The Netherlands
December 6, 2024
The R&D top 30, highlighting the most innovative companies in the Netherlands, has been published on 6 December. Rijk Zwaan proudly holds the 11th position.
The ranking, compiled by Technisch Weekblad in collaboration with TNO Vector (Centre for Societal Innovation and Strategy) and VNO-NCW (The Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers), emphasises the importance of R&D investments for economic growth, technological advancements, and addressing societal challenges such as the energy transition and digitalisation.
Continuous Innovation
As an international fruit and vegetable breeding company, Rijk Zwaan is committed to developing fruit and vegetable varieties for the future. Our R&D focuses on three core research areas: biotechnology, phytopathology, and seed technology. Innovation is at the heart of our work. Using advanced techniques such as AI-driven models, we analyse large datasets to predict, for example, which plant generations hold the greatest potential for better disease resistance or greater resilience to extreme weather conditions.
These technologies enable breeding to work more efficiently and effectively, while craftsmanship remains an essential factor. The combination of technology, experience, and experimentation ensures we can develop varieties that meet the needs of growers and consumers worldwide.
Innovation through collaboration
“We are proud of this recognition and remain committed to working with growers, retailers, and chain partners to develop innovative solutions,” says Martijn Eggink, Rijk Zwaan board member. “Our focus is on supporting a sustainable and future-proof food supply—making fresh vegetables and fruit more widely available to people worldwide.”
In addition to Rijk Zwaan, other companies from the horticultural sector, such as Enza Zaden and Priva, are also featured in the R&D top 30. This underscores the innovation strength of the Dutch horticultural cluster and the role of the Top Sector Horticulture & Starting Materials in driving innovation.
Visual: © tw.nl https://tw.nl/download/rdtop30-2024-online
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