Rijk Zwaan USA strengthens team and showcases solutions at IFPA 2026

ORLANDO, FLORIDA, October 2026 – Rijk Zwaan, one of the world's leading vegetable breeding companies, is committed to developing innovative, high-quality vegetable varieties that help growers, retailers, and consumers succeed in a changing market. Through continuous investment in breeding, innovation, and partnerships, the company delivers solutions that create value across the fresh produce supply chain.

As part of its continued investment in the North American market, Rijk Zwaan recently welcomed Ernst van Eeghen as Managing Director of Rijk Zwaan USA. Ernst brings decades of leadership experience in the produce industry, including 25 years shared between Mann's, Germain's Seed Technology, and most recently, Church Brothers Farms as VP of Business Development.

Rijk Zwaan also welcomed Harumi Kuniyoshi as Hydroponic Lettuce Crop Specialist. Based in Ohio, she supports the company's hydroponic lettuce activities across the U.S. and Canada, helping growers adopt innovative lettuce solutions.

In addition, Erin Davenport joined Rijk Zwaan as Product Development Specialist for California's Central Valley. Erin succeeds long-time industry veteran Alex May and will focus on melon product development while supporting all outdoor crops.

IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show 2026

Visitors to the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show 2026 are invited to meet the Rijk Zwaan USA team at Booth 635 and discover how innovation and care come together to create meaningful solutions for the fresh produce industry.

At IFPA, Rijk Zwaan will showcase a portfolio of innovations designed to help growers, retailers, and consumers succeed in a changing market. Highlights include Sweet Palermo®, innovative tomato varieties, and lettuce solutions that create value across the supply chain.

Visitors can explore the versatility of Salanova®, a concept that helps retailers differentiate their assortment while inspiring consumers with fresh and convenient meal solutions. Rijk Zwaan will also present its multi-use lettuce concepts, developed to support multiple consumption occasions and drive category growth.

Another highlight is the company's leading resistance innovations, including Nasonovia Defense® (red aphid resistance in lettuce) and Rugose Defense® (Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus resistance). These solutions help growers reduce risk, improve crop reliability, and contribute to a more secure supply chain.

Rijk Zwaan will also participate in the Breeders Pavilion (Booth 4006), where visitors can learn more about the company's breeding expertise and innovations before visiting Booth 635 to discover its latest market-focused solutions.

Visitors are welcome at Booth 635 to discover the latest innovations, meet the Rijk Zwaan USA team, and explore new opportunities for collaboration.

IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show 2026
October 14-16, 2026 Booth 635 Orlando, Florida