Royal HZPC Group Reports Strong 2024/25 Results, Expanding Global Reach in Seed Potato Trade

Potato breeder and seed potato trading company Royal HZPC Group closes the 2024/2025 financial year with a strong result. The annual financial statements show that two major milestones have been reached for the first time: global revenue exceeded €500 million (USD 575 million), and total worldwide tonnage passed the 1 million mark.

Hans Huistra, CEO of Royal HZPC:

"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 (USD 603.75 million). Gross margin rose to €96.4 million (USD 110.9 million). By keeping a close eye on costs, net profit also increased significantly to €17.1 million (USD 19.7 million)."

This figure is before deduction of costs related to the Connecting Growers programme.

Good news for growers

These strong results directly benefit our growers. In addition to the previously announced record payout, the dividend per certificate also increased significantly to €10.90 (USD 12.54). Good news for growers who are also certificate holders — and therefore co-owners of Royal HZPC Group.

Strong varieties in every segment

Hans Huistra:

"We’re pleased with the past year, but we remain vigilant. The drop in free market prices at the end of last season, combined with challenges in the European tablepotato markets and several key export regions, show that the current year will be demanding — especially for free varieties. Still, we’re very satisfied with the growth of our 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."

Continued growth in acreage

Hans Huistra:

"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"

More information on Royal HZPC Group’s financial results and future plans can be found in our 2024/2025 annual report, which will be published this Friday, 31 October, on this website.