At Hazera, we value the people who have helped shape our company over the years. In this Heritage Edition, we reconnect with colleagues who have either moved on from Hazera or have been part of our team for many years. Today, we speak with Arthur Zuidweg, Supply Chain Planning Expert. For more than 40 years, Arthur has been an integral part of Hazera’s story.

Arthur began as an assistant bean breeder, coming from a background in garden architecture. Introduced to the seed business by his father-in-law, this step proved life-changing — bringing him not only a lifelong career but also a lifelong marriage. Arthur’s current role is Planning expert within the Supply Chain department.

From beans to supply chain, Arthur has seen it all. “Back in the day, we even did the quality checks ourselves. NAKTuinbouw trained me for this,” he recalls. Beyond work, Arthur treasures his family, with whom he shares many proud memories and joys, including his grandchildren.

What is a common myth about your job or field of expertise?

“There’s a common myth that Supply Chain ‘knows’ everything or can fix every problem. In reality, while we do play a central role — acting as the spider in the web between production, processing, demand planning, and sales — our real strength lies in connecting the dots.” Arthur explains that it’s Supply Chain’s responsibility to bring the right people and processes together. “But it’s important to stress that solving every issue requires collaboration across the organization. It’s never a one-team effort.”

In your opinion, what is the most important personality trait someone should have to work in your industry?

“In Supply Chain, you need to work well under pressure and show resilience. It’s about maintaining a helicopter view while staying calm and collected — especially during the high season, when stress levels can be intense,” explains Arthur.

Tell us about a project you’re proud of and why?

“I’ve been a Supply Chain Manager and Team Lead for more than 12.5 years. Beyond the business responsibilities, I truly enjoyed leading a team — it was a rewarding experience, and I’m proud of the team I had the opportunity to build. The personal connections mean a great deal to me.”

Arthur also benefited from the support of his wife, who managed a large team herself. “Exchanging experiences and learning from each other was inspiring, and she often offered me an invaluable ‘outside-in’ perspective.”

What does “Hazera – Growing Together” mean to you?

“Literally growing together. With a sense of unity and solidarity, we do this as a team — taking care of each other, listening to one another, and showing respect, even in our differences.” Arthur is convinced that that’s very important nowadays.

Tell us something interesting/funny about you most people don’t know.

“In my spare time, I enjoy woodworking with my son. Together, we design and create wooden tables with epoxy. Woodcraft is my hobby, and it’s even more special because I get to share it with him.”

What lessons have you learned in 40 years that you would pass on to younger colleagues?

“Over the years, I’ve witnessed the company’s growth, marked by rising sales and an expanding crop portfolio,” Arthur says. “But beyond the business achievements, the most valuable lesson I’ve learned in four decades is the importance of truly listening. When we listen to each other, we gain deeper understanding. And that’s how we find the best solutions together.”

What do you hope the company will achieve in the years ahead?
Arthur doesn’t beat around the bush: “We strive to be the market leader in onions.”

If we opened a time capsule from your first year here, what would we find inside?
“A forklift would be in the time capsule because it symbolises those early years of hard, hands-on work. And,” Arthur continues, “it reflects the practical side of my role, the dedication to keeping everything moving, and the way we all helped lay the foundation for what the company has become today. It’s more than just a machine, it represents reliability, effort, and the essential contribution we made from day one.”

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At Hazera, we value the people who have helped shape our company over the years. In this Heritage Edition, we’re reconnecting with colleagues who may have left the workplace, but whose contributions are still part of our story. Today, we speak with Wim van der Heijden, retired breeder and product development specialist from Kaatsheuvel (NL). Wim played a key role in the development of important crops and helped build the foundation that still supports our work today, a great example of what it means to grow together.

Wim, father of two daughters and grandfather of four grandchildren, worked at Hazera for nearly 40 years before retiring in 2019. After studying at the Higher Agricultural College, he started in 1981 as an assistant breeder in Stompwijk. There, he worked on bush beans, parsley, and other legumes. After about five years, he was transferred to the Tuitjenhorn location, where he spent another five years working as a breeder for radish, and later also for red beet and carrots.

“You can hardly imagine it now,” Wim says, “but back then there was no marketing department. Breeding and sales worked together, which sometimes led to large stocks of seeds that couldn’t be sold.” To improve this, a marketing department was set up. Wim became part of this team as Product Development Specialist for the root and bulb crops, which at that time included nearly all vegetable crops Hazera was active in.

Around 2000, Wim became Product Manager for onions, radish, leek, and red beet, and served as backup for carrots. Until his retirement, Wim remained active as Product Manager. In the last eight years, his focus was mainly on onions and radish. He led colleagues in various countries and worked on defining and developing the traits varieties needed to have.

What is a common myth in your field of expertise?
Wim laughs as he recalls a story that used to circulate: “A colleague once said courgette seeds germinate better if you put them under your pillow at night and sow them the next day. Whether it’s true? No idea, but it was a funny theory!”

In your opinion, what is the most important strength someone needs to be successful in your job?
Wim doesn’t have to think long. Good collaboration with colleagues and perseverance are, in his view, essential. “With onions, for example, a biennial crop, it takes about six years to go from A to B. It requires a lot of patience and endurance.” He also believes you shouldn’t be too theoretical. “I need to hold a product in my hands to judge whether it has potential. You can’t be afraid to get your hands and feet dirty,” he jokes.

