FUTURE FIT 2024 Annual Report 2023-2024
Contents 02 Foreword 2024 04 Highlights 2024 06 Key business figures 08 Green connector 10 Sustainable growth of our relationships 22 Sustainable growth of the world around us 38 Sustainable growth of our people 46 Sustainable growth of our business 2
04 02 06 08 10 22 38 46
Foreword 2024 Dear Partner, The past year at Royal Lemkes has seen many ongoing developments. In 2024, we focused on three key themes to meet current demands: growth, cost reduction and sustainability. Thanks to the progress we have made in these areas, along with shifting our focus towards more external and results-oriented activities, we are now ready for the future. This strategic shift is reflected in the theme of this year’s annual report: Future Fit. Management team Alice van Veen – Director Sourcing & Sustainability | Tiemen van Bruggen – Director Operations Jeannette Jongeleen – Director HR | Huib Kranendonk – Managing Director Jan Slingerland – Director Finance | Esther Verkleij – Director Sales & Marketing 4
Market conditions remained challenging in 2024. Nonetheless, by collaborating closely with our longstanding partners, we managed to achieve growth and ended the year with a positive result. We have worked diligently to enhance the efficiency of our operations, supply chain and internal organisation by conducting a thorough review of our cost structure. Improvements in process design have enabled us to manage the entire order flow more effectively, resulting in a robust foundation for future commercial growth. I would like to thank all my colleagues for their valuable contribution to this achievement. Thanks to the scalability of our internal organisation, we are well-positioned to welcome new customers and drive further expansion. In line with this, we were proud to begin our partnership with Blue Diamond Group, the UK’s largest garden centre chain, in 2024. Sustainability continues to be a guiding principle in our operations. We remain focused on meeting European regulatory requirements and have committed to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). In addition, we are eager to offer our retail partners detailed insights to help them demonstrably reduce the carbon footprint of the plants category, facilitated by information sharing across the entire supply chain. From 1 January 2025, Royal Lemkes will fall under the scope of the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). We look forward to publishing our first sustainability report in line with the CSRD in 2026. We are fully aware that our achievements in growth, cost efficiency and sustainability would not have been possible without strong collaboration across the supply chain. On behalf of the management team, I would like to express our sincere gratitude for your continued commitment to Royal Lemkes. Your trust and partnership are essential to our success and our shared future. Yours sincerely, Huib Kranendonk Managing Director
Highlights 2024 We organised a retail trip to Berlin for our key growers, providing the perfect opportunity to connect customers and growers while sharing insights and knowledge about market trends in German retail. We embarked on a review of our 2025–2030 strategy. Several of our more sporting colleagues took part in the Rotterdam Marathon, with enthusiastic runners tackling the quarter and full marathon. #vitality Partnering with the Ronald Moerings Foundation, we gave the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek cancer research institute and treatment centre in Amsterdam a green makeover, adding plants both indoors and outdoors. This multi-year collaboration will allow patients and staff to enjoy the benefits for the next three years. #businessasaforceforgood Esther Verkleij was appointed as our new Director of Sales & Marketing. 6
We hosted the second edition of the Royal Lemkes BBQ for growers, extending invitations to our retail partners. The Plantify Activities team organised the Royal Lemkes summer BBQ festival for our employees. For Black Friday, we launched our biggest-ever indoor plant promotion, with five retailers across six countries offering a range of large plants in ceramic pots. We celebrated the completion of our two-year Management Development Programme, which equips employees with leadership competencies, strategic decision-making capabilities and effective team management skills. Tiemen van Bruggen was appointed as our new Director of Operations. We were also thrilled to welcome Blue Diamond Group, the UK’s largest garden centre chain, as a new customer!
Key business figures €276 million revenue 33 export countries 81,750,000 plants delivered 19,000 different products 600 suppliers In 2024, This year, we supplied around 3,000 retail outlets across Europe. our top 100 growers accounted for 80% of our purchase value. 1,700 DIY stores 250 garden centres 800 supermarkets 8 250 home furnishing stores
93.5% 100% of the plants we supplied were certified in accordance with the FSI Basket of Standards (MPS/ GLOBALG.A.P.). The industry target is 90%. of our packaging material (transport unit, sleeve, cultivation pot) is registered. 100% of our fleet is electric. 23 21 In 2024, we welcomed 23 new colleagues. colleagues advanced to a new position. 106 colleagues attended a course, workshop or training programme.
