Royal HZPC Group Acquires IPM Potato Group to Strengthen Global Seed Potato Leadership

Royal HZPC Group has announced its intention to acquire the IPM Potato Group, a leading potato breeder and exporter of seed potatoes based in Ireland. The acquisition is a strategic move aimed at strengthening Royal HZPC Group’s position in the global seed potato sector across multiple fronts.

Market Leader in Ireland and Scotland

Founded in 1950, IPM Potato Group has become 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 its extensive 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 research and development, IPM Potato Group has collaborated with Teagasc — Ireland’s national institute for research, advisory, and education in the agri-food sector — for over 50 years. This long-standing partnership has driven innovation and resulted in a portfolio of resilient, high-quality potato 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

Hans Huistra, CEO of Royal HZPC 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 Its 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. Royal HZPC Group has confirmed that the company’s name and identity will remain unchanged. Confidence remains high in the organization under the leadership of Marcel de Sousa and in the strategic direction they have set, which will continue as planned.

Within the group, both organizations will explore opportunities to strengthen each other, 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 competition authorities.