Tell us about a project you’re proud of and why.
After a career spanning nearly 40 years, there are of course many projects to look back on. Wim is especially proud of the development of firmness in Hazera onions. He explains that Hazera was one of the first companies to purchase a firmness tester. “Every onion from every line was manually pressed to determine firmness and select the best. That project took about 15 years, but we really hit the mark with it. The Centro and Dormo varieties resulted from it.” Hazera still offers these varieties. And according to Wim, that’s likely to continue due to their unique characteristics. “Also worth mentioning,” Wim adds, “is that Hazera was one of the first to develop downy mildew resistance in onions. That was quite a breakthrough in onion breeding.” Wim has plenty more to say about onions. He enthusiastically talks about Hazera’s growth: “In the Benelux, we started with a 2 to 3% market share in onions. Thanks to the right varieties in terms of yield, firmness, sprouting tolerance and storability, we grew to almost 30%. We completely turned the market upside down.”

What does “Hazera – Growing Together” mean to you?
During the interview, Wim repeatedly emphasizes how Hazera grows as a team.
“Of course you’re never alone. We do everything together with the breeding team, the sales team, etc. We started with a 2 to 3% market share in onions. That’s nothing, right? Farmers didn’t even know us. And to turn that into almost 30%, we achieved that together.” Wim is also proud of what Hazera achieved in radish by working with the same breeders. “Stability is very important, and that’s how you achieve the best results. I had the great privilege of choosing my own people. That’s a big plus, because you always choose people who suit you and have the right background. They were truly committed. That kind of motivation really makes a difference.”Tell us something about yourself that most people do not know.
“What most of my former colleagues probably don’t know,” Wim explains, “is that I always wanted to be a farmer. That never really came up at work.” Since he didn’t come from a farming background, he worked on a farm during school to gain hands-on experience. Wim continues: “That’s where I learned the tricks of the trade. Looking back, it really laid the foundation for my role as a breeder.” Things could’ve turned out very differently though. Originally, Wim planned to go into livestock. But after a crop farming internship, he changed direction. “Yes, I loved it,” he says with a smile. “And believe it or not: I only wrote one job application, and that was to Hazera!” Except for one short detour, Wim stayed until he retired. A career to be proud of!

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At Hazera, we are proud of our dedicated team, which works passionately to provide our growers with the best products. While we tend to put our products in the headlines, it is the Hazera team who are behind our success. Let’s shine the spotlight on Maria Martinez, Marketing Communications Manager from Almería, Spain.

Maria Martinez is 30 years old and has been with Hazera for almost nine years. She started in finance at Hazera and gradually began combining both finance and marketing communications. “When I started, the Marcom department didn’t exist at all. We only had a Facebook page but we didn’t use Instagram or other platforms,” Maria explains. “So I created the Marcom department. Then we began to professionalise our marketing actions more and more.” While she also handles finance responsibilities—sometimes stepping in for the finance manager during maternity or sick leaves—her passion lies in marketing. “While finance is all about clear numbers and predictability, marketing allows me to think outside the box, be creative, and work on something different every day.”

Maria’s connection to agriculture runs deep through her family. “My family has a greenhouse, and they have been working in agriculture for years. My grandfather also had a open fields where he used to grow all the fruit and vegetables that they ate in the house. I remember when I was a child, I used to go to the open field with my cousins and grandparents in the afternoon to pick up apples, lemons, and potatoes. So, I’ve been in contact with agriculture since I was a child.”

What is a common myth about your field of expertise?

“I think that in these last two years, people have been thinking of Hazera Spain as a company that innovates a lot and is always doing different things,” Maria shares. She recounted how their innovative approach has become their signature:

“Last year we did 3D billboards which we placed along the highway, and one girl saw the billboard, only seeing a flash of the Hazera logo. But she immediately asked me, ‘Is that 3D billboard from Hazera?’ When I said yes, she replied, ‘I knew it had to be from Hazera because it’s something very different, very innovative, and this is something only Hazera does.'”

Maria continues, “People always say we’re the only company doing very different activities. When we go to fairs, everybody likes to visit our stands because they know they’ll see something totally different compared with the rest of the companies. Marketing is very important, because it often is the first glimpse you get from the company.”

In your opinion, what is the most important personality trait someone should have to work in your industry?

Maria emphasises that “the secret of Hazera Spain is the team. When you enter the company, the feeling is that everybody is working, but if someone laughs, another laughs also. We try to have a very good environment.” She stresses the importance of connection in marketing work: “For social media, for different events, you need to have a good connection with people. Because even though we sell products, we’re a company that works for people. It’s very important to have a good positive attitude. Never say this is impossible. Especially in marketing, flexibility is crucial. If you can’t do something today, tomorrow you can.”

Tell us about a project you’re proud of and why.