Green connector Royal Lemkes plays a key role in bringing together stakeholders across the supply chain. We not only foster close collaboration but also inspire those around us and encourage our partners to continue our shared journey towards sustainable growth. Mutual long-term commitment is vital to this mission, both downstream with our retailers and upstream with our growers. By monitoring all relevant value components at our growers, we can meet current and future retail requirements. Together with stakeholders Consumers Growers Retailers Carriers Industry collaborations 10
Our locations Royal Lemkes The Netherlands Royal Lemkes Hub United Kingdom
Sustainable growth of our relationships 12
Plantanious & Persoon Potplanten Joost Jansen Jasper van der Meij – Sourcing Team Leader Freek Jansen
Sustainable growth of our relationships Interview with Alice van Veen and Esther Verkleij In a year marked by economic headwinds and social uncertainty across Europe, our industry faced its fair share of challenges with consumers allocating less of their disposable income to plants. Retailers have come under pressure, prompting many organisations to restructure and rethink their positioning. Cost-saving measures and economies of scale were achieved through the ongoing centralisation of purchasing power. This should lead to consumer prices not rising any further or even falling. 14
For Royal Lemkes, these broader industry trends present opportunities to improve shelf performance for existing customers and to attract new ones. To remain Future Fit, we continue to make steady progress across key areas, including sales, marketing, sourcing and sustainability. Alice van Veen, director of Sourcing & Sustainability, and Esther Verkleij, director of Sales & Marketing, share their views on these developments. Creating opportunities for the plants category Esther says, “Strengthening the three-way partnership between Royal Lemkes, customers and growers was a central theme in 2024. Through close collaboration with our longstanding partners, we achieved growth even in market segments under pressure. We also streamlined our internal organisation, laying a solid foundation for future expansion. A standout example is our new partnership with Blue Diamond Group, the UK’s largest garden centre chain, which began in autumn 2024.”
She explains that retailers are increasingly seeking partners who can deliver meaningful added value: “At Royal Lemkes, we position ourselves as a dedicated service partner with a clear focus on maximising shelf performance. Plants play an important role in retail strategies — they drive footfall, enhance store image, encourage impulse purchases and maintain year-round relevance. Together with our partners, we can harness the full potential of the plants category to achieve even greater success. “There’s still untapped potential in getting plants onto shoppers’ lists, and this represents a major opportunity. Recognising the central role of plants in retail strategy, Royal Lemkes collaborates closely with its retail partners to unlock new growth opportunities. Through data analysis, market insights and consumer research, we develop tailored product ranges and promotions, including shopper activations and campaigns designed to drive sales and add value. Marketing, compliance and sustainability have become fully embedded in our commercial operations.” Plants as a full-fledged product According to Alice, Royal Lemkes’ strategic sourcing activities are evolving into a more advisory role, encompassing a broader scope that extends beyond plant products alone: “It’s no longer just about factors like pot size, height, freight load, flowering stage, price and volume. Plants have become a full-fledged product, subject to a wide range of national and international certification, regulation, environmental impact, traceability and sustainability standards. Retailers’ climate goals, aligned with the Paris Climate Agreement, play a central role in shaping our approach. Sharing and recording data on growers, products and raw materials across the supply chain is becoming increasingly important. This includes insights into product origin, certified production locations, the use of plant protection products, packaging materials, substrates and efforts to reduce carbon emissions throughout the supply chain.” Watch the video about our shopper activation for Jumbo 16
