Koppert Cress BV is an internationally acclaimed Dutch horticultural company, recognized as a global pioneer in the cultivation of microgreens, cresses, and specialty edible plants for the gastronomy sector. Headquartered in Monster, Netherlands, the company serves top chefs, Michelin-star restaurants, and food innovators across more than 70 countries. Through its philosophy of "Architecture Aromatique," Koppert Cress combines culinary artistry with botanical science to deliver exceptional flavor, texture, and nutritional value.
Company Background
Founded in 2002 by Rob Baan, Koppert Cress quickly established itself as an industry leader in the niche market of microgreens and edible specialties. With a deep commitment to sustainability, biodiversity, and gastronomy, the company grew from a regional grower into a global brand. Baan's visionary leadership has been instrumental in fostering innovation and setting new standards in responsible horticulture.
Koppert Cress operates with a strong ethos of environmental and social responsibility, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promoting healthy, plant-forward diets through its collaborations with culinary institutions and chefs worldwide.
Core Business
Koppert Cress specializes in the cultivation and global distribution of:
- Cresses: Young seedlings of 100% natural aromatic plants
- Specialties: Unique edible leaves, blossoms, and seeds
- Edible Flowers: High-end garnish and taste-enhancing floral elements
- Sustainable Packaging Solutions: Designed to reduce plastic and improve shelf life
Their products are used extensively in haute cuisine, professional catering, molecular gastronomy, and fine dining establishments.
Product and Service Portfolio
Cresses
- Atsina Cress: Refreshing, sweet anise flavor
- Affilla Cress: Sweet pea-like flavor with decorative tendrils
- Daikon Cress: Spicy radish taste ideal for sashimi and salads
- Mustard Cress: Peppery, spicy microgreen
- Tahoon Cress: Earthy, mushroom-like flavor
Specialties
- Sechuan Buttons: Electric flower known for numbing sensation
- Oyster Leaves: Succulent leaves with oceanic taste
- Anise Blossom: Decorative flower with strong aniseed flavor
- Borage Cress: Subtle cucumber flavor
Edible Flowers
- Apple Blossom: Floral note with sour apple undertones
- Zallotti Blossom: Basil-anise aroma, visually striking
- Jasmine Blossom: Aromatic floral component for dessert pairings
Other Offerings
- Cress Seeds for professional growers
- Eco-conscious Packaging: Developed using biodegradable and recyclable materials
Unique Selling Proposition
Koppert Cress's competitive advantage lies in its gastronomic research and innovation. The company identifies and cultivates rare edible plants from global traditions and makes them accessible to modern kitchens in consistent quality and food-safe formats.
With 100% indoor controlled environment agriculture (CEA) systems, they ensure year-round availability, minimal pesticide use, and ultra-low environmental footprint. Their commitment to flavor profiling, sensory testing, and education makes them a knowledge leader in the culinary plant world.
Financials and Global Reach
- Operates across 70+ countries, including North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East
- Annual revenue estimated to exceed €25 million, with consistent double-digit growth fueled by the expansion of plant-based culinary trends
- Partnerships with over 1,000 Michelin-starred chefs
- Export volume includes millions of punnets of microgreens shipped per year with strict cold-chain logistics
Export and Distribution
Koppert Cress maintains direct supply chains and authorized distributors worldwide, ensuring freshness and food safety. Major markets include:
- Netherlands
- Germany
- France
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Japan
- UAE
Their products are also featured in gastronomy expos such as Madrid Fusión, SIRHA Lyon, and The World's 50 Best Restaurants.
Target Market
- Fine dining and Michelin-star restaurants
- Luxury hotels and resorts
- Culinary schools and gastronomy institutions
- Innovative caterers and patisserie chefs
- Gourmet product distributors
Capabilities and Infrastructure
- Advanced greenhouse facilities with automated climate, irrigation, and lighting systems
- Vertical integration from seed selection to packaging and logistics
- R&D partnerships with universities and chefs
- In-house microbiology labs and food safety protocols
- Emphasis on flavor mapping and sensory science
Certifications and Sustainability
- Global GAP and BRC certified
- Committed to energy-neutral operations by 2030
- Uses rainwater harvesting, LED lighting, and natural pest control
- Packaging made from biodegradable and recyclable materials
- Promotes Plant Forward initiative for global food sustainability
Customer Testimonials
“Koppert Cress offers an extraordinary palette of flavors. Their products have transformed how we approach ingredients in fine dining.”
– Chef Jonnie Boer, De Librije (3 Michelin Stars)
“The quality, freshness, and innovation from Koppert Cress are unmatched. They’re more than a supplier—they’re culinary partners.”
– Executive Chef, The Ritz London
Major Achievements
- Recipient of the Prix International de l'Innovation at SIAL Paris
- Named one of the Top 10 Horticultural Innovators in Europe by EU AgriTech
- Founder Rob Baan awarded Commander of the Order of Orange-Nassau for sustainable entrepreneurship
- Featured in National Geographic, CNN Business, and The World’s 50 Best Talks
- Launched the Koppert Cress Educational Hub, a free resource for chefs and food professionals globally
Koppert Cress stands at the intersection of agriculture, gastronomy, and sustainability—bringing chefs the tools to craft extraordinary experiences while nurturing a healthier planet.