Potato breeding company Royal HZPC Group announced Gerard Backx, CEO of Royal HZPC Group, is stepping down from the breeding company. Hans Huistra, COO of Meatable will take over Gerard’s role as of Sept. 1, 2024, according to a press release.
Gerard Backx expressed to the Supervisory Board (SB) his desire to step down as CEO of Royal HZPC Group in 2024. He has led the potato breeding company since 2001.
The release notes that with over 30 years of leadership experience at companies such as Unilever, Friesland Campina, Hero, and Fonterra, Huistra brings a wealth of expertise to the role. Over the past seven years, he has also been a member of Cosun’s Supervisory Board.
Following Hans Huistra’s nomination in September, Backx will continue to work for Royal HZPC Group for as long as desired.
Strong Performance During a Turbulent Year
The release also noted that the 2023 crop year produced low yields per hectare of seed potatoes in seed sizes in Europe, especially in the Netherlands. This is due to a late and wet spring followed by warm and dry months. As a result, Royal HZPC Group is able to sell considerably fewer tons than originally projected in Europe. Additionally, many customers are opting to purchase larger-sized seed potatoes this year, partially offsetting the availability shortage. Typically, obtaining government permission is necessary for such purchases outside the EU, though exceptions are rare. However, this year, exceptions were granted. Moreover, yields outside Europe are generally above average, contributing to the solid growth experienced by Royal HZPC Group.
“We expect the total tonnage that we sell and/or is sold by licensees to increase by three per cent despite the decline in direct sales from Europe of over 10 per cent,” said Backx.
Royal HZPC Group’s licensed tonnage is increasing by 25 per cent particularly in the Americas and Asia. Despite the shifting ratio of direct sales to licensee-produced tons and higher selling prices, turnover remains steady at approximately €420 million, mirroring last year’s figures.