Alice concludes, “We are further enhancing our supplier management by implementing data-driven, sustainability-focused sourcing strategies. By securing long-term agreements with both retailers and growers, we optimise operational efficiency and free up resources for joint commercial growth. Our commitment to our partners remains strong. We will continue to act as a green connector between customers and growers, fostering industry insights and expertise that guide our strategic approach.” Roadmaps with retailers By aligning our sustainability roadmaps with our retail partners, we seek to drive long-term change. CLIMATE • 2030: 50% reduction of CO2 Top 100 growers calculate product footprints and draw up CO2 2025 Full registration of peat percentage Defining targets for packaging and peat percentage 95% plants FSI-compliant Research into water usage Monitoring and follow-up of product footprints and CO2 2026 reduction plans Weight reduction and research into packaging alternatives 100% plants FSI-compliant Start supply chain mapping Product range partially peat-free Registration of water-sensitive production Monitoring and follow-up of product footprints and CO2 2027 Further weight reduction and packaging alternatives Defining targets and actions based on SCM analysis Expansion of peat-free range Analysis of climate-resilient product range Monitoring and follow-up of product footprints and CO2 reduction plans 2028 Introduction of plastic-free and reusable packaging Actions in response to identified risks Water- and climate-adaptive plants reduction plans 2030 futureproof plants NATURAL RESOURCES • 100% circular packaging • Peat-free range reduction plan • 2050: climate-neutral emissions Scope 3 BIODIVERSITY • 100% plants FSI-compliant
Our customers Stores 18
DIY stores Supermarkets Garden centres Home furnishing stores
AltaNova Fred Cornelissen – Sourcing Team Leader Reinier Hoogendoorn David Verweij – Senior Buyer Sourcing and sustainability: driving sustainable progress together Our suppliers Over the years, our approach to sustainable sourcing has evolved significantly. While product specifications, quality, pricing and regulatory compliance remain essential, our focus has broadened to include reducing environmental impact across the entire supply chain. By collaborating closely with growers, suppliers and sub-vendors — such as breeders, substrate producers and packaging manufacturers — we gain deeper insights into the broader environmental footprint of our sourcing practices. This enables Royal Lemkes to guarantee not only quality but also sustainability. 20
Monitoring and data We actively track our growers’ certification status, including FSI, MPS and GLOBALG.A.P., while also monitoring the use of plant protection products, packaging materials and peat percentages in substrates. Looking ahead, we will focus on addressing the carbon footprint of products and transport across the supply chain. These data points enable us to implement targeted improvements and classify growers and carriers based on their progress towards achieving sustainability goals. By combining transparency in the supply chain with insights into environmental impact, we can enhance our sustainability efforts while offering greater reassurance to our retail partners. Taking action on CO2 reduction Working closely with our top 100 growers and carriers, we are making significant progress in reducing carbon emissions throughout the supply chain. Royal Lemkes reached a key milestone in the fourth quarter of 2024 by joining many of our retail partners in formally committing to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). SBTi provides a scientifically grounded framework for cutting carbon emissions, with a particular focus on Scope 3 emissions across the shared supply chain. By adopting this initiative, we have taken an important step in supporting our retail partners to achieve their climate ambitions. This commitment also reinforces the collective position of Royal Lemkes, its retailers, growers and carriers as sustainability frontrunners within the sector. The future of sustainable sourcing Looking to the future, we aim to further support our growers and carriers by equipping them with the knowledge and data needed to enhance their sustainability performance. Royal Lemkes recognises that, in the coming years, competitiveness in sustainability will become as critical as pricing, creating opportunities for both our company and the wider industry. Guided by our 2030 roadmap, we are working with our partners to reduce environmental impact while improving transparency and efficiency across the supply chain. This approach is expected to reinforce the position of the plants category and further boost its shelf performance in retail environments.
