Koppert Cress has unveiled The Edible Jungle, a living, breathing, and entirely edible ecosystem that brings the future of food vividly to life. Designed as an immersive expedition, it invites chefs, flavour specialists, policymakers, and innovators to rediscover the richness and diversity of nature under the guidance of specially trained Rangers.
On 24 and 25 November 2025, Koppert Cress welcomed selected guests from gastronomy, horticulture, healthcare, and innovation to celebrate the opening of this new experiential environment.
A Curiosity Cabinet of Edible Plants
Based in the Westland region, Koppert Cress is renowned for producing cresses and microgreens distributed across Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Drawing on more than 25 years of innovation, The Edible Jungle brings together over 150 edible plants—ranging from delicate cresses to fully mature species, from rare botanical discoveries to experimental varieties developed in the company’s living test lab.
“Here, you can smell, taste, and marvel,” says General Manager Stijn Baan. “Everyone who steps into the jungle experiences how rich and surprising the world of plants really is.”
Monday: A Culinary Expedition
On Monday, 90 guests from the culinary sector—including Michelin-starred chefs, suppliers, and product developers—journeyed through the dense jungle landscape. Instead of a traditional tour, they were offered a multisensory tasting expedition filled with aromatic surprises, unusual textures, intense botanical flavours, and experimental creations from the test lab. Even seasoned chefs encountered ingredients and sensations entirely new to them.
Tuesday: Sustainability, Health & Greenhouse Horticulture
Tuesday was dedicated to policymakers, healthcare pioneers, and leaders in greenhouse horticulture. These visitors were presented with a forward-looking vision in which plant-based innovation, health, and advanced technology come together to shape future food systems.
Transparency and Dialogue
Koppert Cress hopes The Edible Jungle will broaden perspectives on the global food system and stimulate meaningful dialogue. “Nature is the basis of everything we do at Koppert Cress,” explains Stijn Baan. “Yet today it can feel as though we live in a world of extremes—between nature-inclusive, regenerative agriculture on one side and high-tech greenhouse horticulture on the other, often portrayed as opposites in terms of sustainability. I see it differently. Our approach is equally sustainable, and I believe both are essential to a future-proof food system.”
Koppert Cress publishes its sustainability efforts, goals, and results annually in its sustainability magazine, Cress Compass.
Experience It Yourself
“Our ambition is to inspire visitors and encourage them to think differently about food,” says Baan. The Edible Jungle is open by appointment to anyone interested—from kitchen brigades and schools to policymakers, innovators, and research teams. The new Westland experience environment also offers a unique setting for meetings and events.
Photo credits: Martijn van Leeuwen, FITCHD
