NL: Hobaho takes over Van Zanten Flowerbulbs’ lily breeding activities

Hobaho and Van Zanten Flowerbulbs have announced the merger of the lily breeding activities under the Hobaho flag. This strategic step is an alliance of years of expertise, experience, innovative, and future-oriented technology in the delivery industry.

This merger unites the entire lily breeding programs of Van Zanten Flowerbulbs and Hobaho, as well as the integration of both experienced and dedicated teams. Thanks to careful preparation, the accumulated knowledge is retained and the character of the breeding work is continued.

As a result, Van Zanten Flowerbulbs and Hobaho are striving for a sustainable future not only for their breeding efforts, but also for the breeding employees of Van Zanten Flowerbulbs who, from now on, will continue their work under the Hobaho umbrella. The joint breeding activities will continue in the greenhouses at the Van Zanten Flowerbulbs location in Hillegom, and use the existing laboratory and test facilities of Hobaho in Lisse.

Resistance and market potential
In recent years, Hobaho has invested heavily in the field of resistance breeding. The commercial varieties of Van Zanten Flowerbulbs, which emerged from an ambitious R&D programme, fit in seamlessly with this approach and strengthens the joint activity. This bundling creates a unique combination of scientific depth, practice-oriented application and commercial potential.

"With this transition, we are giving a strong boost to our ambition to develop new, resilient varieties that meet the requirements of the market faster and in a more targeted way," says Theo Aanhane of Hobaho. "We have had constructive discussions with Van Zanten Flowerbulbs and are pleased with the trust and careful transfer of its valuable breeding activities."

Cooperation continued – also internationally
Hobaho and Van Zanten Flowerbulbs will continue to work closely together to develop, test and commercially market new varieties. This collaboration is mainly aimed at marketing new varieties in the Netherlands and also cultivation in the southern hemisphere at the cultivation location of Van Zanten Flowerbulbs in New Zealand. These joint efforts ensure continuity in sales and international impact of the portfolio of tomorrow.

"In recent years, we have made great strides in the programs for OTs and Las, as well as in the breeding of pollenless and double Orientals. Breeding resistant and resilient lilies requires substantial investments. The combination of Hobaho's technological know-how with our modern parent lines – and the bundling of royalty income – creates a leading player in lily breeding. This also means a great step with a lot of potential for our enthusiastic and experienced employees," says Klaas Jan Vijn of Van Zanten Flowerbulbs.

First joint presentation during Dutch Lily Days 2025
During the Dutch Lily Days, from 3 to 6 June 2025, Hobaho and Van Zanten Flowerbulbs will be making a joint presentation for the first time. Visitors are welcome at the Van Zanten Flowerbulbs' location to ask questions and discuss the new positioning and promising lily varieties.