Strategy

Strategic planning

Strategic planning forms the basis for the further development of the KWS Group. It defines strategic objectives, initiatives, and core measures for existing activities, as well as for potential new business. Planning is based on a long-term vision (ten years) and includes the analysis and evaluation of market developments, competitors, and the position of the KWS Group.

Grow profitably

A guarantee for KWS maintaining independence is its long-term profitable growth. Important components are the efficiency of our seeds, and trusting relationships with farmers.

Become a partner

As a reliable and trusted partner for farmers, we want to help shape the increasing professionalisation of agriculture. Our independence and long-term orientation allow us to invest in future research and breeding projects.

Living our values

The distinctive value orientation of KWS Group employees, distinguishes us, making us a company that employees, customers, suppliers and the public can trust.

People at KWS

As a seed specialist, in our corporate strategy, we strive to contribute to greater sustainability in agriculture

Dr Henning von der Ohe, Head of Corporate Development

Strategic planning of individual segments

At the very heart of the KWS strategy are the maize, sugarbeet and cereal segments. They are equipped with a great amount of entrepreneurial freedom, and therefore form independent companies within the company. By dividing KWS activities into business units, individual strategies can be developed and implemented.

Sugarbeet

Strengthen global market leadership
Development of herbicide tolerance systems
Introduction of products with additional benefits such as multi-tolerant varieties
Development of innovative products and technologies (e.g. sugarbeet for early sowing and seeds for hybrid potatoes)

Maize and oil crops

Grow profitably and consolidate our leading position in Northern Europe
Expand marketing and sales
Extend breeding activities
Increase the share of our own varieties on the market

Cereals

Expansion of the global acreage of hybrid rye
Promote the increased use of rye in feeding
Development of hybrid rye for regions with cold winters
Strengthening of our own genetic material and focus on development of hybrid wheat and barley

Medium and long-term objectives of the KWS group

Objectives
Profitable growth	Increase in Group sales to an average of 5-10% p.a. ≥ 10% EBIT margin
Research & Development	R&D rate of about 17% of the Group revenue 1 to 2% yield improvement p.a. for our customers, as well as tolerance and resistance developments
Internationalisation	Expansion of the variety portfolio for subtropical markets
Sustainability	Integration of international subsidiaries in the KWS sustainability reporting
Dividends	Dividend payout ratio of 20 to 25% of the KWS group net income