Our Story

Driven by Passion

Innovative business
Royal Van Zanten is an innovative business with a successful track record in the international ornamental horticulture industry. We achieve this by constantly improving the genetics of our products, generating synergies in breeding, propagating and cultivation techniques and by working intensively with partners in the supply chain.

Successful genetics

Royal Van Zanten is your partner for innovative, profitable pot plants, cut flowers and bulbs that meet the needs of the market. We inspire the market with our market-focused concepts and wealth of experience.

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A sustainable world

We take our responsibility towards society very seriously and keep a close eye on what is happening around us. And we like to do our bit whenever we can. We invest in the environment and are committed to good citizenship in every country in which we work.

Since 1950

1862 was the year a small company started cultivating bulbs alongside potatoes on the “Zanderij van Six”. The roots of its success lie in the sandy soils around Hillegom.

More about 150 years of Royal History

Werken bij Royal Van Zanten

Tussenjaar of (net) afgestudeerd

40 hours per week in Rakaia, Nieuw- Zeeland

Area Export Manager Azië

 hours per week in Rijsenhout

Medewerker Veredeling

 hours per week in Hillegom/ Wouwse Plantage

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Working at Royal Van Zanten

“When it comes to innovations in cultivation and breeding, you can’t do better than Royal Van Zanten. We make sure we understand your needs and treat your product with care and attention.”

Sjoukje Heimovaara, Chief Executive Officer

“Growers are increasingly having to contend with diseases and pests as a result of changes in production methods or the banning of environmentally hazardous pesticides. By responding promptly to new diseases, I have been able to get to grips more easily with troublesome chrysanthemum and lily viruses."

Bas Brandwagt, Phytopathologist

“At our lab in Rijsenhout I work with a team of researchers on improving varieties by means of quality controls, new germination techniques and DNA research.”

Wim Rook, Head of Laboratory

“The great thing about working for Royal Van Zanten is that I get the chance to bring together the interests of the growers, the trade and the breeders, and everyone forms part of the development and the sales process. Working together in the supply chain is hugely important for the future.”

Jeroen Meeder, Area Export Manager Pot plants

“Royal Van Zanten has given me the opportunity to take courses and qualify as a breeder. I’ve been a breeder for five years now and I’m beginning to see the first results of my labour... and I’m very proud of them."

Dave Geerlings, Potchrysanthemum Breeder

“I am proud of our new pot Bouvardia – an elegant plant from our own ‘breeding kitchen’ with lots of ornamental qualities. Developed in conjunction with our partner grower, this pot plant is now available in four separate colours.”

Harry van Straaten, Team Leader, Breeding

“Breeding is teamwork, and besides assessing selections and choosing varieties that go on to win awards, I get to travel between the Netherlands, Kenya and Columbia to obtain the best results for our Alstroemeria range.”

Wim Haytink, Alstroemeria Breeder

“I really enjoy working for Royal Van Zanten because of the many flowers and plants here. After a few years in the Gladiolus department, I have now been working in the Lily breeding department for three years. Even without specialist training, Royal Van Zanten is giving me plenty of opportunities to grow.”

Adriaan Zweemer, Assistant Breeder
Sjoukje Heimovaara, Chief Executive Officer
Bas Brandwagt, Phytopathologist
Wim Rook, Head of Laboratory
Jeroen Meeder, Area Export Manager Pot plants
Dave Geerlings, Potchrysanthemum Breeder
Harry van Straaten, Team Leader, Breeding
Wim Haytink, Alstroemeria Breeder
Adriaan Zweemer, Assistant Breeder