Vegetable/Fruit Packer in the Netherlands
Fresh-produce sites in the Netherlands run fast, repetitive workflows: pack, weigh, label, and keep quality consistent. Assignments are project-based and can be in a packhouse, a produce distribution area, or a greenhouse packing section (depending on the crop and season).
Pay snapshot (gross)
Base gross hourly wage range: €14.71–€15.61 (before any shift/overtime premiums). The exact step depends on the assignment, experience, and the applicable pay structure.
- What affects the rate: province/site, product type (vegetables vs berries vs flowers), pace/skills, shift pattern.
- Allowances: shift/weekend/holiday and overtime premiums may apply depending on the project rules.
- Holiday accrual: typically accrued and paid per contract terms (often as a percentage on top of wages).
Role overview
Category: Agri-food / Fresh produce
Sites: packhouse lines, produce handling zones, greenhouse packing areas (project-dependent).
Quality focus: labeling accuracy, consistent weights, and clean handling.
What makes you valuable
This job rewards reliability and attention to detail more than “big experience.”
- Steady pace across repetitive tasks
- Careful handling (no bruising, correct grading)
- Hygiene discipline (hands/PPE/workstation)
- Basic English for safety and line communication
What you will do (day-to-day)
- Pack vegetables/fruit into trays, punnets, or boxes according to line instructions.
- Grade and sort by size/quality; remove damaged items and keep batches consistent.
- Weigh, label, and check barcodes/lot labels to prevent dispatch errors.
- Prepare cartons for pallets; keep the flow stable without bottlenecks.
- Follow hygiene rules (hairnet, gloves, clean surfaces; food-safe behavior).
- Work in temperature-controlled areas when required (cold chain depends on product/site).
- Report quality issues (packaging defects, labeling mismatches, product damage).
- Support simple housekeeping: tidy workstation, waste separation, end-of-shift cleanup.
Note: exact tasks vary by project (tomatoes/cucumbers vs berries vs mixed produce lines).
Candidate portrait
You are a good fit if you…
- can keep a steady rhythm on repetitive tasks without losing accuracy
- care about clean work (hygiene rules are non-negotiable on food sites)
- are comfortable standing and using hands continuously for the full shift
- can follow line instructions and switch products/pack formats quickly
- communicate basic English for safety, checks, and simple coordination
- can handle peak weeks (overtime or weekend work may happen)
- bring a CV in English (required for review)
This role is not for you if you…
- cannot follow hygiene rules consistently (PPE, clean hands, clean station)
- dislike repetitive work or get frustrated by fast line pace
- avoid standing/walking most of the day
- are not ready for shift changes or occasional weekend work
- do not have a CV (applications without CV are not considered)
Working conditions on Dutch fresh-produce sites
- Schedule: commonly 32–40 hours/week; shift patterns and start times depend on the site and season.
- Overtime: may occur during peak volume; premiums and rules depend on the assignment terms.
- Safety: you follow site instructions for manual handling, cutters/packaging tools, and pedestrian routes.
- PPE/tools: typically provided/required on site (e.g., safety shoes, gloves, hairnet). Exact PPE depends on site rules.
- Transport/accommodation: may be available on some projects; where provided, conditions and deductions (if any) are stated in writing.
- Probation/assessment: early days often focus on line speed, accuracy, and hygiene discipline.
Documents & right-to-work (EU / non-EU)
EU/EEA candidates
- Valid passport/ID
- CV (English preferred) — required for selection
- Basic English for safety and line coordination
Non-EU candidates
- Valid passport + CV (English preferred)
- Right-to-work pathway must be confirmed before deployment (employer-specific authorization or other lawful arrangement, depending on profile and project)
- Some sites may require background checks or additional onboarding documentation (project-specific)
For questions, use the contact page: https://mavial.pl/kontakt.html.
How hiring typically works (project story)
Fresh-produce hiring is driven by volume spikes: harvest windows, retail promotions, and seasonal peaks. Sites add packing lines quickly, so teams are onboarded in waves and matched to the product flow.
- CV submission: we screen experience, availability, and shift readiness.
- Short call / clarification: basic English level, preferred locations, start date.
- Matching: we align you to a project (packhouse/greenhouse section) and confirm conditions.
- Offer & documents: contract terms, onboarding checklist, and site rules.
- Start: induction, hygiene briefing, and line training.
FAQ
Is the pay shown net or gross?
All rates on this page are gross (brutto). Net pay depends on taxes, social contributions, and any agreed deductions (for example, accommodation if provided).
Do I need experience to start?
Not always. Many sites train new starters for basic packing tasks. Experience helps for grading/quality roles and faster line adaptation.
Is this job physically demanding?
Yes. Expect standing, repetitive hand movements, and a steady pace. Some lifting may occur within site limits.
Is the environment cold?
Often temperature-controlled to protect the cold chain. Exact conditions depend on the product and the site (some lines are warmer; some are chilled).
Can there be shifts, weekends, or overtime?
Yes. Produce volumes can change quickly. Shift patterns and any premiums depend on the project rules and the assignment terms.
What documents are required to apply?
CV is mandatory. Add your availability, previous packing/production experience (if any), and any certificates. Right-to-work requirements are confirmed after screening.