‘s -Gravenzande/Zeist – Jan Hoek passed away on 25 October 2024. He was a highly successful breeder of chrysanthemums and founder of Royalty Administration International. Hoek developed and marketed several chrysanthemum varieties that remain popular today. He also played a vital role in the development of breeders’ rights protection and enforcement. Jan Hoek reached the age of 87.
Successful chrysanthemum breeder
After graduating from the Handelsdagschool, Jan Hoek worked a year at the Paul Ecke Ranch in California, the world-renowned poinsettia breeder. When returning to the Netherlands, he went to work at his father’s company and focused entirely on chrysanthemum breeding. In 1984, his father left the company and Jan continued under the name Hoek Breeding.
Well-known varieties
With Hoek Breeding, Jan bred several iconic chrysanthemum varieties. In 2007, he ended his work in breeding and Deliflor Chrysanten took over Hoek Breeding’s assortment. Several varieties developed by Jan, such as the disbudded chrysanthemums Inga, Eleonora and Anastasia, are still grown today.
Founder of RAI
In 1984, Jan Hoek started Royalty Administration International C.V. (RAI). He was one of the first to see the importance of physical checks at nurseries on the propagation of varieties protected by plant breeders’ rights. This prompted him to set up an organisation to deal with this and specialise in this. In 1988, RAI became fully independent and grew into an influential, global organisation that to this day is the market leader in the enforcement of plant breeders’ rights.
Enduring legacy
Jan Hoek is remembered as a professional of integrity and dedication who remained involved in industry developments well into his later years. He leaves a lasting legacy in the Dutch and international flower world.
