certification, and the benefits of being certified in your field.

Does the academy host any guest speakers or industry experts for its courses and masterclasses?

The HDG Academy often hosts guest speakers and invites industry experts to share their experience and knowledge. By bringing in outside experts, the academy can provide students with valuable insights and perspectives that may not be available from the regular instructors. These guest speakers and industry experts can offer unique insights and expertise based on their own experiences in the fruit industry, providing attendees with valuable knowledge and skills that they can apply to their own careers.

Inviting guest speakers and industry experts is also a great way for the academy to showcase the diverse range of talent and expertise within the fruit industry. By bringing in a variety of experts from different backgrounds and areas of expertise, the academy can provide students with a well-rounded education that covers a wide range of topics and perspectives. Overall, hosting guest speakers and industry experts is an important part of the academy's mission to provide valuable knowledge and training to participants in our work field.

Are there any discounts or financial aid available for attendees of the programs?

Some discounts, available government educational budgets and financial aid may be available for employees and companies attending HDG Academy's programs. The availability of discounts and financial aid may vary depending on the specific course or masterclass being attended, as well as the individual's or company's circumstances.

If you are interested in learning more about the discounts and financial aid available, you can contact the HDG Academy directly for more information. The academy's staff will be able to provide you with detailed information about the discounts and financial aid options that may be available to you.

What is the typical format of the academy's courses and masterclasses (e.g. in-person, online, hybrid)?

The typical format of the HDG Academy's courses and masterclasses may vary depending on the specific course and the needs of the attendees. In general, the academy offers a training facility at its HDG Nederland head office, where courses and masterclasses can be held in person. This allows attendees to learn from expert instructors and engage with other students in a face-to-face setting.

However, the academy is also capable of providing courses and masterclasses online or in a hybrid format, depending on the needs of the attendees. This means that courses can be delivered entirely online, allowing attendees to participate from anywhere in the world.

Alternatively, courses can be offered in a hybrid format, where some sessions are held in person and others are delivered online. This can provide attendees with the flexibility to choose the format that best meets their needs and preferences.

Overall, the HDG Academy offers a variety of formats for its courses and masterclasses, allowing attendees to choose the option that best fits their needs and preferences.

What language are the courses available in?

The courses offered at the HDG Academy are primarily taught in English and Dutch, but we understand that not everyone speaks English and Dutch as their first language.

That's why we're committed to providing language support to ensure that all of our students can fully participate in our programs and benefit from the knowledge and expertise of our instructors. If you need language support, please let us know and we'll do our best to accommodate your needs.

We can provide translation services, arrange for courses to be taught in other languages, or provide other support as needed. Our goal is to make sure that everyone who joins the Academy has a positive and productive learning experience.

What materials and supplies should participants bring to the courses at HDG Academy?

Participants in the courses at HDG Academy may need to bring a variety of materials and supplies, depending on the specific course they are taking. In general, however, participants should be prepared to bring the following items:

  • Notebook and pen or pencil for taking notes
  • A laptop or other device for accessing course materials and completing assignments
  • Any required textbooks or other course materials, which will be provided by the Academy prior to the start of the course
  • Any personal protective equipment (PPE) required for hands-on training or fieldwork, such as warm jackets, safety shoes, and a hard hat
  • Warm clothing, gloves and closed-toe shoes for hands-on training or fieldwork in cold storages
  • Any additional materials or supplies required by the specific course being taken, as indicated by the instructor.
  • No need for lunch, that is included in the courses.

It is important for participants to be prepared and bring all necessary materials to ensure they can fully engage in the course and get the most out of their learning experience.

I want to be a guest speaker / I am an Industry Expert

If you are interested in being a guest speaker or industry expert at HDG Academy, you can contact hr@hdg.nl to discuss your expertise and the topics you would be interested in presenting on. The team at HDG Academy will be able to provide more information about the opportunities available and how you can become involved in their programs.

In order to be considered as a guest speaker or industry expert, you will likely need to have a certain level of expertise and experience in your field, as well as the ability to engage and educate a group of students. You may also be required to submit a resume or CV, as well as a proposal outlining the topics you would be interested in presenting on and any relevant experience or qualifications you have.

Once your proposal has been reviewed and accepted, the HDG Academy team will work with you to schedule your presentation and provide you with any necessary materials or support. They will also be able to provide more information about the logistics of your presentation, such as the length of your presentation and the format it will take.

If you're looking to take your career or your company's expertise in the perishables industry to the next level, then HDG is the perfect place for you. As a business school specifically focused on the perishables industry, the Academy offers a range of courses and programs designed to help you gain a deep understanding of the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in the industry. 

Whether you're looking to learn new skills, gain new insights, or network with other professionals, our Academy has something for everyone. Plus, as a participant of the Academy, you'll have access to a network of industry experts and leaders who can provide valuable guidance and support as you work towards your goals. So why not join the HDG Academy today and start building the knowledge and expertise you need to succeed in the fruit industry?

Ready to join our Academy?

Get more information here.