Members of the brassica family are known for their versatility and nutritional value. With the #embracebrassicas campaign, we’re adding 'element of surprise' to that list. “This world-class crop deserves a place in the spotlight. Together with our chain managers and partners, we will inspire consumers with innovations such as rosé cabbage,” says Christian Spangenberg, Crop Co-ordinator at Rijk Zwaan.

‘Organic connects’ was the theme of the recent edition of Biobeurs, and the event certainly proved that in practice. Around 5,600 visitors from across the entire supply chain – from farm to fork – gathered in Apeldoorn for the Netherlands’ organic trade fair in mid-April. One highlight was the launch of the BioAcademy’s Retail learning module, which includes a significant contribution by Rijk Zwaan. “Deeper knowledge of organic vegetables in the retail sector can help our industry move forward,” says Heleen Bos, Specialist Marketing Organics.

As greenhouse projects worldwide continue to scale up, growers and investors are increasingly looking for reliable partners who help them reduce risk and make confident decisions. During GreenTech Amsterdam 2026 and its High Tech Weeks, fruit and vegetable breeding company Rijk Zwaan demonstrates how care, collaboration and data‑driven insights come together to build robust greenhouse business cases.

Greenhouse cultivation is on the rise worldwide. Growers are expanding internationally and new investors are entering the market. At GreenTech, Rijk Zwaan will demonstrate how the company helps partners to build strong business cases. Damion Schwarzkachel: “We use data to select genetics that increase efficiency, improve predictability and reduce labour dependency.”

Around the world, partly due to fluctuating energy prices and climate policies, there is growing interest in carbon-neutral vegetable cultivation. Investors and growers are keen to reduce their carbon footprint without compromising on yields or quality. Rijk Zwaan supports this transition with cultivation methods and varieties suited to energy-efficient greenhouse projects. During GreenTech Amsterdam and Rijk Zwaan’s High Tech Weeks, the fruit and vegetable breeding company will be demonstrating how this works in practice.

Consumers are increasingly choosing healthy, convenient and sustainably grown vegetables. Retailers are looking for unique concepts and consistent quality. How can growers and investors in the greenhouse sector capitalise on these trends? “At Rijk Zwaan, we share consumer trends and value-chain insights with our partners. These insights help investors reduce risk and build reliable business cases by aligning crop choices with market demand and pricing,” says Shuang Fan.

For growers of organic spinach, reliable varieties are essential; they have to perform well under varying conditions. Rijk Zwaan has published an updated leaflet presenting familiar and also new spinach varieties that have all proven themselves in terms of resistances, yield and product quality. Here, Crop Coordinators Wim in ‘t Groen and Filip Hermans discuss a number of them, highlighting their strengths for various growing seasons and organic sales markets in Europe.

Discover our new sustainability brochure Doing Business with Respect: Environment 2025–2026, outlining our CSR pillars with a focus on environmental actions and ambitions. Learn how we address climate, water, biodiversity, circularity and a clean living environment.

Babyleaf spinach has become popular due to its versatility: from salads and stir-fries to pizza toppings and smoothies. Moreover, availability is rarely an issue, because this healthy and tasty vegetable can be found in a supermarket’s chilled section all year round. Thanks in part to Rijk Zwaan’s comprehensive product range, growers can fulfil year-round delivery promises to retailers. In the meantime, behind the scenes, Rijk Zwaan’s market specialists and breeders are already working on the babyleaf spinach of tomorrow. Climate change, disease resistance and hydroponics are just some of the factors they need to consider.