Royal HZPC Group, a leading Dutch potato breeder and seed potato trader, is set to announce a record-breaking financial performance for 2024/2025. With projected global turnover exceeding €500 million and seed potato volumes surpassing one million tonnes, the company highlights a surge in profitability and higher payouts to growers.
CEO Hans Huistra credits this success to strong demand for high-yielding, climate-resilient potato varieties, particularly in protected (licensed) varieties, which have driven most of the company’s expansion. The company’s strategic investments in research and development (R&D) have paid off, ensuring a steady pipeline of improved cultivars that meet diverse agronomic challenges.
Leadership Restructuring for Global Expansion
To sustain this momentum, HZPC is realigning its leadership structure:
- Peter Ton will oversee Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa (EMEA) for both HZPC and STET, a recently acquired subsidiary.
- Herman Verveld will lead Asia, the Americas, and Africa, focusing on emerging markets.
- Robert Graveland continues to head R&D, ensuring innovation in potato breeding.
Huistra emphasized that these changes will strengthen farmer engagement, expand acreage, and accelerate the development of region-specific potato varieties.
Market Trends Driving Growth
The global seed potato market is evolving rapidly, with increasing demand for:
- Drought- and disease-resistant varieties (e.g., late blight-tolerant strains).
- High-starch potatoes for industrial use (e.g., processing and biofuels).
- Locally adapted cultivars to combat climate volatility.
According to FAO and Rabobank reports, the global potato market is projected to grow at 3.5% annually, driven by population growth and shifting dietary preferences. HZPC’s focus on licensed varieties (which offer intellectual property protection and premium pricing) has given it a competitive edge.
A Bright Future for Potato Farming
HZPC’s record performance underscores the rising importance of advanced seed potato technology in modern agriculture. With climate change and food security concerns mounting, investments in R&D and global market expansion will be crucial for farmers, agronomists, and the entire agricultural value chain.
As HZPC strengthens its leadership and product portfolio, growers worldwide can expect higher-yielding, more resilient potato varieties—ensuring profitability and sustainability in the years ahead.