In 2024, our top 100 growers 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 0% 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 accounted for 80% of our purchase value % 77 71% 79% 80% 80% Purchase value by product category 42.5% 14.6% 12.5% Indoor green Outdoor perennial 6.8% Indoor seasonal Outdoor seasonal 10.2% Indoor orchid 9.0% Indoor flowering 4.3% Indoor/ outdoor arrangements 22
Vreugdenhil Bulbs & Plants Jochem Vreugdenhil Jasper van der Meij – Sourcing Team Leader Bunnik Plants Dennis Bunnik Raymond Hedges Wout Schouten – Strategic Sourcing Coordinator
Sustainable growth of the world around us 24
Sustainability policy Over the past eight years, Royal Lemkes has been deeply committed to fostering a more sustainable internal organisation. Additionally, we actively participate in sector-wide initiatives that reflect our broader commitment to sustainability. In collaboration with our partners, we aim to align our actions with the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement and the Glasgow Climate Pact. Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive The EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) requires us to collect and disclose data arising from stakeholder engagement. These insights are evaluated through the lens of ‘double materiality’, which considers both the impact of stakeholders on Royal Lemkes and the impact of Royal Lemkes on society. The CSRD serves as a valuable framework, sharpening our focus on sustainability strategy. In 2024, we initiated the process of aligning with the first two CSRD standards: ESRS 1 (General Requirements) and ESRS 2 (General Disclosures). We also completed the identification of all key stakeholders in our value chain, incorporating the most relevant ones into a structured stakeholder analysis. Climate, natural resources and biodiversity We acknowledge our responsibility to contribute to a carbon-neutral society while building resilience to the impacts of climate change. Our sustainability policy is centred around four themes: climate, biodiversity, natural resources and a transparent and fair supply chain. These themes are linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Transparent collaboration, shared responsibility Sustainability progress can only be achieved through transparent collaboration and shared responsibility across the supply chain. This approach enhances the quality and transparency of our sustainability data, helping us to shape a robust environmental, social and governance (ESG) policy. The three main focus areas in our sustainability policy are product footprint, peat content in substrate and transport footprint. As of 1 January 2026, Royal Lemkes will require insight into the product footprint as part of its delivery conditions. 26
Making the floriculture industry more sustainable Royal Lemkes is actively involved in various industry networks, including the Floriculture Sustainability Initiative (FSI), the Accelerator Group, VGB, Flower Council of Holland (BBH), Greenport West-Holland and the Covenant on Environmental Impact of Potting Soil and Substrates (Convenant milieu-impact potgrond en substraten). Through these collaborations, we actively work to strengthen joint sustainability efforts. By leveraging each party’s expertise and focus, we can collectively contribute to sustainable initiatives and reduce the environmental impact of the floriculture industry.
ESG: Environment The CSRD requires companies to report on the environmental impact of their operations. For Royal Lemkes, this concerns: • Climate (E1): footprint of our entire organisation (Scope 1 and 2) and product footprint (Scope 3) • Circular economy (E5): peat content in substrate and packaging • Biodiversity (E4): plant protection products, sustainable production and nature conservation In 2024, we identified the mandatory data points and recorded the relevant data. In 2025, we will conduct quarterly evaluations of these data points against our sustainability goals. The data points will be included in our 2025 sustainability report. Sustainability theme 1: climate ROYAL LEMKES CARBON FOOTPRINT 2144.2 tonnes co2 -eq 14.6% electricity 26.5% gas 27.4 % commuting 8.7% business travel 20.9% materials 0.1% materials transport 0.0% water 1.9% waste 28
Scope 3 Scope 3 Upstream Scope 1 & 2 Royal Lemkes Scope 3 Downstream CO2 reduction across the entire supply chain: upstream and downstream activities Scope 3 is the largest and most complex category in terms of carbon emissions. It includes all indirect emissions in the value chain beyond the control of an organisation, both before and after the organisation’s activities.
Future-proof plants To grow future-proof plants, our growers actively engage in the following sustainable initiatives: • Meeting certification requirements for environmental, responsible cultivation and social aspects • Reducing packaging material and opting for more environmentally friendly and circular packaging • Reducing the amount of peat in substrate • Calculating the product footprint of plants, a new activity in 2025 As a supply chain partner, we believe it is our responsibility to involve growers in our ambitions as well as our customers’ expectations and requirements. We encourage our growers to take action, offer support, contribute ideas and provide the necessary information to help them take important steps towards cultivating future-proof plants. Footprint knowledge sessions for growers As of 1 January 2026, insight into the product footprint will become a delivery condition at Royal Lemkes 30
