Rijk Zwaan continues its innovation drive

Rijk Zwaan Zaadteelt en Zaadhandel B.V. generated net turnover of €420 million in the 2016/2017 financial year. That represents an increase of 8% over the previous financial year. This growth enables Rijk Zwaan to continue its substantial investments in research and development (R&D).

In 2016/2017 the operating result stood at €111 million, while net profit amounted to €88 million. The increased revenues and profit were due entirely to expansion outside the Netherlands. The high market share in the Netherlands remained stable. Over the past financial year more than €120 million was invested in R&D. The research activities are concentrated at De Lier and Fijnaart. Vegetable crop breeding takes place worldwide.

Expansion

Rijk Zwaan conducts high-quality research, but does not develop any genetically modified plant varieties. Substantial sums were invested in the expansion of research and breeding activities over the past financial year. For example, a new “Seed Quality Center” was built at De Lier, increasing the capacity for laboratory tests. That enables Rijk Zwaan to continue to meet the high quality demands of the market. All seeds produced throughout the world come to the Netherlands for thorough quality control before delivery. The laboratory capacity at Fijnaart is being doubled to accommodate the expected growth.

The Netherlands as a business location

Rijk Zwaan attaches great importance to the Netherlands as a business location. As well as its stable political climate and good infrastructure, the Netherlands provides attractive incentives to boost innovation. The Netherlands also has the advantage of relatively good availability of professional, motivated personnel. Rijk Zwaan’s primary objective remains to offer employees attractive, long-term employment. Eighty new employees (FTEs) were hired in the Netherlands in the 2016/2017 financial year. Worldwide the increase in personnel amounted to 147 FTEs.

Three families own approximately 90% of Rijk Zwaan. The remaining 10% of the company is owned by a large group of employees through the employee share scheme. The family-run company is among the top five in the global vegetable seed market and is characterised by a people-focused approach. More than 2,800 employees in over 30 countries work enthusiastically to provide products and services that add value for the market. The company headquarters is based in De Lier in the Netherlands.