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Royal Van Zanten is an internationally leading family-owned company with over 160 years of experience in the breeding and propagation of cut flowers and potted plants. Innovation and a passion for ornamental horticulture are at the heart of the organization. With production sites in the Netherlands, Uganda, South Africa, and Colombia, the company focuses on developing high-quality varieties, including Alstroemeria, Chrysanthemum, and Aster.
Royal Van Zanten already uses E-Brida (for breeding) and Mercado (for product management), but faced two critical challenges in becoming fully data-driven. Joos Kos, Director of Breeding & Development initiated this consultancy project.
The first challenge was strengthening data-driven practices. Although data was already used in decision-making, the question remained whether deeper insights into trends, comparisons, and relationships were possible. The breeding team aimed to structurally improve data-driven working so that decisions could be sharper and better substantiated.”
The second challenge involved optimizing trial designs and propagation processes. The team was convinced that better use of existing data would lead to more efficient trials and an optimized greenhouse and process setup.
The consultants bring extensive experience in the breeding industry and understand both the practical and logistical challenges involved. With expertise in tools such as E-Brida and Mercado, the collection and analysis of data is simplified.
Chrysanthemum breeding
For greenhouse trial designs, potential improvements to existing workflows were explored. A fresh, conceptual perspective identified opportunities for optimization, resulting in recommendations for a more efficient trial setup and a precise method for analyzing data.
Alstroemeria propagation (In Vivo and In Vitro)
Historical production data from multiple countries was analyzed and compared. Insights were incorporated into a Power BI dashboard, visually presenting KPIs in the breeding process and highlighting promising opportunities for further optimization of breeding programs. The dashboard also supports the improvement of future trials.
The results: Insights and efficiency
Improved greenhouse setup for more efficient chrysanthemum trials and better outcomes
Visual and up-to-date KPI tracking through a Power BI dashboard, providing clear insights into trends and performance for Alstroemeria propagation
Better-informed strategic decisions based on data, enabling a more effective breeding process
A partnership with a fresh perspective on improvement
Royal Van Zanten has a long history as a family-owned company and continues to uphold its core values: passion, quality, ambition, and continuous improvement. Despite growth and changes within the organization, the drive to optimize processes remains strong.
Having collaborated for some time, their ways of working and challenges are well understood. With extensive expertise, support was provided on a data analysis project from a fresh perspective, delivering valuable insights that contribute to further process improvements.
Royal Van Zanten lives by its slogan: “Better Every Day.”
In this case, Dieke Kortekaas played a key role in analyzing data and translating it into concrete recommendations. Ad Ordelman has also collaborated with Royal Van Zanten for many years.
Business consultancy
Dieke Kortekaas works as a business consultant on various projects for our partners. Her expertise lies in business and data analysis, as well as digital phenotyping analysis.
She holds a Master’s degree in Plant Biotechnology from Wageningen University & Research and has worked as a researcher at several companies in our sector over the past few years.
Business consultancy, Management, Sales & marketing
Ad Ordelman is co-founder of Agri Information Partners. As a business consultant and member of both the management and commercial teams, he supports clients in their projects and represents AIP at international events.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Animal Husbandry (HAS Deventer) and Information Science (AMBI). With his broad network in the agri and food sector and extensive experience in information management within the breeding industry and with certification bodies, Ad has in-depth knowledge of the sector’s processes and challenges.
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