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For 85 years, the Mazereeuws’ entrepreneurial spirit has been a driving force at Enza Zaden. But the true secret to our growth over the years? It’s all about people. Our success comes from the collaboration of the right people—internally and with our customers and growers. While we honor our founders’ vision, we also recognize that our ongoing success is built by the dedicated Enza Zaden team who’ve worked together, year after year, to help us grow, innovate, and thrive.
For Jacob Mazereeuw, no hurdle was ever too high. His fearless drive and relentless determination were the fuel that sparked his pioneering spirit. His son, Piet, carried that legacy forward, bringing a deep passion for plants and product development. As a natural seed breeder and innovator, he infused the company with fresh energy and creativity. Today, the third generation, led by our CEO Jaap, continues to steer us towards new heights. With his steady yet ambitious long-term vision, Jaap ensures we’re always pushing the boundaries forward.
"You have to dare take risks, to spend money before you make money."
This statement is often heard at Enza Zaden, and it rings true, especially in the breeding sector. It takes up to 10 years of investment in time and money to develop a new vegetable variety, and then still, we must be the first and the best to earn our investment back. The enterprising spirit that started it all in 1938 is still driving our business. It’s no secret that every year, we invest 30% of our turnover in research and development. Why? To introduce the right solutions for the right customer at the right time and to follow our purpose: breeding to feed the world and creating value for sustainable life.