Kapiteyn group Celebrates 100 Years of Entrepreneurship and Receives Royal Designation

A century of entrepreneurship, a rich heritage, and a distinguished honour: On Friday evening, Kapiteyn group celebrated its 100th Anniversary during a festive gathering at Alpha Event Venue in Schagen. Surrounded by family members, employees, and their partners, the company reflected upon this remarkable milestone. The highlight of the evening was the official award of the Royal Designation (Predicaat Koninklijk), a prestigious recognition of the family business’s standing, continuity, and significance. The distinction was presented by The King’s Commissioner for North Holland, Arthur van Dijk, and Mayor Rian van Dam. As of today, Kapiteyn group will officially be known as Royal Kapiteyn group.

Kapiteyn group traces its origins to the Meerweg in Breezand, where the business began with just four hectares of land. Over the course of a century, Kapiteyn has grown into an international company specialising in bulb cultivation, breeding, and export, with three locations in Anna Paulowna and Breezand. Today, Kapiteyn group supplies customers in more than forty countries and is recognised as one of the leading companies in the global flower bulb industry.

During the anniversary celebration on Friday, 23rd October, extensive attention was given to the company’s rich history. The fourth generation of the Kapiteyn family are now active within the business. From the first export journeys to England in the 1930’s and expansion into the United States in the 1950’s, to the development of new markets in Asia, successful breeding programmes, and the globally recognised Captain Calla brand. Innovation, entrepreneurship, and craftsmanship have been the common thread throughout the company’s history with Sustainability now becoming an increasingly important pillar of its activities.

“Receiving the Royal Designation is a tremendous honour for our family business,” said Lennaert Kapiteijn (Managing Director, Kapiteyn group). “This distinction recognises all employees, customers, suppliers, partners, and family members who have contributed to Kapiteyn’s development over the past decades. We are proud of our heritage and where we come from, and we look to the future with great confidence.”

Today, Kapiteyn group consists of several specialised companies active in cultivation, breeding, trading, and export. Alongside its daily operations, the company continues to invest in the future through its own breeding programmes, modern production and storage facilities, and further automation and digitalisation. Guided by this forward-looking vision, the family business has built strong global sales and logistics partnerships, always with the same objective: to continue inspiring people with high-quality flower bulbs.

According to Jody Kapiteijn (Managing Director, Kapiteyn group), the family culture remains a key factor in the company’s success.

“Our strength lies not only in the quality of our products, but above all in the people behind the company. The Kapiteyn family extends far beyond our immediate relatives; many employees and business partners have been part of our story for many years. This creates commitment, continuity, and trust. We therefore regard the Royal Designation as recognition for everyone who has been part of Kapiteyn group over the past hundred years.”

 

In the years ahead, Kapiteyn group will continue to focus on international growth, innovation, and sustainability. The anniversary celebration was therefore not only a reflection on a century of entrepreneurship, but also marked the beginning of a new chapter in the company’s history. From today onwards, it will proudly carry the name Royal Kapiteyn group.

About Kapiteyn group

Founded in 1926 in Breezand, Kapiteyn group has grown into an international family-owned company active in flower bulb cultivation, breeding, trading, and export. The company exports millions of flower bulbs annually to more than forty countries worldwide and is renowned for its innovative developments in Callas, Hyacinths, and other flower bulb crops.

About the Royal Designation

The Royal Designation (Predicaat Koninklijk) is an honour that may be granted to associations, foundations, institutions, or major enterprises. It symbolises the respect, appreciation, and confidence of the King towards the recipient and is reserved for organisations of exceptional standing, reputation, and national significance.