Continuity of Koppert Cress family business secured with change in management and Board of Directors

In recent years, Stijn Baan has been active as commercial director; from October 1st 2024, he will take over the day-to-day management of Koppert Cress BV from his father Rob Baan. Together with Ronald Vreugdenhil (operations director) and a commercial director (vacant position), he will form the management board in his new role as managing director. As the second generation of Baan, Stijn Baan has been with Koppert Cress for a long time and is looking forward to taking on this responsibility. Most recently, he has been responsible for the organisation's commercial department at home and abroad.

Stijn Baan: ‘The confidence given strengthens my conviction that we can continue the growth and development of Koppert Cress.’

These steps make those involved proud and give great confidence in maintaining and further developing the mission ‘Let's change the way we look at Food’. Rob, the managing director of Koppert Cress for 25 years, is proud that it is now time for the next phase. Of course, Rob himself will still remain active in the sector as a driver of the sustainable energy transition and the healthy lunch culture in The Netherlands.

Rob Baan: ‘After 25 wonderful years, it feels good that the next generation is ready. I have every confidence that this secures the future of the company and allows it to grow further.’

What is Koppert Cress?

Since its acquisition by Rob Baan, Theo Cuppen, and Altai Lin in 2002, Koppert Cress has taken an enormous leap. It has grown from 20 to 225 employees, and the turnover has increased exponentially over the years. Moreover, the company, and particularly Baan himself, is active in all areas related to food and health, both on a business and societal level. It's time to approach these aspects even more professionally. Koppert Cress is constantly looking for natural, innovative ingredients that chefs can use to enrich the taste, aroma, and presentation of their dishes.

What is Sango Seeds?

Sango Seeds produces and sells seeds to growers worldwide. The market for cress is still expanding, and it is beneficial for the entire chain to have access to high-quality, food-safe seeds. Koppert Cress uses a large number of seeds, mainly for cress production. It is always a challenge to have year-round access to the right amount and best quality of seeds. To ensure this supply, Sango Seeds was founded.

What is Division Q?

Making a difference through sustainability. In this dynamic time, the existence of greenhouse horticulture is under pressure. Sustainability is a necessity. Koppert Cress plays a leading role in horticulture in this field. However, the company wants to take the next step in the coming years and start fully growing without emissions. Therefore, the company is fully committed to innovation by collaborating with promising startups and wants to inspire the rest of the sector to follow this example.