“This year I’m very proud of the cinema campaign, and I am not only proud because of the result, but also because of the process,” Maria says enthusiastically. The ambitious project began when General Manager Manolo mentioned being at the cinema with his daughters and suggested doing something cinema-related. “We thought about this campaign in July of last year. We couldn’t tell anyone anything because if another company did something similar with cinema, the campaign would have been a total disaster.” The comprehensive campaign included a 15-minute film about the Heredero tomato variety, cinema advertisements for other varieties like ZiMMan, Nemeton, Pendragon, and Windsor, billboards designed like movie clapperboards, a Women’s Day cinema team-building event, and a premiere complete with red carpet. Despite challenges, including unexpected rain during filming in typically dry Almería, the campaign was a tremendous success. “This was Heredero’s first commercial year, and we sold all the seeds. Our marketing campaign had a result.”

What does “Hazera- Growing Together” mean to you?

For Maria, Growing Together represents collaboration at every level. “I do a lot of collaborations with influencers, and with other companies. I think the right way to grow is to collaborate because we can learn together. Also, Growing Together is reflected in our commitment to the clients— for example, this year we celebrated family days and invited people to the cinema to see our film. We don’t want to only involve the clients with Hazera, but like to involve their families as well. Because if the family is involved, they’ll have a good vision of Hazera and they are going to talk to other people about Hazera.”

Tell us something about yourself that most people do not know.

“The majority of people, external and sometimes internal, think that I studied marketing because I do everything related with marketing. But the reality is I studied finance and accounting,” Maria reveals with a smile. “Everything I learned was by myself. I did a lot of online courses, learning how to edit videos, how to create good social media planning. When I started in marketing it was like an obsession for me. I started following marketing companies, reading marketing books, and listening to marketing podcasts. While finance taught me precision, it’s marketing that allowed me to think beyond limits and write the story I’ve always wanted to tell.”

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At Hazera, we are proud of our dedicated team, which works passionately to provide our growers with the best products. While we tend to put our products in the headlines, it is the Hazera team who are behind our success. Let’s shine the spotlight on Juan Montes, Product Development Specialist Tomato from Almería, Spain.

Juan Montes, father of two, was born in a coastal town in Almería, Spain. “Fortunately, I grew up surrounded by beaches and greenhouses, and since my father is a farmer, my connection with the crops was inevitable. So, I studied agricultural engineering at the University of Almería and started working as a crop advisor in 2004. After a little more than two years, I changed sectors and began working as an engineer in the technical department of a public works company. However, my love for crops led me back to technical advising for seven years at a large export company. Finally, I joined Hazera in 2014 as the development manager for tomato cultivation, where I remain to this day.”

What is a common myth about your field of expertise?
“In the agricultural sector, seed companies and the people who work for them are well received because they always bring new developments. However, we are rarely fully trusted, and it is often thought that our goal is only to sell at all costs.” Juan shook his head and said, “but nothing could be further from the truth. It is true that we aim to sell and repeat the sale year after year, but what we really seek is a partner who evolves and works with us, and we strive to build long-term partnerships, where both parties benefit and is built on trust.”

In your opinion, what is the most important strength someone needs to be successful in your job?
Juan said that “listening and understanding are the most essential traits.” He continued saying that “many times, we are eager to explain our materials, varieties, and their advantages, but perhaps we do not fully understand the focus, which leads to frustrations. Properly listening to and understanding the needs of the growers, the supply chain, and the consumers are the keys to success in our business.”

Tell us about a project you’re proud of and why.
“Over my ten years at Hazera, I’ve been part of many projects, but I’m especially proud of my growing involvement in Fresh Chain. This initiative allows me to deepen my knowledge of cultivation and markets while gaining a broader, global perspective on the business. It also gives me the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from diverse countries and cultures,” Juan shared enthusiastically then he added, “It’s not just exciting—it’s also a significant challenge. A great example is our exceptional Roma tomato, Heredero. I have the privilege of showcasing it to customers in various countries, including Mexico, Morocco, and Spain, where it has been performing well. Heredero embodies everything we strive for: outstanding quality, firmness, ideal shape and size, high production, and most importantly, resistances, especially against ToBRFV.”

What does “Hazera- Growing Together” mean to you?
Juan said that for him Grower Together means “on one hand, growing myself as a professional, thanks to the development opportunities provided by Hazera and the chance to meet incredible people and professionals from other countries, whom I also see evolving. On the other hand, seeing how the growers, who work with us, grow thanks to our varieties and recommendations.”

Tell us something about yourself that most people do not know.
“Although everyone sees a logical progression in my career—being the son of a farmer, growing up surrounded by greenhouses—it’s normal to be linked to this job/sector. But the truth is, for me as a child going to the greenhouse when we misbehaved was a punishment by my father. When I got to university and told him I wanted to be an agricultural engineer, he was perplexed and when I started my studies, I discovered a new world and began to see plants differently. Fortunately.” Smiled Juan.

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Was it destiny that led Maria Adamopoulou to the seed industry and Hazera? It certainly seems so.

Raised around her grandparents’ grocery store in Athens, she grew up watching them source fresh vegetables from the central market at dawn. These early experiences sparked a lifelong connection to fresh produce. After earning her degrees in agronomy, Maria initially considered a PhD but chose a different path after marrying an agronomist who represented Bejo in Greece. Following his sudden passing 12 years ago, she returned to her roots and founded a fresh vegetable distribution company, working closely with growers, traders, and retailers. In 2019, her industry expertise led Hazera Hellas to bring her on board. Today, she holds a dual role in Product Development for Lettuce and Brassicas, as well as Fresh Market Specialist.

