oure, The Netherlands
2 October 2025
Today, Royal HZPC Group announces its intention to acquire IPM Potato Group, a leading potato breeder and exporter of seed potatoes, with its base in Ireland. With this strategic move, Royal HZPC Group strengthens its position in the global seed potato sector on multiple fronts.
Market leader in Ireland and Scotland
Since its founding in 1950, IPM Potato Group has grown into Ireland’s market leader in seed potato breeding, production, and export. The company is also the largest exporter of protected and exclusive varieties in the United Kingdom. Through a strong grower network in Ireland, Scotland, France, the Netherlands, and England, IPM Potato Group exports to 40 countries — with a strong focus on the Mediterranean region.
In the field of Research & Development, IPM Potato Group has been collaborating with Teagasc — Ireland’s national institute for research, advisory, and education in the agri-food sector — for over 50 years. This ongoing partnership continues to drive innovation and has resulted in a portfolio of resilient, high-quality varieties.
New opportunities for growth
Marcel de Sousa, Director of IPM Potato Group: "This announced collaboration within Royal HZPC Group opens up new opportunities for growth — together with our customers and growers. Our conversations show that our visions for the future of our sector are closely aligned. At the same time, we maintain our own identity and direction. We see this as a valuable opportunity and look forward to building a strong future together."
Part of a strategic direction
The CEO of Royal HZPC Group, Hans Huistra, is pleased with the announced acquisition of IPM Potato Group. "Alongside HZPC and STET, we are now strengthening our group with a leading brand in potato breeding and export from the British Isles. It’s a company that fits seamlessly with our way of working. They have strong customer relationships, collaborate closely with their growers, and place a high value on innovation. These qualities have led to seed potatoes that are recognised worldwide as high-quality starting material."
Strengthening our position in the United Kingdom
Hans Huistra: “This step aligns with our strategic direction and growth ambitions. Through the intended acquisition, we expand our group’s total acreage by 1,800 hectares — primarily from Scotland, a leading seed potato region. Combined with our strong position in England, the addition of Scottish acreage further strengthens our presence in the United Kingdom. This collaboration also opens doors to new markets and export opportunities, especially in key growth regions such as North Africa. With this acquisition we are accelerating our growth."
Identity remains intact
Over the past 75 years, IPM Potato Group has built a strong and reliable reputation. That’s why Royal HZPC Group has confirmed that its name and identity will remain unchanged. There is great confidence in the organization, under the leadership of Marcel de Sousa, and in the strategic direction they have set. That direction will continue as planned.
Naturally, within the group, the organizations will explore how they can strengthen one another — enabling them to take even greater steps together in line with their shared vision: developing responsible food for the global population.
The acquisition of IPM Potato Group by Royal HZPC Group is subject to approval by the competition authorities.
About Royal HZPC Group
Founded in 1898, and rooted in Dutch soil, Royal HZPC Group has expanded to become the international market leader when it comes to potato breeding, seed potato trading and product concept development. Royal HZPC Group offers innovative potato varieties that are optimised for local growing conditions. The business also shares expertise and solutions that relate to the climatic, cultural and commercial challenges facing the food industry. With around 400 employees in 16 different countries, and with exports to over 90 countries, Royal HZPC Group makes a significant contribution towards the availability of responsible food and the well-being of millions of people worldwide.
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