Rijk Zwaan has introduced the first two iceberg lettuce varieties – Happinas RZ and Friendlinas RZ – with a high resistance against biotypes 0 and 1 of the extremely troublesome blackcurrant-lettuce aphid Nasonovia ribisnigri (Nr:0,1). This innovation by the Dutch fruit and vegetable breeding company is a very significant development for lettuce growers and their customers, especially in Europe.

When barbecue season arrives in the summer, meat is the first thing on most consumers’ minds. But according to Martijn Korving, chef at sustainable event venue De Vuurplaats in De Bilt, the Netherlands, vegetables also deserve a starring role. During his inspiration session on 17 June, approximately 20 organic growers and retailers experienced for themselves just how tasty barbecued leeks, pointed cabbage and peppers can be.

Three products summitted fruit and vegetable breeding company Rijk Zwaan to the International Taste Quality Institute (ITQI) this year. All three have been awarded the maximum 3-star Superior Taste Award!  

Across the globe, most people consistently eat too few vegetables. That’s why Veggies First has been launched: an international movement dedicated to increasing vegetable consumption.

Exploring Hydroponic Systems: Which One Is Right for You?

Rijk Zwaan is proud to announce the opening of a new facility in De Lier. This expansion increases the fruit and vegetable breeding company’s capacity for seed cleaning, processing, storage and packaging to continue to meet the growing demand for seeds. In a ceremony attended by colleagues, construction partners and Bouke Arends, mayor of the Municipality of Westland, the new ‘Seed Connect Centre’ was officially opened on Tuesday 8 April.

Hydroponics, a soilless farming method with ancient roots, has evolved with modern technology to enable faster, higher-yielding crops. This article covers the different hydroponic systems in the UK, ideal lettuce varieties, and the challenges of this farming technique. It also highlights the growing potential of hydroponics in sustainable agriculture and urban farming.

Sales of organic products are on the rise again, which resulted in an optimistic mood at the Biofach event in Nuremberg, Germany. From 11-14 February, this international trade fair for the organic sector attracted visitors from 140 countries – and Heleen Bos, Specialist Marketing Organics at Rijk Zwaan, was among them. She provides a roundup of the highlights.

Fruit and vegetable breeding company Rijk Zwaan generated a total net sales of €627 million in the 2023/2024 financial year.