Enza Zaden kicks off Chilean operation

Dutch seed company Enza Zaden officially debuted its operations in Chile by opening new offices in the municipality of Quilicura in the country’s capital. The move marks a milestone in its expansion in Latin America.

A geneticist by profession, CEO Jaap Mazereeuw presided over the event and emphasized that this step is the result of sustained efforts by the firm.

“The foundations of our presence in Chile have been laid over the past few years—we officially established ourselves in the country in May 2024, and today we are opening our offices,” he noted.

Mazereeuw stressed that his scientific background allows him to plan the company’s development with a long-term perspective, focused on genetic innovation and contributing to the agricultural industry.

The company’s CCO, René Ruiter, described this milestone as the beginning of a new phase for Enza Zaden in the country. 

“We have a mission for 2030 that drives us toward diversification and growth,” Ruiter stated, adding that the goal is to accompany customers “toward a bright future, with a great team.”

Mario Schindler, executive director of the National Association of Seed Producers (ANPROS), praised the company’s arrival as a significant boost for the sector. 

“We are celebrating Enza Zaden’s establishment in Chile. We have worked in close coordination, and welcoming them is a privilege, as we share the goal of providing the highest-quality seeds to our agriculture,” he commented.

Schindler highlighted the country’s role in the global market, noting that currently 63 percent of Chile’s seed exports consist of vegetable seeds, reflecting its contribution to global food security.

Enza Zaden leverages financial independence

Meanwhile, Enza Zaden Chile’s commercial manager, Roberto Johow, emphasized the company’s financial independence as one of its key attributes. 

“We do not depend on chemical conglomerates or investors focused on short-term results,” he said.

He also emphasized the focus on innovation geared toward the end consumer. “We seek to develop products that generate demand, so that consumers will return to ask farmers for what they are producing,” he added.

With the opening of its offices in Chile, Enza Zaden seeks to strengthen the local seed industry through a portfolio grounded in advanced genetics and sector expertise, thereby contributing to national agricultural development, the firm stated.

*All images courtesy of Enza Zaden. 

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