How does Hazera’s brand story have an impact on your day to day?
“Hazera’s brand story inspires me every day. With the support of a dedicated team and high-yielding products, I start each morning motivated and confident. Whether I’m in the field or at the office, I’m driven by a shared commitment to our customers and the feeling that we’re growing together.”

Can you share a project when you felt this pillar in action?
“Two years ago, I met the owner of a hydroponic greenhouse, who was new to the agriculture business at that time. After two years of failed tomato production, he didn’t want to hear about hybrids anymore. However, through ongoing visits and discussions with him, we uncovered the real issue: he was growing hybrids based on trader demands, without knowing his greenhouse was contaminated with ToBRFV. The varieties he used had no tolerance, leading to constant crop failures. The following season, he decided to try Lollipop—and everything changed. No diseases, excellent taste, beautiful shape and color, and most importantly, high yield and profits. Moments like these remind me why I’m proud to be part of a team that delivers real solutions. It’s a pleasure and a privilege to work with a company that offers not just products, but confidence and support every step of the way.”

What motivates you most about being part of this Hazera’s journey?
“Over the past six years, building strong relationships with growers and customers has brought me immense personal fulfillment. This motivates me to continuously improve and strengthen our collaboration, grounded in mutual trust and the expertise we provide. It can be challenging when I encounter a dissatisfied growers or customer, but my goal is to apply my knowledge and experience to address these concerns and, over time, turn the situation into a fruitful, lasting relationship.”

What excites you the most about Hazera’s future?
“I feel confident to be a member of Hazera. What excites me most is the prospects that are offered with Hazera’s innovative and dynamic R&D programs: products that will be on the top list of choices for our growers. We offer hybrids in the market with the purpose to combine quality, performance, and solutions to diseases and other problems that constantly arise in the growers’ everyday life.”

Would you like to learn more about our brand story? Contact us!

Jihan Mercier is the Head of Marketing and Business Development. Following her MBA, she started working in agriculture in 2012 and had the chance of living in Switzerland, Panama and Singapore. Jihan joined Limagrain first with HMC as their Portfolio Lead for Solanaceae in 2018 in the United States and transitioned to her current role with Hazera in 2021, in the Netherlands.

How does Hazera’s brand story have an impact on your day to day?
“2 years ago, we re-branded Hazera and since then, we have centered our mission around the core ethos of “growing together” by making people, partnerships, and crops flourish. This resonates deeply with me because beyond a statement, it really transcends how we work. Every day, our inclusive environment allows diverse perspectives to create breakthrough solutions. Whether brainstorming with team members from different cultural backgrounds or collaborating with growers in various regions, diversity isn’t just a buzzword; it has truly become the engine for creativity and problem solving.”

Can you share a moment/project when you felt this pillar in action?
“We are a global company with more than a thousand employees spread between our 2 headquarters (Israel and the Netherlands) and our 11 subsidiaries. We have over 1,600 varieties sold in more than 130 markets. In essence, our global diversity is in action in every part of the company. Just look at our marketing team with its 35 team members with 13 nationalities, a gender parity of 51% female / 49% male and varied years of experience between 2 and 40 years. How much more diverse can we be? We leverage this diversity to collaboratively execute successful projects whether launching new varieties with value added traits, organizing events such as our recent participation at Fruit Logistica, our week 39 International Open days or in running global campaigns, like “Tomatoes That Work for You”. Everything we do is imprinted with a local touch and our commitment to understand the markets shows in the excitement customers display about working with us. If I must highlight a moment where I really saw diversity in action, I’m transported to a field in Northern Mexico where we were evaluating our new ToBRFV-IR varieties, and in the greenhouse, you had an American, a French, an Israeli, a Mexican, a South African and a Haitian (me) giving feedback on the varieties and that diversity in perspective is unparalleled.”

What motivates you most about being part of this journey of Hazera?
“What drives me most is knowing that I’m part of a company that values every voice. Hazera’s commitment to inclusivity ensures that we don’t just work side by side—we actively learn from one another. This nurturing environment embraces a spectrum of perspectives, allows us to create high-quality seeds, and leads to better, more innovative solutions. Our “People Behind the Crops” concept is a key testament to this diversity as we proudly showcase the people that contribute to Hazera’s success – in every part of the organization. We aspire to contribute to global food security and sustainable agriculture. In order to support our growers and customers; we need to embrace the diversity of our teams which bring passion, experience and strong commitment to innovation.”

What excites you the most about Hazera’s future?
“Looking ahead, I’m thrilled about Hazera’s future because our focus on diversity and innovation is paving the way for groundbreaking advancements. Anchoring our brand’s story to the deeply rooted values of global diversity took courage and I’m proud we’ve been able share how our story of growth, inclusivity, and collaboration went beyond a simple initiative and became the foundation of our innovative spirit. Diversity is not something we take for granted: the same way we embrace our people, we embrace the diversity of crops that we breed. The rich heritage of our varieties – such as Marshal, which celebrated 30 years as a game-changing pointed cabbage continues to embolden us to push the boundaries and to use our collective, diverse strength to transform agriculture and empower communities worldwide for generations to come. And that, excites and motivates me.”

