A brief history
Rijk Zwaan has more than 80 years’ experience in the area of vegetable breeding and seed production. From a vegetable seed retail business in Rotterdam in 1924 we have grown into a major world player in creating successful varieties.
Healthy growth
In order to be able to start his own research Rijk Zwaan, founder of the company, built the first facilities for seed production and breeding work in Bergschenhoek in 1932. In the first instance only in the Netherlands, but over time in an increasing number of countries all over the world, the company has experienced healthy growth since then, making us the major player Rijk Zwaan is today. The first foreign subsidiary was set up in Germany in 1964. From 1980, international developments took off and more of our own sales organisations followed in more and more countries within and outside Europe. Rijk Zwaan’s head office moved to De Lier in 1970, in the heart of Dutch glasshouse horticulture.
Breeding breakthroughs
From its foundation in 1924, Rijk Zwaan has always been a strong player in lettuce, but growing and breeding this vegetable has undergone huge changes since then. Whereas lettuce was originally regarded purely as a bulk product, by diversifying and resistance breeding Rijk Zwaan has played a significant role in the continued development of this crop. Major breakthroughs occurred in other vegetables as well. Some of these were Rijk Zwaan's success in achieving mildew resistance in spinach and creating bitter-free cucumbers. We also played an important part in improving the flavour of tomatoes.
Modernisation
The 90s were characterised for Rijk Zwaan by further international and rapid technological developments. Major investments were made in various research areas such as molecular and cell biology, phytopathology, biochemistry and seed technology. As a result of this growth, breeding and office facilities were enlarged as well. Today, Rijk Zwaan is a reliable partner for customers in more than 100 countries. The motivated employees, innovative techniques and years of experience form the basis of Rijk Zwaan’s success. |
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