De Lier, The Netherlands
January 15, 2025
In the future, will there still be a sufficient supply of fresh fruits and vegetables, every day and all year round? As climate change and resource shortages mean that availability can no longer be taken for granted, supply chain concerns are increasing among supermarkets. “Growers and retailers can count on our commitment to innovative long-term solutions,” say Rijk Zwaan’s Jan Doldersum and Ingeborg Kleijer.
Ingeborg Kleijer, Group Manager Client Support, and Jan Doldersum, Manager Chain & Retail, at Rijk Zwaan
Care for continuous innovation
One of Rijk Zwaan’s solutions is to find varieties with resistances to certain pests or diseases. “For example, our tomato varieties with ToBRFV resistance prevent production losses, which can be as high as 30%. These and many other resistances from our Defense line also enable growers to grow more sustainably and reduce their use of pesticides,” explains Jan, Manager Chain & Retail at Rijk Zwaan.
Besides developing varieties with resistances, anticipating climate change is another innovation driver within the company. Ingeborg, Group Manager Client Support, adds: “We breed vegetable varieties that require less water or perform well in new and alternative production regions – such as areas with tropical climates or droughts. This is an example of how we’re working on the sustainable availability of food for the long term.”
Care turns clients into partners
In addition to continuously innovating, Rijk Zwaan makes a difference by nurturing partnerships with retailers, growers and many other stakeholders. The company puts personal contact first. “At our 32 subsidiaries around the world, local crop specialists and marketing specialists are committed to connecting retailers with growers and jointly creating market opportunities – including in those new production regions. Our focus on personal attention turns clients into partners. That’s why I urge everyone to keep sharing their questions and challenges with us, so that together we can help create a better future – for them and for the world,” Jan states.
Care for a sustainable future
“Our partners will see this focus on care and attention shining through in our communication activities too,” says Ingeborg. “We have always been committed to innovation, partnerships and a sustainable future, of course. But we are now emphasising it more clearly in our messaging, because we firmly believe that this approach helps our partners to accelerate growth. In our communications, they will notice more warmth, more natural-looking photography and more personal attention – and the use of the word ‘care’, which sums up our mission.”
An infinite mission
After recently celebrating its centenary, Rijk Zwaan is full of confidence as it embarks on its mission for the next century. “What sets us apart is that we aim for long-term success rather than short-term wins. Together with our partners, this is how we contribute to the world’s food supply. That makes our mission infinite,” concludes Jan.
At Rijk Zwaan, we aim to create a sustainable, positive impact for the world’s food supply by caring for innovation, caring for our partners, and caring for your growth. Visit our team in Hall 1.2, D-13 at Fruit Logistica 2025 to explore how our commitment to care can help you thrive in today’s ever-evolving market. You can also arrange a guided tour in the Retail Centre in Berlin – our company’s very own retail experience facility.
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