Would you like to learn more about our brand story? Contact us!

Clara Segura, has been a Tomato Breeding Lead and breeder at Hazera since 2011. Her role involves developing new beef and intermediate tomato varieties that are resilient, high-yielding, and adapted to various growing conditions.

How does Hazera’s brand story have an impact on your day to day?
“As a biologist, Hazera’s brand story profoundly influences my daily work. It reminds me to look to nature for inspiration and solutions, fostering a deep respect for the natural world. This perspective drives me to develop sustainable varieties that benefit both our growers and the environment.”

Can you share a project when you felt this pillar: Inspired by Nature in action?
“One memorable project was our collaboration with local growers to develop a new variety adapted to early Spring planting, following exactly the most important requirements they expressed: big fruit size, good cold adaptability and earliness. Seeing the growers’ enthusiasm and the thriving crops was a powerful reminder of how our work being inspired by nature can create tangible benefits for growers.”

What motivates you most about being part of Hazera’s journey?
“What motivates me the most is the opportunity to make a positive impact on global food security. Knowing that our innovative solutions help growers around the world grow healthier, more resilient crops is incredibly fulfilling and drives me to continue pushing the boundaries of agricultural science.”

What excites you the most about Hazera’s future?
“I am most excited about the potential for new technological advancements and sustainable practices that we can integrate into our work. The future holds endless possibilities for enhancing crop resilience and productivity, all while maintaining our commitment to the environment. At Hazera, we are poised to lead the way in creating a sustainable and prosperous future for agriculture.”

Would you like to learn more about our brand story? Contact us!

Michał Taraska, Hazera’s Global Value Chain Lead, was practically born into the world of agriculture—his family’s farming roots go back generations. With a master’s in agribusiness and a life-long fascination with how a tiny seed can turn into something amazing, he’s spent 15 years in the seed and vegetable industry. Almost nine of those were with Limagrain, and for the last five, he’s been shaping the Fresh Chain first in Poland and now in his global role.

What is a common myth about your job or field of expertise?
“People think that I’m always in meetings with retailer stores and their managers, but in reality, what takes up a lot of my time is preparation. Putting a product on the shelves takes a lot of effort. There are plenty of great vegetables on the market, and getting retailers to choose yours requires the cooperation of multiple departments and stakeholders for instance coordinating with breeders, analyzing market needs, and working with traders and retailers. Another myth is that in Fresh Chain, vegetables need branding too. Everyone takes the importance of branding for products like clothing or electronics for granted, but branding is also crucial for selling vegetables. You cannot just rely on the fact that they’re tasty and healthy—you need to make customers want them.”

In your opinion, what is the most important personality trait someone should have to work in your industry?
“I think it’s perseverance, and what I call the ‘gardening approach’ to business” Michał explains. “A gardener never expects his work to be finished—he knows it’s a continuous cycle. Just like we do. We plant seeds, nurture them, care for the garden every day, and harvest. Then, we start all over again. To thrive in this business, you need passion, a forward-thinking mindset, and a deep understanding of consumption and health trends. You need to bring quality and build trust, because people rely on both you and the product you deliver.” Then Michał adds “being open, positive, and eager to foster relationships with your business partners are also essential traits.”

Tell us about a project you’re proud of and why?
“The project I’m most proud of is participating in the Fruit Logistica Innovation Award 2024 with our mini seedless watermelon, Exceed. When we began preparing for this event, we had a very tight timeline. But thanks to our dedicated team, an exceptional product, and a strong partnership with Staay Food Group, we achieved incredible success. This year, we were proud to return to Fruit Logistica, where we had a lot of meetings with major players interested in our tomato varieties.”

What does “Hazera- Growing Together” mean to you?
“For me, the core principle is building strong cooperation with our stakeholders and partners. Our goal is to support their success and grow alongside them. We strive to showcase the best of our products and pipeline, ensuring that together, we achieve sustainable growth and success.”

Tell us something interesting about yourself that most people don’t know.
“People who work with me quickly notice that I’m dyslexic, which means I sometimes make mistakes when speaking or writing emails. It’s more challenging for me than for the average person, but I also see dyslexia as an advantage as it enhances my creativity and intuition. I rely on my instincts to understand market trends and solve problems quickly by recognizing the most effective solutions.”

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At Hazera, we are proud of our dedicated team, which works passionately to provide our growers with the best products. While we tend to put our products in the headlines, it is the Hazera team who are behind our success. Let’s spotlight Malgorzata Zadura, Product Development Manager from Warsaw, Poland.

Malgorzata Zadura, a Product Development Manager, from Poland, studied horticulture and her whole working life has been connected to the seed business. Right after finishing her studies, she started working for different seed businesses in Poland, and 20 years ago, she joined the Hazera team.

What is a common myth about your job or field of expertise?
Malgorzata said, “when I explain to people that part of my job is to evaluate the new varieties and introduce them to a Polish market, they are surprised because they don’t know that there are so many different varieties on the market. I can understand that for consumers it is not very obvious, and they think that the variety they buy in the stores is the same as the ones from twenty years ago.”

