Seed potato company HZPC expects strong result

Seed potato breeding and trading company Royal HZPC Group, expects to achieve a strong result for the financial year 2024/2025 (July – June), with global total tonnage potentially surpassing the 1 million ton mark for the first time.

Additionally, John Thijssen has become a member of the Supervisory Board, and Michael Kester, the chairman of the Supervisory Board, has stepped down. Cor Biemond will take over as chairman of the Supervisory Board. 

Good harvest, good price levels

Despite a challenging start, the 2024 seed potato harvest has been significantly better than the previous year. 

Hans Huistra, CEO of Royal HZPC Group:

"We expect the total tonnage that we sell and/or is sold by licensees to break the 1 million ton barrier for the first time, an important milestone."

Driven by strong demand for its varieties, Royal HZPC Group foresees favorable price levels in all key markets. 

Hans Huistra:

"We anticipate revenue to increase to around EUR 500 million (USD 523 million), a clear growth compared to the year 2023/2024."

High payout prices to growers

Royal HZPC Group also expects historically high payout prices to growers and a higher gross margin. The net result of the potato breeding company is estimated to exceed EUR 8 million (USD 8.37 million), excluding costs of the Connecting Growers program. 

New Commissioner John Thijssen

During the general meeting of shareholders (AVA) on Thursday, 21 November 2024, John was officially appointed as a member of the Supervisory Board of Royal HZPC Group. Tuesday, 11 February 2025, he attended his first meeting. 

John brings extensive international experience. He is currently the CEO and Chairman of the Board of the Royal Barenbrug Group, a company that operates internationally in the grass breeding technology. 

In this role, John is responsible for Barenbrug Group has recently made significant progress in sustainability and Research & Development, areas that are also crucial in the strategy of Royal HZPC Group. Additionally, he is well-acquainted with farming practices.

John Thijssen Joins Royal HZPC Group's Supervisory Board

Farewell Michael Kester

Tuesday, 11 February 2025, marked the last Supervisory Board meeting chaired by Michael Kester. Michael has beenpart of the Supervisory Board since 2016 and served as chairman since 2021. After the meeting, Michael handed over the chairmanship to Supervisory Board member Cor Biemond.

Hans Huistra:

"On behalf of Royal HZPC Group, I would like to sincerely thank Michael for his extremely valuable contributions and his dedication to our wonderful company. We also wish John and Cor much success in their new roles."