Royal HZPC Group reports record year as hybrid potato breeding gains ground in Kenya

KENYA – Royal HZPC Group has reported strong financial results for the 2024/2025 year, marking new milestones for the potato breeder and seed potato trading company.

The firm achieved global revenue of €525 million (US$572.7 million)) and crossed the one million-ton mark in total worldwide tonnage for the first time.

Hans Huistra, CEO of Royal HZPC Group, described the year as one of broad-based growth across markets. “Both HZPC and STET had a strong year, achieving growth in all key markets. Higher volumes and prices, in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, as well as in Asian and American licensed production, led to a total revenue of €525 million (US$572.7 million). Gross margin rose to €96.4 million (US$105.2 million). By keeping a close eye on costs, net profit also increased significantly to €17.1 million (US$18.7 million).”

He added that the results have direct benefits for growers. The dividend per certificate increased to €10.90 (US$12.61), following a record payout earlier in the year. “Good news for growers who are also certificate holders, and therefore co-owners of Royal HZPC Group,” Huistra said.

Expanding markets and stronger varieties

While satisfied with the performance, Huistra noted that the coming season will demand focus. “The drop in free market prices at the end of last season, combined with challenges in the European table potato markets and several key export regions, show that the current year will be demanding, especially for free varieties,” he said.

Still, the company remains upbeat about its new varieties. “In the French fry segment, we saw strong performance from five newcomers: Quintera, Travolta, Invictus, Cardyma and Castor. Norman and several STET varieties are gaining ground in chips. Rashida and Panamera are leading in traditional export markets. And in the fresh segment, Libra and Brianna are emerging alongside European market leader Colomba, which continues to grow.”

Huistra said research investments are delivering value. “Our investments in R&D are increasingly paying off, and we continue to invest. Alongside our new varieties, we have a promising pipeline of newcomers that meet our resilience standards. We hope to expand our acreage again this season, both in the Netherlands and internationally. The outlook is positive.”

Hybrid breeding progress in Kenya

Royal HZPC’s research efforts also extend to Africa. In Kenya, hybrid potato breeding is showing promise in improving access to quality seed. “A hybrid potato tastes and looks just like the potato we all know. The difference lies in the breeding technique, how the variety is developed. With the right genetics, hybrid breeding allows us to develop new varieties faster,” Huistra explained.

Hybrid breeding enables the introduction of resistance traits twice as fast as conventional methods. It also allows potatoes to be grown from seed, expanding market access where certified seed is limited. “For many farmers, quality seed is unavailable or unaffordable,” said Ad Vrolijk, Program Leader Hybrid Breeding at Royal HZPC Group.

“As a result, part of the harvest is reused as seed, leading to yield losses and reduced food security.”

Trials in Kenya have shown encouraging results. One candidate, D23HY2515, matched the yield of the local variety Shangi and showed strong resistance to late blight. “In Kenya, late blight is present year-round. Farmers who use crop protection can save up to 30% thanks to resistant varieties,” Vrolijk said.

He added that while hybrid seed potatoes will take time to scale, they represent an important step forward. “Creating parent lines takes time, but once established, hybrid potatoes can be tailored to regional needs and scaled rapidly.”

At the close of a successful year, Royal HZPC Group’s focus on science-driven solutions and grower returns is setting a strong course for the seasons ahead.

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