Growers’ annual event Future-proof plants Footprint calculation FloriPEFCR protocol as of 1 January 2026 • Available for Chain Portal • Roadmap reduction CO2 equivalents Certified 100% FSIcompliant 1 January 2026 Future-proof plants Circular packaging reduction & 100% circular 100% renewable Peatfree 2026 Free from chemicals
Sustainability theme 2: biodiversity FSI CERTIFIED Ambition for 2026 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 0 20 40 60 100% 93% 94% 94% 93.5% 91% 87% 81% 73% 67% 80 100 32
Sustainability theme 3: natural resources SUBSTRATE Substrate can include peat, coir, rock wool, gravel and sand. Peat is a finite resource and emits high CO2 effect on biodiversity. • 100% of peat use in substrate is registered. • Together with our customer Kingfisher, we have initiated a project to offer a peat-free range of indoor and garden plants by 1 January 2026. • Other customers also have targets for a peat-free range. • Many growers are conducting trials with peat-free cultivation, and some have already introduced this in practice. levels during extraction and processing. Peat extraction also has a detrimental WASTE STREAMS ROYAL LEMKES The waste stream is classified based on circularity and resource usage. This involves preserving materials throughout the entire recycling chain. In 2024, Royal Lemkes’ waste stream involved 128 tonnes of waste: 74 tonnes preserved across the recycling chain (Renewi and processors) through recycling into secondary materials 52 tonnes used as fuel for energy production or as fill material 2 tonnes miscellaneous
Quality assurance Worldwide Europe Local market Royal Lemkes Breeding Young plants Grower Sourcing & advice, operations & supply chain Retailer Customer Breeders Young plants Growers in the Netherlands Sustainability theme 4: transparent and fair supply chain The transition from quality control to quality assurance marks a meaningful evolution in our approach. Previously, our focus was on inspecting the quality of delivered plants, but we now emphasise ensuring quality throughout the entire process — from source to shelf. To achieve this, we collaborate closely with our retail and production partners to establish aligned quality standards at the outset of the supply chain, taking into account the specific risk profiles of individual products. This comprehensive approach involves monitoring not only product quality but also factors such as country of origin, climate and local production conditions. We identify and mitigate risks across an increasing portion of the transport chain. By integrating quality assurance into the full scope of our sourcing and logistics processes, we ensure reliable products across the supply chain. This is crucial for maintaining long-term trust and ensuring consistent customer satisfaction. 34
Bulk shipment from Italy to Hub UK Rail transport from Italy
OUR CERTIFICATIONS Management Product quality Information security and safety Sustainability Social We are committed to providing high-quality, sustainable products and services that meet our customers’ needs as well as legal requirements. This is laid down in our management system in accordance with NEN-EN-ISO 9001 and MPS-Florimark standards. We strive for continuous improvement to remain Future Fit. 36
ESG: Social Under European CSRD legislation, the social aspect of ESG relates to working conditions, human rights and societal impact. For Royal Lemkes, this translates to: • Personal growth, diversity and vitality of our employees (S1) • Social production in the supply chain (S2) In 2024, we identified the mandatory data points in the social domain and recorded the relevant data. In 2025, the data points will be evaluated against the objectives on a quarterly basis. The data points will be included in the 2025 sustainability report. 38
ESG: Governance The sustainable growth of our relationships is a cornerstone of our mission. Our longstanding partnerships with customers provide us with deep insights into specific requirements and retail standards. We play a vital role in translating customers’ wishes and legal requirements into actionable guidance for our growers and suppliers. In line with the CSRD G1 guideline for governance, we have established a policy for responsible conduct across the value chain, including a clearly articulated approach to payment behaviour (G1-6). In 2024, we enhanced transparency by aligning our payment practices with the relevant CSRD data points. Beyond standard payment terms, we offer suppliers the option of early payment to support their liquidity. Regular partners can also benefit from Supply Chain Finance (SCF), where invoices are paid within two working days, subject to a modest early payment discount.
