Royal Van Zanten

Royal Van Zanten is a leading international floriculture firm that has operated a major production site in Uganda since 1998. The company specializes in the large scale propagation of unrooted flower cuttings and pot plants for the global market. As of 2026, it remains one of the country's most significant horticultural exporters, utilizing Uganda’s ideal climate to supply high quality plant material to breeders and growers in Europe, North America, and Asia.

• Specialized production: The Uganda branch is a primary hub for the propagation of chrysanthemums, celosias, and bouvardias. It produces tens of millions of unrooted cuttings annually.

• Advanced facilities: The company operates two main production sites (Mukono and Wakiso) featuring climate-controlled greenhouses and sophisticated irrigation systems to ensure consistency and phytosanitary safety.

• Employment and diversity: Royal Van Zanten is a major employer in the agricultural sector, with a workforce of over 1,200 staff members, the majority of whom are women.

• Logistics and speed: Due to the perishable nature of the product, the firm maintains a rigorous cold-chain logistics system, delivering cuttings from the Ugandan farm to international greenhouses within 48 hours via Entebbe International Airport.

• Sustainability and standards: The firm is MPS-certified (ABC, GAP, and SQ) and Fairtrade certified, reflecting its adherence to international environmental and social responsibility standards.

• Research and development: While the main breeding activities occur in the Netherlands, the Uganda site plays a critical role in testing new varieties for resilience and yield in tropical conditions.