De Lier, the Netherlands
October 12, 2009

Vegetable breeder Rijk Zwaan from De Lier, the Netherlands, is the new leader in the Hillenraad 100, the list that states the 100 most prominent companies in Dutch greenhouse horticulture. The results of the election were announced during the Hortigala of the Year in Rotterdam on Friday 9 October.

The chairman of the expert committee, Willem Vermeend, announced the results. He particularly praised the market-oriented approach of the company: “Rijk Zwaan took the first steps towards integrated chain cooperation, when the sector was still only concerned with scaling up.” The investments in overseas subsidiaries and in knowledge and human resources have contributed to the committee electing Rijk Zwaan as the leader in the Hillenraad 100 as well. Especially during a period in which the sector mainly thinks of cutting costs: “Rijk Zwaan holds the steady conviction that market leadership can only be achieved if it is supported by the people within and surrounding the organization.”

To Marco van Leeuwen, who was present at the announcement as one of the three directors of Rijk Zwaan, the top position is mainly an acknowledgment that the company has set the right course. “We see this as recognition for the power of cooperation, within the chain as well as outside of it. On top of that, it is a great reward for our 1600 very motivated and creative employees. Every day and across the globe, they dedicate themselves 100% to the company, showing the best that Rijk Zwaan stands for.”

Last year Rijk Zwaan was number four on the Hillenraad 100. For the first time, the Hillenraad 100 now has a vegetable breeding company in the top position.

Website: http://www.rijkzwaan.nl

Published: October 12, 2009