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About GreenFood50
In 2014 GreenFood50 was founded with a clear mission. Now, we are the leading specialist in innovative quinoa ingredients in the Netherlands. Keep on reading to find out what makes us unique!
Goal
Our mission
Every year the world population grows with more than 50 million people according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Feeding the growing world population with tasty, healthy and safe food within the limitations of available crop land, water and energy, will be the challenge of this era.
Our mission is therefore to enable tasty, affordable, sustainable and healthy food for a growing world population.
This challenge is also reflected in our name, as the ’50’ in GreenFood50 refers to it.
Core values
What drives us
We develop innovative quinoa ingredients that enable customers to produce tasty and healthy food products in a sustainable way. The following core values help us in achieving this goal:
Team
Meet the GreenFood50 team
Our multidisciplinary team has a diverse background. We have over 30 years of experience in the global food and agriculture industry. Our close co-operation with the Wageningen University & Research (WUR), other leading universities and international research organizations ensures that the latest technologies and know-how are applied.
Marc Arts
Founder & CEO
In 2014, I founded GreenFood50 with a clear mission. As both Founder and CEO, I combine strategic vision with hands-on leadership to drive our mission forward. I focus on achieving growth while maintaining exceptional quality, ensuring that every decision aligns with our long-term goals. By working closely with all different roles, I make sure our efforts are aligned and that our products consistently exceed expectations.
Linda de Koning
R&D Manager
As R&D Manager, I not only drive innovation by exploring new ideas but also focus on quality, ensuring our products meet the highest standards. I work across the entire chain—from cultivation and production to final quality—while collaborating with marketing to connect our vision with customers’ needs and providing ongoing support.
Tim Scholten
Commercial and Operational Co-ordinator
As a Commercial and Operational Coordinator, I ensure seamless operations across all stages, from the cultivation of our quinoa to order management and final delivery. I combine day-to-day operations with a strong focus on customer support, working not only to optimize processes but also to support customers and expand our reach.
Marleen van Lingen
Marketeer
As Marketeer at GreenFood50, I’m dedicated to enhancing and growing the GreenFood50 brand, using creativity and attention to detail. I am responsible for managing our website and social media presence, such as on our LinkedIn page, while also overseeing our branded gifts and merchandise. Through clear and engaging content, I bring our mission to life, ensuring a vibrant and fresh appearance for our brand.
Network
Located at Wageningen Campus
We are located on the campus of Wageningen University & Research, due to this we benefit from a vibrant community of scientists, researchers, and innovators in food and agricultural science. This dynamic environment allows us to stay at the forefront of quinoa research and sustainable food practices, ensuring the incorporation of the latest insights into our products.
We’re proud to be part of a global network of partners within the food industry, enhancing our reach and impact. As members of Foodvalley NL, The Protein Cluster and alumni of StartLife—an esteemed agri-food incubator—, we actively engage with innovative leaders to drive progress in sustainable food solutions.
History
Our journey
2014: The Beginning of a Vision
In 2014, our founder Marc Arts set out on a mission to make healthy, locally-produced food more accessible. Driven by a passion for sustainable agriculture and the need for a transparent food system, he launched our company with the goal of creating high-quality ingredients from locally grown crops, starting with quinoa. The aim was clear: to support local farmers while offering consumers healthier, traceable food options.
2015 – 2017: Pioneering Ingredients and Recognition
In 2015, we developed our first ingredient: toasted quinoa flour, which quickly gained popularity for its unique flavour and nutritional benefits. The following year, we introduced quinoa flakes, expanding our range of versatile, plant-based ingredients. During this time, our innovation earned us several industry awards and recognition, further solidifying our commitment to quality and sustainability.
2018: EU Seal of Excellence
Our efforts to innovate and improve local food systems were recognized with the EU Seal of Excellence in 2018. This award highlighted our dedication to research, innovation and sustainable practices.
2019 – 2020: Expanding Dutch Quinoa Cultivation
In 2019, we took a major step forward through acquiring the Dutch quinoa cultivation activities from the Dutch Quinoa Group. This addition allowed us to create a shorter, more transparent supply chain. This ensures that consumers can trace their quinoa from field to table, while supporting local agriculture and reducing environmental impact.
2021: Expanding into Belgium
Building on our success in the Netherlands, we expanded into Belgium in 2021 by taking over the quinoa cultivation and activities from Gilbel. This strategic move positioned us as the exclusive Benelux license holder of the low saponin quinoa varieties developed by Wageningen University and Research, a key player in agricultural innovation. This strengthened our position as a leader in the European quinoa market.
2022 – 2024: Advanced Product Development and Expansion
From 2021 onwards, we focused on advancing our quinoa based texturizing and binding solutions. These innovations have paved the way for creating new applications for our quinoa ingredients, particularly in plant-based foods. With the growing demand for sustainable, high protein quality ingredients, our quinoa solutions have helped enhance both the texture and nutritional profile of food products.
In parallel, we expanded not only our local quinoa cultivation but also our customer base, reaching new markets across more countries. Our strategic focus on sustainability, partnerships and high quality allowed us to further drive the demand for quinoa-based solutions, making our products more accessible to consumers seeking healthier, plant-based alternatives.
Looking Ahead: Future Plans
As we look to the future, our focus remains on innovation, sustainability and quality, in combination. We plan to expand our range of plant-based ingredients, explore new partnerships with local farmers, and continue refining our supply chain to reduce environmental impact. We are not only committed to expanding our range but also to ensuring the highest quality standards in every product and maintaining the exceptional level of nutrition, taste, and safety our customers expect.
In addition to expanding our product offerings, we will continue to build and strengthen our relationships with our partners. By fostering collaboration with farmers, suppliers, and manufacturers, we aim to create a more resilient and sustainable ecosystem that supports our shared goals. Our goal is to become the leading provider of sustainable, high-quality quinoa ingredients, all while staying true to our roots in local agriculture and transparent food production.
This is only the beginning of our journey, and we’re excited to share the future of food with you.
Any questions left?
Marc Arts
Founder & CEO