On Monday 27 February 2023, potato breeder HZPC celebrated its 125th anniversary. For HZPC, this was a day with an extra golden edge. Dr. A.A.M. Brok, Commissioner of the King of the Province of Friesland, also presented HZPC with the certificate for the predicate “Royal” on Monday afternoon in Joure. This is a special recognition for the international market leader in the field of potato breeding, seed potato trading and product concept development.
Looking beyond its own boundaries
In the presence of Mayor Fred Veenstra of the municipality of De Fryske Marren, Gerard Backx, CEO of HZPC, received the predicate from the King’s Commissioner. A special moment it was.
Gerard Backx highlighted the company’s focus on looking beyond its own boundaries.
“What we have learned in 125 years at HZPC is that it pays off to look beyond our own boundaries. We did that at the time of our founding, we still do it today. We try to use our knowledge and expertise to contribute to feeding the world’s population. We believe that the potato should play a major role in this.
“For that reason, we are continuously developing new potato varieties. Varieties that do well under the local, climatic conditions where they are grown. The Royal designation is literally the crowning glory of our work. A recognition for our employees, growers, breeders, customers and partners. For what we do and what drives us. And I am incredibly proud of that.”
Royal HZPC Group
A predicate Royal is not awarded lightly. A predicate Royal is a significant symbol of respect, appreciation, and trust from the King of the Netherlands towards the recipient. A company, organization, institute, or association must exist for over 100 years to qualify for the award.
Additionally, the company and its directors must demonstrate proper behavior, expertise, and a good reputation in the region. With the predicate Royal, HZPC has now become Royal HZPC Group, including the subsidiaries STET, HZPC, and ZOS.
As Royal HZPC Group celebrates its 125th anniversary, the company looks back on its unique history and continues to strive for the future. HZPC recognizes the global challenge of food security and aims to continue playing a key role in developing new solutions.
Read more about the past 125 years at www.hzpc.com/125.
Source: Royal HZPC Group
Contact:
Gerard Backx
info@hzpc.com
+31 (513) 48 98 88
