"Innovation, expertise, and an unstoppable drive. Three words that capture the essence of Schoneveld Breeding." The seed breeder from Wilp combines decades of experience with an unrelenting ambition to keep moving forward. Commercial director Niels Zoetelief and Kathy McKay, area manager for North America, share their vision of what drives the company. "We are a knowledge-based company. We innovate with new products and concepts. That's what we're here for."
"Innovation tops our list of core values for a reason," says Niels. He reflects on recent breakthroughs such as Ciao Bella and Illusia, true gamechangers in the market. "Those were wonderful developments, and looking ahead, I can only see the pace of innovation accelerating." That acceleration is evident across the entire portfolio. From the continued refinement of Super Serie Dragon and Illusia, to the launch of entirely new concepts like Joybera, Schoneveld Breeding's fresh new Gerbera line.
AI in the greenhouse
Technology plays a vital role in this innovation. Schoneveld Breeding collaborates with other breeding companies in Breeding Accel, giving access to shared expertise and state-of-the-art breeding technologies. "And don't forget AI," adds Kathy. "It's transforming the world and for us, it speeds up our processes." Niels explains how AI helps marketing colleagues analyse global trends and values: "It allows us to understand what's happening in the world and respond faster." Kathy adds, "In the greenhouse, artificial intelligence gives growers more control over their crops."
Never good enough
Still, Kathy stresses that it's not only about inventing new things. "We never rest on our laurels. We have the largest Cyclamen programme in the world and what we have is good. But for us, it's never good enough." That perfectionism runs through every process at Schoneveld Breeding. Products are constantly improved: less use of growth regulators, faster production, better shelf life, and ever-greater uniformity.
Global expertise
Schoneveld Breeding has built a deep foundation of expertise. "We're a knowledge company," Niels says. "Many of our people have been here for decades, and that knowledge stays within the organisation. We write our own protocols and trust only what we can verify ourselves." This expertise is further strengthened by a global testing network. Growers around the world trial Schoneveld Breeding products under their own local conditions. The results of these trials make it possible to determine precisely under which circumstances each product performs best.
Green in every sense
Sustainability is also a key focus. "We practise low-input breeding," says Niels. "We were sustainable long before it became fashionable. By reducing chemicals, energy use, and growth regulators, our products are becoming more sustainable every year." However, Schoneveld Breeding deliberately avoids rushing ahead too fast; the company believes growers must be able to keep pace with sustainable developments without risking their production margins. At its own facilities, Schoneveld Breeding operates as sustainably as possible with solar panels, biogas supplied by a local waste processor, and a closed water system. But sustainability extends far beyond technology and the environment. "It's also about people," Kathy adds. She describes the company's production facility in Tanzania, where an entire community has developed around the site. "The local school now supports 250 children. We're genuinely changing lives there."
© Schoneveld Breeding
A family feeling
The sense of commitment, to each other and to the work, runs deep at Schoneveld Breeding. "It feels like family when you work here," Kathy smiles. She sees that same dedication reflected in the service provided to growers. "We stay in close contact, by phone, email, or WhatsApp. We support growers from the very beginning. It's not just about selling seed; it's about helping them achieve the best possible results from that seed." Schoneveld's growing support and area managers regularly visit customers, both online and in person, to check in during the growing process. "The energy our people bring is palpable the moment you walk through the door," says Niels. "They take real ownership of their work and do it with passion." That energy translates directly into rapid innovation. "Renewal and energy go hand in hand."
Stronger together
Kathy highlights the fresh ideas that come from collaboration with interns and chain partners. "Working together takes us further. We share our knowledge with growers, and that results in better products for consumers." That philosophy perfectly sums up what Schoneveld Breeding stands for: creating more value for everyone in the chain. Or, as they put it themselves: we plant X-tra value.
Schoneveld Breeding
Sluinerweg 15
7384 SC Wilp
Tel: +31 (0)571 27 17 17
[email protected]
www.schoneveld-breeding.com
