The UK was certainly no alien territory for Rijk Zwaan when it started its own establishment there in 1987.  Since then however, Rijk Zwaan has become a more prominent presence in the British market.  In spite of fierce competition and changing demands and wishes, Rijk Zwaan UK is slowly moving its way to the top.

Roger Stewart, Managing Director, has worked for Rijk Zwaan for more than 30 years.  He had already been active for the company in the UK for quite some years when Rijk Zwaan decided to set up its own establishment there. "In Immingham, in South Humberside, an office was opened and four employees started to work there for the company.  The growth Rijk Zwaan experienced in a short time lead to a move.  In 1990 we build new offices in Pocklington and the company then hired 4 more employees, so there were 8 people working for the company at that time”, Roger relates.

Large Accounts

Gradually Rijk Zwaan UK managed to increase its sales.  To provide better service for customers in Ireland and the Channel Islands, two agents were also taken on there.  Growth of the company continued, in turnover as well as in size.  Nevertheless Rijk Zwaan UK had to adapt its organisation when the horticultural landscape started to change.  The number of growers dropped but the size of the remaining nurseries on the other hand, had grown enormously.  As a company Rijk Zwaan UK adapted the way it operated in order to handle such large accounts.

The fact that Rijk Zwaan UK has more than succeeded in this is borne out by the position it occupies today in the British seed market.  The company has 12 employees and according to the turnover, is considered a medium-sized company in the UK.

Rijk Zwaan UK’s focus is on vegetable seed sales from the Rijk Zwaan selection.  We also offer growers in the UK and Ireland a specialist service and support with their production.  Because of offering high-quality service Rijk Zwaan distinguishes itself in the marketplace.

At the top

The ultimate aim of Rijk Zwaan UK is to become one of the main seed companies in the UK.  The name Rijk Zwaan should be a guarantee for the best possible vegetable seed for producers and traders in the sector.  In order to achieve this, numerous activities with organisations and trading companies are developed.  Each day, the company tries to adapt to the ever changing market in the UK.  According to Roger Stewart “This is the only way to get to the top and stay there.”