Sustainable growth of our people 40
Vincent Rens - Garden Centre Sales Manager Marjolein Heemskerk - Sales Support Manager Jeffrey Gordijn - Supermarket Sales Manager
Sustainable growth of our people Interview with Jeannette Jongeleen In times of labour shortages, it’s essential for us to be an attractive employer. This means not only responding to the needs of our employees but also nurturing their development. Three pillars are central to this approach: personal growth, vitality and diversity. These pillars form the foundation of a working environment where people can thrive and reach their full potential. 42
Pillar 1: Personal Growth — investing in people’s strengths At Royal Lemkes, we foster a culture of continuously challenging and developing ourselves. Through a structured HR cycle that actively involves employees in defining their development goals, we create a dynamic and stimulating work environment. We support our colleagues with training, coaching and mentoring. The Plantify Academy offers tailor-made programmes focused on professional expertise, personal growth and leadership. Additionally, GoodHabitz provides employees with access to online training courses on mindset, stress and time management, working lean and goal-oriented practices. In 2024, twelve talented colleagues completed the two-year Management Development Programme to develop and refine their leadership skills. Several of them have since advanced to new positions within the organisation. 12 22 Personal growth NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS PER TRAINING/ COURSE AT THE PLANTIFY ACADEMY employees Management Development Programme employees Feedback Training Programme 11 12 employees Personal Leadership Programme employees Personal Growth Programme 13 employees Plant Course – Light 7 employees Fit & Healthy Workshop 14 10 employees Indoor Plant Course employees Sleeping Well Workshop 5 employees Financially Fit Workshop
Pillar 2: Vitality — healthy and energised for the future We believe that healthy employees enjoy greater job satisfaction. They are also more productive and contribute to a healthy company culture. That’s why we aim to foster a workplace that promotes health and well-being. We are committed to long-term employability, which is why we focus on reducing absenteeism through preventive measures and improving ergonomics in the workplace. Our comprehensive vitality programme targets both physical and mental health. We regularly organise workshops on topics such as healthy eating, exercise and sleep and provide training sessions on work-life balance and stress management. Through Plantify Activities, we organise events like team participation in the Rotterdam Marathon, a golf clinic and the summer BBQ festival. These initiatives not only help employees stay physically fit but also keep them mentally engaged. Vitality SICKNESS ABSENTEEISM 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 5.36% 4.85% 3.65% 3.68% 3.66% NUMBER OF YEARS IN EMPLOYMENT 1–5 years 5–10 years 10–15 years 15+ years 111 72 20 49 44
Diversity 252 Number of employees Average age of all employees: 45.35 years Women 43.01 men 47.70 116 46% women 136 54% men 25 employees in management positions 13 women 52% 12 men 48% 8 MOVED TO A DIFFERENT POSITION 2024 23 In 2024, we welcomed 23 new employees. ADVANCED TO A HIGHER POSITION Pillar 3: Diversity — an inclusive culture We are committed to fostering a work environment where everyone feels welcome, respected and valued. This creates an inclusive culture where every employee has the space to be themselves and contribute to the organisation’s success. 13 21 Nationalities We promote equal opportunities for everyone and ensure a diverse recruitment process free from bias. We also guarantee equal opportunities for promotion and career advancement within the organisation.
Watch the summer BBQ festival aftermovie Investing in people Jeannette Jongeleen, director of HR, says, “At Royal Lemkes, we believe that investing in people is essential to the success of our organisation. By prioritising personal growth, vitality and diversity, we aim to foster a work environment where employees can develop, stay healthy and feel valued. This approach not only boosts satisfaction and engagement but also ensures the continuity and long-term success of our company in an evolving labour market. In 2024, we supported the personal development of work-experience students, interns and young professionals through mentorship and guidance. Royal Lemkes provides employees with diverse opportunities to shape their career paths. During the Lean24 project undertaken in 2024, we conducted a thorough review of our internal organisation to identify smart solutions for enhancing efficiency. As a result, we are now able to complete the same amount of work with fewer people.” Mutual respect and cooperation Jeannette adds, “Commitment, loyalty and genuine consideration for each other are at the heart of our success. Our employees feel responsible for the future of the company, which fosters a culture rooted in mutual respect and collaboration. Our HR strategy provides a solid foundation for a sustainable future, empowering employees to realise their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the development of Royal Lemkes.” 46
Plant Course – Light Young professionals Summer BBQ festival
Sustainable growth of our business 48
Sustainable growth of our business Interview with Vincent Rens, Marjolein Heemskerk and Jeffrey Gordijn To prepare for future growth and ensure organisational readiness, Royal Lemkes continues to optimise its internal structure. Jeffrey Gordijn (Supermarket Sales Manager), Vincent Rens (Garden Centre Sales Manager) and Marjolein Heemskerk (Sales Support Manager) share insights into the steps that we are taking to become Future Fit while reflecting on their own recent career progress within the company. 50
