Royal HZPC Group has closed the 2024/2025 financial year with its strongest performance to date, surpassing two major milestones: global revenue exceeded €500 million for the first time, while total worldwide tonnage passed the one million mark.

According to the company’s financial statement released on October 30, the potato breeder and seed potato trading specialist achieved total revenue of €525 million and a gross margin of €96.4 million. Net profit rose sharply to €17.1 million, before deduction of costs related to the Connecting Growers programme.

“Both HZPC and STET had a strong year, achieving growth in all key markets,” said Hans Huistra, CEO of Royal HZPC Group. “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. By keeping a close eye on costs, net profit also increased significantly.”

Dividend Increase Benefits Growers

HZPC’s improved results have a direct impact on its network of growers. Alongside a record payout, the dividend per certificate rose to €10.90 — a significant increase that benefits growers who are also certificate holders and therefore co-owners of the company.

Strong Variety Portfolio

“We’re pleased with the past year, but we remain vigilant,” Huistra noted. “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.”

Despite these challenges, the company highlighted strong performance from new varieties across all key market segments. In the French fry segment, five new introductions — Quintera, Travolta, Invictus, Cardyma and Castor — performed strongly. In chips, Norman and several STET varieties continued to gain ground, while Rashida and Panamera led in traditional export markets. The fresh segment also showed solid results, with Libra and Brianna emerging alongside European market leader Colomba.

Continued Expansion and R&D Investment

“Our investments in R&D are increasingly paying off, and we continue to invest,” Huistra said. “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.”