The De Groot en Slot group has acquired pot plant breeder Schoneveld Breeding. Although De Groot en Slot is best known in the UK for its onion seed business, the wider Dutch company includes garden centre and seaweed production businesses.
In a statement both companies said they see a bright future together, in which they can take steps in sustainability and innovation in the agricultural sector. Schoneveld Breeding has been working on a new generation of more sustainable flowering pot plants for years. ‘Based on craftsmanship, innovative breeding techniques, strong collaborations and targeted cultivation and sales support, it achieves strong genetics and added value for its chain partners,’ the companies said in a statement. ‘This fits well with the vision of De Groot en Slot. As the market leader in the breeding and production of onion seed, active in the development of the seaweed sector and as one of the founders of the Intratuin formula, De Groot en Slot stands for innovation, quality and a sustainable future.’
As part of family business De Groot en Slot, Schoneveld Breeding is taking the next step in development and continuity towards the future. Both will focus on knowledge development, cooperation in the supply chain and a commitment to sustainability and innovation. Schoneveld Breeding will continue to operate as an independent company under the leadership of Peter van de Pol.
Beekenkamp Plants had a minority share in Schoneveld Breeding since 2000, ensuring an exchange of knowledge in breeding and product development. De Groot en Slot will now become the full owner and will take over all shares from Peter van de Pol and Beekenkamp Plants, and Schoneveld Breeding will remain a supplier to Beekenkamp Plants.
Martin Slot, director of family business De Groot en Slot, commented, “The future of the agricultural sector is full of challenges. Together with Schoneveld Breeding, we see many opportunities, for example to take our companies, the chain and the market further through knowledge sharing – in breeding, development and genetics. Schoneveld Breeding therefore fits in well with our family business.”
Peter van de Pol, owner and director of Schoneveld Breeding, added, “Together we can stay ahead in a rapidly changing market with increasingly higher demands. Family business De Groot en Slot gives us the opportunity to continue to innovate, shorten the time to market, deploy new product-market introductions and continue to invest in sustainably produced genetics. This allows us to continue to give our chain partners the lead and added value that is needed.”
