The Dutch vegetable seed specialist achieved growth across virtually all regions and crops in its centenary year, while investing over €200mn in R&D and introducing more than 200 new varieties
Rijk Zwaan has revealed that it grew its sales by 9 per cent in the 2024/25 financial year, taking its annual total to €684mn.
According to the Dutch vegetable seed specialist, growth occurred across ”virtually all” of its active regions and crops.
Net profit for the year came in lower at €68mn, down from €80mn in 2023/24, while total operating expenses on research and development grew to €204mn from €191mn.
“Our growth reflects Rijk Zwaan’s strength,” said board member Ben Tax. “We combine the long-term vision of a people-oriented family-owned company with a sharp focus on innovation.
“Moreover, these financial results are extra special given that the past year was also our centenary year.”
The company said it spent over €200mn on R&D worldwide in 2024/25, including €130mn in the Netherlands alone.
This expenditure puts Rijk Zwaan 11th in the Dutch Top 30 R&D ranking.
“Innovation is the engine of our company,” Tax noted.
“It enables us to accelerate the breeding process, and to develop varieties that perform well in many different climate conditions, are aligned with sustainable production methods and meet the needs of growers, chain partners and consumers.
”That’s how we keep making a worldwide impact with our seeds,” he said.
In 2024/2025, Rijk Zwaan introduced more than 200 new varieties, including a tropical cauliflower variety, ToBRFV-resistant tomato varieties and a seedless yellow watermelon that was granted the Superior Taste Award by the International Taste Quality Institute (ITQI).
In September 2024, the company opened a new trial station in Lam Dong, Vietnam, where breeders can test varieties for Vietnamese and other southeast Asian growers under local conditions.
“With our broad portfolio of crops, we want to contribute to sustainable vegetable production worldwide,” Tax explained.
“By maintaining a local presence and working together with growers and chain partners, we can continue to respond to specific market requirements.”
The company also invested in improving its logistics operations, it outlined.
In April 2025, Rijk Zwaan opened the Seed Connect Centre in De Lier, concluding the biggest investment project in the family-owned company’s history.
This new facility expands its seed processing capacity and strengthens logistics processes, further safeguarding the delivery reliability of vegetable seeds around the globe.
“Rijk Zwaan is a stable company with a long-term view,” said Tax.
“We will continue to invest in knowledge, technology and collaboration.
”That’s how we contribute to not only an efficient vegetable value chain, but also a healthy future for people worldwide,” he added.