In your opinion, what is the most important personality trait someone would need to be successful in your job?
“In my opinion, the most important thing is that you need to do what you like and what you are passionate about. Just like me.” Smiles Malgorzata. “Even though I do not come from a horticultural family, I knew I wanted to work in horticulture, so I studied it and have worked in this field my whole life. But as a personal trait, I would say it is essential to be able to adapt to different situations as this position requires a lot of travelling.”

Tell us about a project you are proud of and why.
“I am proud of our “Delikatesy Hazera” product line we created for the varieties with exquisite taste because we noticed that people want to have tasty varieties and vegetables. We know from our clients who sell in the small markets that our tasty varieties are more popular. So, we started this “Delikatesy Hazera” product line with our pink tomatoes which were the first ones in the Polish market. The project is becoming so popular that our tasty varieties, even if they’re not so firm, are introduced to the supermarkets as well. This success is also a result of the high involvement and effort of the marketing team.”

What does “Hazera- Growing Together” mean to you?
“For me, it means a lot as I have been working in Hazera for almost twenty years, and I have witnessed a lot of growth in the company. For example, when I started, there were only six people in the Polish team and now it is around twenty people. I can say that I also grew.” Malgorzata reminisced about the time she started at Hazera. “I started as a salesperson and moved to product development. In the beginning, I was only responsible for Hazera products and later I started to work with crops that I was not familiar with at all. Of course, I had to learn all about them, so I grew my knowledge and skillset too. Also, during my twenty years, I have been collaborating with growers, and I see them grow as well. Some growers that I knew from the beginning are still growing our varieties and have much more hectares than they had some years ago.

Tell us something about yourself most people do not know.
Malgorzata started with a laugh. “People do not know what my real name is, because when I introduce myself to someone for the first time, I use my official name, but usually I sign my emails using one of my nicknames, like Gośka, Gosia. So, many people think that another person is writing the email for me. I always have to explain that my name is Malgorzata, but I have nine different nicknames. Also, sometimes, when it is difficult for people to pronounce my name, they can call me in the English version of my name, which is Margaret. I find it funny.”

Click here to learn more about the Delikatesy Hazera product line in Poland.

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At Hazera, our dedicated team works passionately to provide our growers with the best products. While our products often take center stage, it is the Hazera team that truly drives our success. Today, we shine the spotlight on Milan Zivkovic from Leskovac, Serbia.

Milan Zivkovic, Product Development Manager, lives in Serbia with his wife and two children. He graduated as an agronomist in 2009 and has been working in the vegetable seed industry since then, taking on roles in sales, product development, and area management. Milan has been a valued member of the Hazera team for almost three years.

What is a common myth about your field of expertise?
“I think, especially in the Balkans, Southeast Europe, a common myth is that working in agriculture is very hard, involving heavy physical work or tough conditions. That’s why youngsters don’t choose agriculture as a profession, but they should as it’s a rewarding work. As an agronomist, you can travel, learn extensively, and meet many people.”

In your opinion, what is the most important personality trait someone should have to work in your industry?
According to Milan, patience is crucial in his job. “You need to wait for results, particularly in product development, where it takes at least six months from sowing to harvesting and after that, it takes around three months to see the hybrids. So, first, it’s necessary to see how the varieties perform and only then make decisions based on the results. Precision, especially with timings, is also essential, because in agriculture if you miss something, you will need to wait another season.”

Tell us about a project you are proud of and why.
“Right when I started my journey at Hazera, I was ‘thrown into deep water’.” Laughs Milan. “By this, I mean that at that time we were organizing the open field days in Serbia. We had distributors from various countries in our region. For me, it was a fantastic start. It was a great opportunity to learn about our varieties, the market, and our customers. I’m proud of it, because I could contribute to the success of that event, even though I just started.”

What does Hazera growing together mean to you?
Milan says that “for me, growing together means two different things. One is professional growth as you can learn a lot from other colleagues and from the customers too. The other part is the growth of the company. Hazera is constantly investing in new ways and crops to stay on top of the market, and I think it’s a very good opportunity for our growers to grow together with us. Also, we’re solving a lot of problems for growers. For example, with ToBRFV, we started to introduce new varieties helping growers advance with us.”

Tell us something about yourself that most people do not know.
“I think that most people don’t know that I’m not just an agronomist, but also a farmer and vegetable grower. When we have visitors in our regions, they see that I’m also growing vegetables, and they are surprised to see my results.” Smiles Milan proudly. “One time, my six-year-old son helped me measure the sugar level of the watermelons I harvested, and he really liked the sweet taste of it. He said I have a cool job.”

Do you want to stay connected with our Hazera people?

Follow us our social media channels to stay connected with our Hazera people! If you have any questions left, don’t hesitate to ask them via our contact page!

From November 12 to 15, Hazera once again made its mark at Expo Agroalimentaria Irapuato 2024, one of the most prominent agricultural events in Mexico and Latin America.

This annual gathering brings together producers, companies, and innovators in the agri-food sector, serving as a key platform for exchanging knowledge and showcasing the latest innovations in agriculture.

