Certhon CEO Lotte van Rijn among the Netherlands’ leading food changers Share this post facebook twitter whatsapp linkedin Lotte van Rijn, CEO of Certhon, has been included in the 2024 Food100 list, which recognizes the Netherlands’ most influential food changers. The list celebrates individuals who contribute to a more sustainable, future-proof food system. Van Rijn is praised for her leadership and Certhon’s innovative approach to global food challenges. Certhon: innovation and technology in horticulture Under Van Rijn’s leadership, Certhon has established itself as a leader in the horticultural sector, developing advanced greenhouses and indoor farms. In cooperation with tech giant DENSO, pioneer in robotics, Certhon works continuously to improve growing systems. Van Rijn states, “When plant whisperers and technology experts grow as one, the whole world changes,” highlighting her vision of the crucial role of technology in agriculture. Addressing global food challenges Van Rijn recognizes the complex challenges within today’s food system, such as food scarcity, labor shortages, food safety and environmental impacts. Certhon provides solutions to challenges such as food scarcity, labor shortages and environmental impact. The company continuously innovates with growing systems that enable safe and sustainable food worldwide. Van Rijn: “We are reinventing food systems.” One example is “The Farm of Functional Food,” an ambition in which Certhon wants to make it possible to grow nutrient-dense crops within controlled environments. Anywhere in the world. Groundbreaking innovations in 2023 In 2023, Certhon reached important milestones. The acquisition by DENSO strengthened their position in the horticultural sector, leading to the launch of the advanced Artemy harvester robot, which harvests cherry tomatoes autonomously. The company also introduced the Gronos growing system, which allows growers to produce cherry tomatoes year-round without manual handling. Sustainability and protein transition In 2023, Certhon realized a daylightless cultivation facility in an old mine, contributing to a more sustainable future. In addition, the innovative greenhouse builder plays an active role in the protein transition. For example, the company developed a cultivation environment for natural algae, a vegetable protein source. Future-oriented leadership Lotte van Rijn’s recognition on the Food100 list underscores her vision of innovation and sustainability. With her leadership, Certhon remains a key player in the transformation of the global food system. As she herself says, “We create growing solutions that make it possible to grow fresh, safe and sustainable food anywhere in the world, regardless of climate.”