As the potato breeder prepares to announce record turnover, it has announced a number of changes to its leadership structure
Dutch potato breeder and seed potato trading company Royal HZPC Group says it expects a “very strong result” for the 2024/2025 financial year, as it prepares to make a number of changes to its leadership team.
With global turnover set to surpass €500mn and total tonnage worldwide projected to exceed one million tonnes, the group said it anticipated those record sales to be accompanied by sharply higher profit and high payout prices to growers.
CEO Hans Huistra attributed the result to positive sales and price developments in all of its key markets, driven by strong demand for high-quality, resilient potatoes – and in particular protected varieties, where most of its growth was achieved.
“We consciously invest in our research and development to bring increasingly better varieties to the market,” Huistra explained. “It is great that this leads to profit and sales growth across almost all markets. Growth comes from both the physical seed potato business and continued growth in licensed volumes.”
New crop
From 1 July 2025, Peter Ton will take on responsibility for the Europe, Middle East, and North Africa region at both of Royal HZPC Group’s divisions – HZPC itself and STET, a company it acquired in April 2024. Both will continue to operate independently under the Royal HZPC Group brand.
Elsewhere, Herman Verveld will lead global markets, notably including Asia, the Americas, and Africa. And Robert Graveland will continue to head the organisation’s Research & Development activities.
“These changes allow us to be closer to our growers and customers, expand acreage, and develop better potato varieties for various climatic conditions worldwide,” said Huistra. “This forms a solid foundation for even better performance and further growth.”
After almost a decade in the role, CFO Jordan van Vilsteren will depart Royal HZPC Group on 1 November. “In recent years, Jordan has fulfilled his role with integrity and dedication,” said Huistra. “We express our appreciation for his commitment in recent years and wish him success in the next phase of his career.”
