As of today, Rijk Zwaan South Africa has taken over the sales activities from its former distributors Javelin Seeds and Filmflex Plastics. By establishing this new subsidiary, Rijk Zwaan expects to be able to serve the South African vegetable market even more effectively.

Over the last couple of months, the final preparations have been successfully completed for Rijk Zwaan South Africa. The management team comprises Jannie Fourie – formerly of Javelin Seeds – for commercial matters and Helena Minnie who is responsible for the financial aspects. In addition to the sales employees retained from Javelin Seeds who are bringing with them their valuable industry background, a number of new people have been recruited to complete the team. Rijk Zwaan South Africa is based at the former Javelin Seeds premises in Johannesburg.

“We have created a very experienced and motivated group of colleagues, with sales reps in all the important growing areas and a serious capacity for product development,” says Jannie Fourie. “We’re looking forward to combining our local knowledge with the international network and framework of Rijk Zwaan. By developing products and by sharing knowledge and experience about cultivation as well as marketing, it’s our ambition to help the South African vegetable sector to reach the next level.”

The family-owned company Rijk Zwaan is well known for its high level of service and personal approach. The company has been active in South Africa via its distributors for more than 20 years and has become the market leader in cucumber and leafy salad crops. The company also has a strong position in several other crops, such as sweet pepper, tomato and melon. The establishment of Rijk Zwaan South Africa is expected to have a positive impact on the assortment that can be offered to South African customers.