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How SCORE helped.

The origin of Cal Coast Orchids was more than a dream — it was embracing a legacy. Born and raised in the Netherlands, company co-founder and head grower Bas van Eijk spent his entire childhood in greenhouses. Generations of horticulturists and agriculturists encouraged Bas to work for several Phalaenopsis orchid growers on Dutch soil before pursuing a degree in Crop & Farm Management; then taking a leap of faith moving abroad and finally settling in California.

Bas’s efforts allowed him to realize the possibility of increased margins in a global market; this business incentive, paired with a soft spot in his heart for California and an even softer spot for a girl living there, turned his attention to its warm climate and sunny coasts. 

Director of Operations and company co-founder Alison Glasco was born and raised in Los Angeles County, receiving a B.S in Engineering Physics in Santa Barbara. Ali was introduced to the world of agriculture and began spearheading partnerships with wholesalers, gaining valuable experience in business development. 

The couple pursued their vision to produce sustainably-grown, beautiful orchids of the highest quality for its customers. They chose Los Osos, due to its ideal climate for growing Phalaenopsis, plus availability of some of the soundest greenhouses in SLO County. And now, they’re doing it! They work to brighten homes all over the West Coast by utilizing sustainable growing initiatives, sharing accessible orchid care for both wholesale and retail customers, and guaranteeing the highest quality orchids. 

Since the inception of Cal Coast Orchids in 2019, it has expanded business into multiple plant programs. When COVID-19 shut down California, Ali quickly pivoted and introduced a line of specialty houseplants to meet the growing demand for green quarantine buddies.
 
Cal Coast Orchids now sells a consistent offering of Phalaenopsis, specialty orchids, and houseplants to over 500 customers all over the West Coast. Looking ahead, it’s building more greenhouses and beginning a large-scale potted Cymbidium program, for launch in 2024. With over a million orchids sold, a sales growth rate of 900% year-to-year, Cal Coast Orchid is on track to hit 5 million in sales in 2021.

“I am so, so proud of what Ali and I have created. We truly want to make a difference – a difference in the quality of orchids in the U.S. market, and how people can be confident in caring for their plants. The best part is we’re doing it together.” – Bas van Eijk