This year, Hazera stood out with a dynamic booth and a highly skilled team dedicated to providing quality solutions for the challenges faced by growers. During the event, the team interacted with growers, distributors, and technicians, sharing experiences, personalized advice, and in-depth knowledge about the varieties best suited to specific growing conditions. It was also a privilege to welcome Hazera’s new CEO, Ofer Peleg, at the expo.

Hazera’s portfolio for this year included an impressive selection of varieties that have demonstrated outstanding performance in different agricultural regions. Some of the most notable were Canelo, Mago, Pendragon, Windsor, Fénix and Galoper.

Furthermore, Hazera introduced two new additions in its portfolio this year: Heredero and Indomable, which sparked significant interest among attendees. These varieties were developed to provide innovative solutions to meet current agricultural market needs, standing out for their resistance, productivity, and high quality.

The Hazera Mexico team extends its gratitude to all the visitors, partners who made this experience a resounding success. Their participation serves as a reminder of the positive impact that can be achieved by uniting efforts for the benefit of the agricultural sector.

See you at next year’s Expo Agroalimentaria!

Hazera held its International Open Days from September 24th to 26th, welcoming hundreds of customers from all over the world. During the event, visitors had the opportunity to “connect their senses” by touching and tasting a wide range of Hazera varieties at the fields and on displays, while also hearing insights from our crop experts about key highlights.

We had the pleasure of speaking with one of our customers attending the event, Ipatioaie Costel, the sales representative for Adri Prodcom in eastern Romania. With over 16 years of experience working with Hazera, Ipatioaie primarily focuses on tomatoes and cabbage, while also dealing with radishes, peppers, and watermelons.

The conversation began with a discussion of the challenges currently facing the agricultural industry. According to Ipatioaie, the biggest hurdle is adapting to the rapidly shifting market demands. He emphasized the importance of understanding growers’ needs, developing strategies to meet them, and introducing innovative products while maintaining a competitive edge. “None of this is possible,” he noted, “without quality seeds, high-yielding varieties, fair pricing, and strong grower support.”

When asked about Hazera’s ability to respond to these market changes, Ipatioaie highlighted the strong collaboration between his team and Hazera. “This partnership allows us to take the necessary steps to overcome challenges. We work together to identify what is important—finding new, quality varieties for the market. It is a step-by-step process. First, we assess the market and competition, then work with Hazera to conduct trials, evaluate the results, and decide if a variety is suitable. This takes time—patience is key, especially since some varieties respond to market needs faster than others.”

Reflecting on his long-standing partnership with us, Ipatioaie expressed pride in the company’s consistent delivery of high-quality products, particularly tomatoes. “Hazera tomatoes are known for their taste, color, and quality,” he said. “Consumers first look for good taste, then color, and now they also want quality and high yield.” He described the balance between taste, resistance, and transportability as like a chess game, where you must prioritize traits based on market demand.

Ipatioaie thought that Hazera’s slogan, “Growing Together,” is both meaningful and fitting. “It is a powerful message,” he remarked. “Working together is essential for success, and this slogan perfectly reflects the shared commitment in the whole industry.”

For Ipatioaie, the most rewarding part of his job is engaging with growers, understanding their challenges, and providing solutions that truly make a difference. “That’s the best part—offering quality solutions after listening to their needs. To do this successfully, you need strong collaboration skills. Without being close to the growers and understanding the markets, success is impossible.”

Would you like to learn more? Contact us!

Hazera’s newly appointed CEO reflects on Growing in the seed industry

A conversation with Hazera’s new CEO, Ofer Peleg

In his two and half years as Deputy CEO, and in leadership roles at dynamic global companies, Ofer Peleg has gained significant experience in business and agriculture. Now, as he steps into the CEO-role at Hazera, Ofer reflects on lessons learned and looks ahead to what the future holds.

“It’s been a fascinating 2.5 years, in which we’ve worked to optimize our efficiencies and leverage our capabilities”, Ofer begins. “I find the most valuable lessons to be this industry’s innovative nature and strong focus on sustainability.  That is what is leading us to find better solutions every day. I’m proud to be a part of it.”

Growing Together
“For me, the customer is front and center,” Ofer explains his priorities and his plans to strengthen Hazera’s focus on growing together with customers worldwide, and with the growers in a diverse global community in more than 130 countries.

“We’re putting great effort into adding value for them with our solutions, such as improving our loyalty programs, service level agreements and seed products to meet the needs of clients in different markets.”

 “There’s a strong sense of partnership, professionalism and community within the organization. It is evident that our employees enjoy what they do and go above and beyond.” Ofer highly values the input he receives from employees. “It’s important to me to always be listening to what they have to say. I’ll admit that I can be demanding as a manager, but the greatest demands I make, are for myself.” To continue moving forward, Ofer says, Hazera as an organization needs to be flexible, agile and strongly focused on product quality. “By fostering a strong sense of ownership in everything we do, we can push our organization to excellence.”

