Equiflor is excited to introduce our second breeder: Royal Van Zanten

History:

The history of Royal Van Zanten is closely linked to the Netherlands, a country known for its flowers. Founded in 1862, this family-based business has evolved into an internationally respected breeder of numerous plant varieties, including Alstroemeria and Chrysanthemum, that Rio is proud to distribute.

Breeding:

The key to this longevity is the company’s in-house breeding technology. Their researchers use DNA technology, LED trials, and the very latest techniques in their state of the art laboratory to constantly improve and optimize breeding, storage, quality control and development. The challenge for those who create new varieties is to maximize their potential. To keep up with rapid developments in technology and new insights into consumer demand, Royal Van Zanten partners with other links in the supply chain so that they know what moves consumers and what retailers need. Alstroemeria varieties are just one example of the products bred and propagated at the company’s modern nurseries and laboratory. From the time the first plant of a new variety is produced until the product reaches the semi-commercial phase, can take five to seven years. Before the introduction, potential varieties are tested in The Netherlands as well as certain African countries, Colombia, and Japan.

These trials, assessed by Royal Van Zanten’s breeders, customers and their clients, enable them to select appropriate varieties that respond well to distinct cultivation conditions in different countries. From there, they can determine whether the semi-commercial variety will become a commercial one. Once a new variety is determined, the large-scale in vitro production of starting material takes place in Royal Van Zanten’s laboratories in South Africa and Colombia.

In order to control their breeding processes, Royal Van Zanten customizes their marketing procedures according to the specific product; they work very closely with suppliers and growers and are constantly collecting information about developments in the sector. They also keep close track of auction sales in order to respond appropriately to supply and demand.

Criteria Used to Assess the Best Varieties:

• Good color
• Reliability (heat tolerance)
• Production of sufficient stems of good quality
• Attractive bud presentation
• Sufficiently long vase-life
• Resistance to plant diseases

As a family business proud to bear the designation “Royal”, long-term relationships and continuity are extremely important to Royal Van Zanten. This not only applies to their staff but also to their customers and their partners in the supply chain. They combine the expertise built up over more than 150 years with an in-depth under-standing of the market, ensuring their developments remain innovative and relevant at all times. For more information, visit their website at royalvanzanten.com or find them on Facebook.

We would like to hear your opinion on the selected varieties provided by Royal Van Zanten. Please send us an email to marketing@equiflor.com and share your feedback!