Joure, The Hetherlands
13 February 2025
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 €500 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, as well as a higher gross margin. The net result of the potato breeding company is estimated to exceed €8 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 Thijssen was officially appointed as a member of the Supervisory Board of Royal HZPC Group. Tuesday, 11 February 2025, he attended his first meeting.
John Thijssen 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 the global strategy. The Royal 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.
Farewell Michael Kester
Tuesday, 11 February 2025, marked the last Supervisory Board meeting chaired by Michael Kester. Michael has been part 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."
With the new composition of the Supervisory Board, Royal HZPC Group is once again confident that the current course, which can make a significant contribution to global food security, will be ensured in the coming years.
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