About us

Rijk Zwaan in the United States

Welcome to Rijk Zwaan USA. Based in Salinas, California, Rijk Zwaan USA produces, develops and sells Rijk Zwaan vegetable seed in the United States. Incorporated in 2000, Rijk Zwaan USA has over 20 employees working hard to get the best genetics to the market. Traditionally strong in spinach, lettuce, melons and brassica crops, Rijk Zwaan USA is diversifying into new developing markets such as pickling cucumbers, greenhouse vegetables, and various other varieties specially designed with the consumer in mind.

Rijk Zwaan International

Rijk Zwaan puts people at its center. With around 3,500 employees in over 30 different countries we are devoted to developing products and services with added value for our partners. We have around 1,450 employees in our coporate office in the Netherlands. Our motivated colleagues and the continuous investments we make in research and development result in a truly healthy organization. We are aware of the big personal responsibility that this position carries. So together with our partners we want to actively promote and stimulate vegetable consumption and contribute to its supply. 

Company structure
Three families own approximately 90% of Rijk Zwaan. The remaining 10% of the company is owned by a large group of employees through the employee share plan. Every year, each colleague has the chance to buy share certificates to financially particpate in Rijk Zwaan. 

Long term vision
Rijk Zwaan was, is and always will be an independent enterprise. We are convinced that this form of enterprise offers the best starting point for success in the short and long term. The determination of the shareholders to continue as an autonomous company, together with our specific company culture, forms a strong motivation for Rijk Zwaan employees around the world.

Market position
Rijk Zwaan is the no. 4 vegetable breeding company in the world with a market share of 9%. We have chosen to focus fully on vegetable seeds and offer a wide assortment within the sector. 

Sales structure
To sell our varieties, we opt for a local approach. Our seeds are sold through over 30 local subsidiaries. In countries where we do not have our own subsidiary, we work with distributors. All of these companies operate at the heart of their particular market and take local climate conditions and market conditions into account.

Innovation
In order to develop new varieties and supply top-quality seeds, continuous innovation is essential. 40 percent of our colleagues are actively involved in research and development, and we invest around 30 percent of our turnover in R&D each year.

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Read more about Rijk Zwaan’s activities and opinions on the corporate website