Rijk Zwaan, an international fruit and vegetable breeding company, is celebrating its first centenary. Since its foundation in 1924, Rijk Zwaan has grown into a global player active in more than 100 countries. The centenary celebrations kicked off on 1 July, the exact date that the company was originally founded.

Last week, Rijk Zwaan’s Tatayoyo and Sweet Palermo received high recognition from the International Taste Institute (ITQI). The esteemed ITQI jury, consisting of multiple renowned chefs, awarded high marks to Rijk Zwaan’s products. Tatayoyo achieved the highest rating of three stars for its exceptional, appearance, olfaction, bursting flavour and texture. Sweet Palermo also received excellent scores, with the yellow sweet pointed pepper earning three stars as well. This recognition perfectly aligns with Rijk Zwaan's strategy to support these products with a brand that allows the company to explain their benefits throughout the supply chain.

Red Sun Farms, one of the largest high-tech greenhouse operations in North America, has found a reliable solution in the cocktail tomato Rexoso RZ, which is available under Rijk Zwaan’s Rugose Defense label. “The crop has demonstrated remarkable performance in our state-of-the-art greenhouses. Thanks to this highly ToBRFV-resistant tomato, our customers can expect consistency in the general product quality,” states Harold Paivarinta, Senior Director of Sales.

A new race of the downy mildew pathogen (Peronospora effusa) on spinach has been denominated by the International Working Group on Peronospora in spinach (IWGP), based on a worldwide evaluation of isolates from growers' fields and trap nurseries.

Last year, Rijk Zwaan introduced new hybrid leek varieties as the first step towards a complete portfolio for leek growers worldwide. Dutch grower Martijn Hendrickx has had good experience with Floccus RZ: “The variety proved its worth in spring and I plan to use it again next year.” As expressed in Rijk Zwaan’s theme for Fruit Logistica in Berlin, new varieties like this one are helping Martijn to move ‘freshly forward’.

Embarking on an exciting journey of innovation, the winter production of cucumbers is officially underway at our new Trial Centre High Tech. This is an excellent place to trial 45 distinct varieties and various fruit types within our expansive cucumber segment.

The story of Rijk Zwaan's innovative white cabbage variety, Longma.

This month, Rijk Zwaan UK celebrates the impressive milestones of two of our longest standing colleagues.

At the start of September, we welcomed our newest colleague to the team, Derek Hallendorff. Derek joins us armed with a wide range of knowledge, experience, and fresh ideas.