Jeffrey says, “Consolidation is a key trend in the retail sector. We are seeing an increase in international partnerships, aimed in part at achieving economies of scale and improved efficiency.” Vincent adds, “Several garden centre chains are transitioning from decentralised to centralised management structures. This shift enables earlier and more forwardlooking planning, which is becoming increasingly important. At Royal Lemkes, our internal organisation is structured into specialised units for supermarkets, garden centres, DIY stores and home furnishing shops. These distinct customer groups require a tailored approached, and our dedicated units are perfectly aligned to meet their needs.” Marjolein remarks that in 2024 Royal Lemkes established a sales support department to ensure scalability for both existing and prospective customers: “This was achieved through a Lean24 project, which provided deeper insight into our end-to-end operational process, including customer expectations and what we need to make the process as efficient as possible. With a centrally coordinated sales support department, we can now make informed choices between customisation and standardisation. Where possible, we harmonise processes to ensure consistency while also accommodating customerspecific needs as required. Simplifying processes also reduces errors. Thanks to these developments, we can act more decisively and serve our customers even better.” Why? • Successful implementation of new processes • Pleasant collaboration • Problem solving without wasting time How? • Clear transfer agreements • Right attitude and behaviour What? Collaborating according to the error-free by me principle NOT accepting errors/deviations NOT making errors/deviations NOT passing on errors/deviations The colleague before me Me The colleague after me Ideal: design a process so that making and passing on errors is almost impossible Together, we make work manageable, efficient and inspiring
Why? • Healthy workload • Future-proof financial results • Room for investments and innovation What? • Clear roles • Uniform, clear processes and responsibilities • Unambiguous organisation and management Together, we make work manageable, efficient and inspiring How? • Better distribution of work • Collaboration in the chain • Standardised where possible, customer-specific where necessary 52
Marjolein continues, “Regulatory requirements and customer expectations are becoming increasingly complex, driven by rising sustainability standards and a growing volume of information to manage. By digitalising our processes and working more efficiently, we can achieve better quality with the same number of people while continuing to grow. Our operations are scalable, and our people can be deployed more flexibly. This allows us to distribute tasks proportionally and integrate new customers into our system with greater ease. Together, we make work manageable, efficient and more enjoyable as we take steps towards becoming a Future Fit organisation.” Career advancement at Royal Lemkes Vincent joined Royal Lemkes 11 years ago, Jeffrey 10 years ago and Marjolein eight years ago. All three began their careers in the back office and have since progressed into leadership roles within the organisation. Along with nine other young professionals, they completed the Management Development Programme — a two-year course designed to build leadership skills. The members of the trio have been in their current roles since 2024. Vincent explains, “The programme helped prepare us for the next stage in our careers and the roles we took on in 2024. Change management, a topic that was also covered in the programme, is now more relevant than ever.” Marjolein notes that Royal Lemkes provides employees with the opportunity to advance their careers: “I was given not only the opportunity but also the trust and confidence to take this step. As young professionals, we bring a fresh perspective and aim to contribute new ideas to the organisation. Royal Lemkes values young colleagues stepping into these roles, and I’m grateful for that.”
Sustainable growth of our business Interview with Pim van der Boog, Tiemen van Bruggen and Thomas de Wit Tiemen van Bruggen was appointed Director of Operations in 2024. Along with Pim van der Boog (Operations Manager) and Thomas de Wit (Transport Coordinator), he shares his views on recent developments in operations and the supply chain. 54
As retailers strive to strengthen their competitive position, many are reorganising and re-evaluating their strategies. By implementing cost-out programmes, they exert upstream pressure in the supply chain to eliminate inefficiencies and reduce costs, aiming to stabilise or lower consumer prices wherever possible. Throughout 2024, Royal Lemkes responded by focusing on further optimising the supply chain to improve productivity and sustainability. Continuous investment in technology Pim highlights how Royal Lemkes has successfully reduced operational costs through in-depth process reviews and strategic workforce planning: “We analyse our customers’ processes and make conscious choices between customisation and standardisation. Workforce planning is guided by detailed forecasts and predefined budgets, enabling us to evaluate efficiency and identify areas for improvement. We leverage forecasting tools and dashboards to monitor progress and make adjustments as needed. These internal optimisations have a positive impact on outbound transport, ensuring that we deliver our products to customers on time, in full and without errors.”