Building on a century of growth
With Hazera celebrating its 100^th anniversary in 2025, Ofer takes a look at the future. “I’m honored that we’re part of the Limagrain Group, , together with our sister companies Vilmorin.Mikado and HM.Clause: the number one vegetable seed company in the world. Together, I see us continuing to play a huge role in the successes of the vegetable seed industry. And, most importantly, in the successes of the growers that we’ve been serving for nearly a century. We look forward to serving them for the century to come!” #GrowingtogetherAbout Ofer Peleg
Ofer joined Hazera in 2022 as deputy CEO after working for four years at Netafim (precision Irrigation global leader) as Vice-President, Global Supply Chain. Ofer had also previously worked 20 years in the pharmaceutical industry, most prominently at Teva Pharmaceuticals.

For more information, please contact:
www.hazera.com / or check our social channels

HAZERA: Growing Together
Hazera Seeds is a global company that develops, produces, and commercialize  seed varieties and is a global leader in the seed industry. Hazera has headquarters in both the Netherlands and Israel and operates subsidiaries in 11 countries, together with a distribution network serving over 130 markets.
Hazera is part of the Limagrain Group, an international farmers’ cooperative based in France. Limagrain has grown into the largest seed company in Europe, specializing in vegetables, field crops and cereals. The vegetable seed division at Limagrain is the largest in the industry

On September 24–26, Hazera will host its annual International Open Days in Warmenhuizen, where you will have the opportunity to explore our crop varieties up close and also get an inside look at the breeding process behind these varieties directly from Manu Parmar, our Global Breeding Lead for Cabbage.

Manu Parmar has been working with Hazera for the past few months and he is based in Warmenhuizen. He lives in Haarlem with his wife and two daughters. He was born and brought up in New Delhi, India. His father is a soil scientist, which motivated Manu to pursue an education in the field of agricultural sciences. He did his PhD in vegetable crops with a specialization in Breeding from Punjab Agricultural University. He has 18 years of experience in breeding various vegetable crops and back in India, he was a cabbage breeder.

What is a common myth about your job or field of expertise?
“I think a common myth about working as a plant breeder in a seed company is that the job is mostly about working in the fields and greenhouses. While fieldwork is certainly a part of the job, plant breeders often spend a significant amount of time in the office conducting data analysis, planning breeding programs, and managing projects.” Manu thinks for a second then continues saying that “another myth is that plant breeders are solely responsible for all aspects of the breeding process. But in reality, they often work as part of a larger team that includes research associates, lab technicians, and other specialists. This collaborative environment helps to streamline the breeding process and incorporate various expertise.”

In your opinion, what is the most important personality trait someone should have to work in your industry?
“One of the most important strengths for a plant breeder is strong analytical skills. This involves the ability to capture plant traits, interpret complex data and make informed decisions based on genetic, environmental, and experimental data. Collaboration and communication skills are important to be able to work across cross functional teams of genetics and lab scientists to bring innovation, speed and agility to the breeding program.”

Tell us about a project you’re proud of and why.
“I am proud to be part of the brassica breeding team and it is part of the heritage of Hazera. It started with developing varieties for Western Europe, but today we are a global player with a wide assortment of specific varieties. Pointed cabbage is our specialty with varieties like Dutchman, Regency and Marshal, and Berlenga for western Europe and Mediterranean markets.”

What does “Hazera- Growing Together” mean to you?
“For me Growing together means that the Hazera team believes in working through challenges, just like increasing world population, pandemics, regional conflicts, reduction of arable land, and climate change, and is determined to develop superior varieties and achieve food security.”

Tell us something about you that most people don’t know.
“In India, we drive on the left side, so it was quite an adjustment for me to learn how to write on the right side when I came to the Netherlands.”

Do you want to stay connected with our Hazera people?

Follow us on our social media channels to stay connected with our Hazera people! If you have any questions left, don’t hesitate to ask them via our contact page!

Learn more and register for our International Open Days here!

Last week, Hazera USA hosted its annual Hall Field Days in New York, drawing over a hundred customers, growers, and distributors from across the United States. The event offered a unique opportunity for the attendees to explore Hazera’s latest varieties and innovative concepts shaping the future of agriculture.

The event kicked off with an introduction to Hazera’s new concept of ‘Tomatoes that Work for You,’ presented by Hazera’s Tomato Expert and Regional Manager, Arno Van Staden. This forward-thinking initiative addresses some of the most pressing challenges in the tomato industry today, including rising production costs, labor shortages, and the need for sustainable farming practices. Arno’s presentation underscored Hazera’s commitment to leading the way in agricultural innovation.

Another key highlight was the showcase of Hazera’s ToBRFV resistant tomato varieties. These breakthroughs represent a significant advancement in crop protection, offering enhanced resistance to ToBRFV. This innovation is crucial for maintaining crop health and ensuring consistent productivity despite the growing threat of diseases.

Attendees were also introduced to Hazera’s latest watermelon, cabbage, and sunflower breeds. These new varieties have been developed with a focus on improved yield, superior taste, and greater resilience. The excitement among the participants was palpable as they explored the potential of these crops.

One of the most cherished aspects of the Hall Field Days was the opportunity for face-to-face interactions. Meeting customers, growers, and distributors in person allowed for meaningful exchanges, strengthening relationships and collaboration. The passion and commitment of the participants were truly inspiring, reinforcing Hazera’s dedication to supporting its partners in every possible way.

We look forward to many more opportunities to connect, learn, and grow together.