The merge
The potato landscape is in flux. After merger attempts between seed potato exporters Wolf & Wolf and ZPC failed, Wolf & Wolf merged with Agrico in 1993. Combined, these parties are responsible for 40 per cent of Dutch seed potato exports. Both Hettema and ZPC see the need to merge. After previous attempts by ZPC to cooperate with Hettema had failed, the discussions resumed after Hettema's 100th anniversary. Directors Jasper Knoester (Hettema), Lykele Aardema (ZPC) and the leaders of both grower groups did a lot of work behind the scenes to make the merger happen.
1998
The Heeren van Ruysdaal , a quiet, peaceful merger
A merger is a touchy subject, especially for staff. You don’t want people to worry unnecessarily. Because if it doesn't work out, it will all have been for nothing. But communication is essential during a merger process. That is why managing directors Jasper Knoester and Lykele Aardema agree on a code name: Ruysdaal. After all, both men smoke cigars of the brand Heeren van Ruysdaal. The name, meaning whistling valley, is also a metaphor for the atmosphere of the merger process. The preparations took place in a valley: in peace and relative quiet.
1999
A perfect marriage, living together in Joure
Everyone agreed. A marriage between Hettema and ZPC could be a dream marriage. The seed potato trading companies complement each other: ZPC has a good and varied offering in retail and crisps, whereas Hettema is strong in the traditional market. The parties are also complementary in terms of export countries. For example, in South America: Hettema is strong in Argentina, ZPC in Chile. And while Hettema is well represented in North Africa, ZPC is well represented in Eastern Europe.
The merged company will have a new location: Joure. Including new offices at a high-profile location along the A7 motorway. Centrally located between the former head offices of Hettema (Emmeloord) and ZPC (Leeuwarden).