The company that breeds vegetables Rijk Zwaan has seen net revenue increase by 11%, reaching 593 million euros during the fiscal years 2022/2023. This increase was seen in nearly all regions of operation and the entire crop area where Rijk Zwaan is involved. The global share of market stands at around 10%, the firm has announced. Because of the increase in revenue that operating profit has increased slightly, despite the more expensive cost of labor and other costs. The net profit is impacted due to the high losses in currency. The plant breeding business has expanded its business into breeding the berries (strawberries blackberries, raspberries, and raspberry).

Ben Tax, a member of the Rijk Zwaan board of directors and reflects on 2022/2023 “Over the last financial year, both growers and value chain partners may rely on a wider selection of varieties of vegetables. Every year, we put approximately 30 percent of our revenues to the development of research. In the year of 2018, that was 180 million euros. There are currently 29 varieties within our collection, including variety of vegetables specifically designed for various environments, cultivation techniques as well as consumer preferences that is evidence of our constant commitment to technological advancement.”

The new products introduced by the company in the last year’s financial report included tomatoes with superior resistance to ToBRFV, and the very first varieties of spinach to be used in hydroponic cultivators. Also, Rijk Zwaan re-entered the market with its leeks and chicory.

A product line that is geared towards the future.

A company that breeds vegetables, Rijk Zwaan looks between six to sixteen years ahead. This is the time it typically takes to discover the next vegetable cultivar. Ben Tax summarises the company’s expenditures over the course of its budget year “In 2022/2023 with eyes on in the near future, we increased our breeding stations and research in the southern part of Spain in southern Spain. This is the place the area where we are focusing on developing vegetable varieties ideal for a more hot Mediterranean climate. We’re also building a breeding facility in Brazil with an arid climate. In the meantime, in the Netherlands we’re expanding our facilities located in Dinteloord to allow for our newly established breeding program for fruits.”

The focus should be on growth that is autonomous

Alongside the current selection of vegetables farmers and value chain partners and customers can expect to see better berry varieties of Rijk Zwaan in the coming time.

“By unveiling a new breeding program that is aimed at blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries, we’re expanding our range of products. This aligns with our plan of autonomy development. In the future we will be able to stay a stable family-owned business and a desirable workplace for our nearly 4,000 employees. Plus, more employees can take advantage of healthy, delicious veggies – soon, berries too.” Ben Tax concludes. Ben Tax.

The Rijk Zwaan annual accounts were registered with the Chamber of Commerce on November 9th, 2023.

Source: The Plantations International Agroforestry Group of Companies