From Wednesday 6 May: updated product list page and faster ordering

Climate change is increasingly disrupting spinach production across Europe, with excessive rainfall leading to crop losses, yellowing leaves and even empty shelves in recent seasons. As growers also face global seed shortages caused by extreme spring weather, Rijk Zwaan is accelerating efforts to develop more robust spinach varieties that can perform reliably under unpredictable conditions. Through global trial fields hit by real‑world extreme weather, the breeding team has identified resilient genetic lines that will help secure spinach production for the future.

Lettuce has a fascinating history that stretches back to ancient Egypt, where it was first cultivated. From there, it spread through the Greek and Roman empires, evolving into various varieties and even gaining a reputation for medicinal properties. By the Middle Ages, lettuce had become a staple across Europe. Today, it remains one of the most widely consumed vegetables worldwide - an essential ingredient in healthy, fresh diets.

Rijk Zwaan grew its sales by 9% in the 2024/2025 financial year, taking the annual total to €684 million. The growth occurred across virtually all of the fruit and vegetable breeding company’s active regions and crops.

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?