Tiemen emphasises the importance of ongoing technological investment: “To remain competitive, we continuously invest in technology to streamline our business processes and deliver plants at the lowest possible cost. Additionally, we prioritise ordering and delivery processes that are as simple as possible while leveraging data-driven insights to refine our product range and logistics strategy. Robots, such as the Lowpads and the Argos system, are now a familiar sight in our operational processes. Automation not only saves time and improves quality but also supports long-term employability. We are currently reviewing our Lowpads and exploring opportunities to expand their role within our processes.” Optimising the supply chain Due to regulatory changes, labour shortages and rising costs for raw materials and fuel, transport costs have increased significantly in recent years. At the same time, both partners and consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the carbon footprint of transport. This is why Royal Lemkes is always exploring ways to optimise the supply chain further. Thomas says, “A few years ago, we began measuring the carbon footprint of transport with several carriers, starting with a baseline measurement. Our goal is to reduce emissions by working with carriers that are using or transitioning to sustainable fuels. 56
Through our long-term partnerships, we assist these carriers with registration requirements and collaborate on optimising transport flows, contributing to lower emissions.” Tiemen adds that Royal Lemkes remains focused on sustainable growth: “By designing our operations and logistics to accommodate high volumes, we can seamlessly integrate new customers into our processes while serving our existing customers more efficiently. We recently conducted several studies that provided valuable insights for further optimisation, supporting our goal to remain Future Fit in the years ahead.” Watch the video on robotics
Business as a force for good Royal Lemkes firmly believes in ‘business as a force for good’. This belief reflects our conviction that companies should strive not only for financial profit but also for positive impact on people and the planet. Green is more than beautiful A growing body of scientific research consistently underscores the powerful benefits of plants. They contribute to addressing climate challenges, enhancing biodiversity, reducing stress, improving health and boosting learning and work performance. In 2024, we partnered with the Ronald Moerings Foundation to transform the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek complex in Amsterdam into a green oasis. This renowned cancer research institute and treatment centre received a healthy green makeover, marking the start of a multi-year collaboration. Together, we aim not only to create a welcoming and beautiful green environment but also to inspire hope and confidence for those who need it most. We extend out heartfelt gratitude to the partners who helped bring this project to life. Through close collaboration, we are contributing to a greener and healthier future! Watch the Green is more than beautiful videos 58
‘Green is more than beautiful’ partners De Groene Stad, 17 November 2023 degroenestad.nl
Financial results Despite 2024 marking another challenging year for Royal Lemkes, we succeeded in stabilising our revenue. At more than €276 million, revenue showed a modest increase compared to 2023. Jan Slingerland, finance director, says, “Building on the operational cost efficiencies achieved in 2023, we extended similar improvements to other areas of the business in 2024. By restructuring processes, we improved the efficiency of our order flow, resulting in lower overall costs.” He adds, “These efficiency gains helped offset rising costs caused by inflation. As a result, we closed 2024 with a positive financial outcome, maintaining a healthy solvency position. Final figures will be published through the usual channels later this year.” 60
Future Fit Looking ahead to 2025, Royal Lemkes is well-positioned for growth, supported by the improvement processes implemented in recent years. With the addition of new customers, revenue is expected to increase. Our strong operational foundation and sound financial position enable us to continue investing in innovation and improvement. This ensures we remain agile in responding to future developments and confident about the years ahead. Revenue development 100 150 200 250 300 350 50 0 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 We closed 2024 with a positive result, continuing a trend that has remained stable for many years. 2024 €288 €288 €249 €249 €265 €309 €307 €275 €276 Net revenue in € million.
Cees van der Meij, Director and Majority Shareholder Heleen van Gulik Thomas Heerkens Supervisory Board Despite challenging market conditions, 2024 proved to be a successful year for Royal Lemkes, thanks to the dedication and commitment of all employees. The companies within Plantify Partners Europe focused on their core markets and continued to achieve significant progress in delivering value to customers and partners. A fantastic job In 2024, Plantify Partners Europe acquired the remaining shares of Floréac. The company has since embarked on a change process that is beginning to yield positive results due to the resilience and dedication of its employees. Royal Lemkes, for its part, has worked diligently to expand its customer base and optimise customer processes — efforts that are clearly bearing fruit. The Supervisory Board extends its appreciation and gratitude for the outstanding work across the organisation. We look forward to the future with confidence and optimism. www.plantifypartnerseurope.eu 62
Royal Lemkes has a green heart. We believe in plants. Plants can create a better life, stronger businesses and contribute to a healthier, green world. In everything we do, we strive for sustainable growth. Of our people, of our relationships, of our common business and of the world we live in. Let’s plantify® the future. Together. Plantify® = Creating a better life, stronger businesses and a healthier, green world with plants.
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