Hazera opens new high-tech R&D tomato greenhouse in Made, The Netherlands

Hazera’s new high-tech R&D greenhouse, unveiled last week in Made, the Netherlands, marks a significant milestone in the company’s ambition to become a leader in the high-tech tomato industry. The nearly 5-hectare facility, located next to Hazera’s headquarters, will serve as a cutting-edge hub for research and development.

This investment, supported by Limagrain’s vegetable seed division, aims to enhance Hazera’s research capabilities, focusing on developing tomato varieties with strong disease resistance (particularly to ToBRFV), high yield and excellent taste.

The official opening was done by the Mayor of Made-Drimmelen. From left to right Elad Shalit (Hazera), Gilles Gay (Limagrain), Mayor of Made-Drimmelen Mr. Scholtze, Milena Vulcheva (Deputy CEO Hazera) and Mary van Laar (Hazera)

The greenhouse is repurposed from an existing commercial operation, which aligns with Hazera’s commitment to sustainability. This facility will also allow Hazera to refine its breeding techniques and accelerate the development of innovative tomato varieties that meet evolving market needs. By leveraging advanced technology and expertise in breeding, Hazera aims to help growers overcome challenges and improve the quality of their crops.

The Netherlands, as a hub for high-tech tomato production, provides the ideal setting for this initiative, and Hazera envisions its new greenhouse as a vital tool for driving innovation and growth in the global high-tech tomato market.

Big thanks to the team

After the presentations and a tour of the greenhouse, we had the opportunity to discuss the future of tomato breeding in person with our partners. We also took the time to express our heartfelt thanks to the dedicated team of employees and contractors who worked on the construction of the new greenhouse.

Ready for the future

″This new greenhouse demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and efficiency, as well as extension of business operations″, says the new appointed Deputy CEO Milena Vulcheva. ″We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to this intensive period. This is a key milestone in our drive for innovation and ambition to become a leader in the high-tech tomato industry. Together with our partners worldwide we will build a sustainable future.″

A fresh boost for the region of Made

″The acquisition and renovation of André van Zeijl’s greenhouse by Hazera provides a fresh boost to Plukmade″ according to Mayor Scholtze of Made-Drimmelen. ″Since 1999, Hazera has had its operations in Made, and this expansion further stimulates local employment and commercial activity. It is something we, as a municipality, are proud of.″