07 Report of the Supervisory Board

Michael Kester stepped down as chairman of the Supervisory Board (SB) in February 2025. For this annual report, we speak to his successor Cor Biemond, who has been part of the SB since May 2017. Which issues were high on the agenda in 2024-2025?

"In September 2024, Hans Huistra took on the role of CEO at Royal HZPC Group B.V. Of course, this changes the dynamics within the company. Just like things have changed in the SB, now that I am chairman. Everyone has their own methods. Thanks to Gerard Backx, Hans got off to a good start. Gerard helped him where he could, but did not get in his way. We made sure Gerard had a great send-off. He had an enormous impact on Royal HZPC Group B.V. and we are very grateful to him for all his hard work. Hans has now got to grips with all the various issues. We are also hearing positive noises from the Works Council."

"In 2024-2025, Royal HZPC Group B.V.'s strategy was further clarified and defined. This should help everyone understand our pathway and expectations. The change in organisational structure is inseparable from strategy. In simple terms, a layer has been removed and this makes the organisation less hierarchical. From now on, the SB will meet with the full Executive Committee, providing us with first-hand information."

"Across Europe, planting was late, due to a wet spring. This was a challenge for growers. Nevertheless, it became a record year for Royal HZPC Group B.V., breaking the 1 million tonnes of potatoes (sales and licences) and EUR 500 million turnover mark. This is the result of the interaction between growers, partners and Royal HZPC Group B.V. A great achievement."

"With sales and turnover at these levels, an efficient, modern ERP system is more important than ever. The urgency has only increased as Royal HZPC Group B.V. has continued to grow. An important step was taken in July 2024 when the teams in Poland and Germany switched to the new ERP system. Our compliments to these teams, as the switch involved a few challenges. We will continue to closely monitor developments around implementation."

"There is a great deal of unrest in the world and this leads to social discussions, which also have repercussions on Royal HZPC Group B.V. Based on the UN resolution that sanctions should not have an adverse humanitarian impact on civilian populations, Royal HZPC Group B.V. has continued to supply sanctioned countries. That choice will stand for now, but will be regularly reviewed by the management together with the SB ."

"We are seeing seed potato cultivation become more unruly and less predictable. At the same time, Royal HZPC Group B.V. must remain competitive. Consider the impact of climate change, for example, where we increasingly face extreme drought, heat or rainfall. The number of pesticides is being phased rapidly, especially as some of them are due for re-registration. This requires new varieties and different growing methods."

"Royal HZPC Group B.V. has achieved important milestones in hybrid breeding and the development of potato seed. The time when potato seeds will be brought to market is getting closer and closer. The SB ensures it stays abreast of the situation, any relevant plans and details of what financial resources are needed to ensure the move to the market is successful."

"Current CFO, Jordan van Vilsteren, is stepping down from Royal HZPC Group B.V. Recruitment for his successor started in 2024-2025. CEO Hans Huistra was in charge of the search, supervised by the SB. We are delighted that Marlous Booijink will become our new CFO from 1 August. Jordan will stay on until 1 November, to carefully hand over his work."

"The demand for food remains and will only increase in the future. Royal HZPC Group B.V. wants to contribute to the world's food supply but it is always important to do so in a well-managed manner while being compliant. Royal HZPC Group B.V. has made considerable progress in that area and is still pushing forward. As the SB, we will stay on top of this by asking questions and monitoring developments."

• Mahindra HZPC: this joint venture in India is increasingly bearing fruit. The SB reviewed developments and was briefed by the Mahindra HZPC management.
• Enterprise risk management: the SB was updated by the business risk and compliance manager, on risk management and what steps Royal HZPC Group B.V. is taking
• New varieties: we are kept well informed about the development of new varieties. An additional focus in recent years has been the release of one of the largest varieties, Innovator. 
• Connecting growers: every year we review Connecting Growers.

In February 2025, chairman Michael Kester handed over the baton to Cor Biemond. Cor's second term ended but, as president, a third term is allowed. With Cor, the SB has a grower as chairman for the first time. Martine Hommes-Gesink succeeded Cor on the audit committee, in which she serves with Irina Frolova. On 21 November 2024, John Thijssen was elected as a new SB member. John is CEO of Barenbrug Holland. Following Michael's departure, the SB was thus back to full strength.

In 2024-2025, spread across the year, six meetings took place between the SB and the Executive Board of Royal HZPC Group B.V. The Chair of the SB worked with CEO Hans Huistra to prepare for the meetings. The audit committee met three times, always prior to meetings between the SB and the Executive Board. This financial year, the SB has also held two meetings of shareholders with the Board of HZPC Association.