Strategic Planning 2031
Our ambition for sustainable growth
Strategic Planning 2031 shows the path we will take to successfully develop our KWS together. We have defined four strategic topics for the future that will play a special role.
KWS has been a family-owned company since its beginning in 1856. Ever since, we have been able to rely on strong values and we still do this today: You will surely have heard about Independence, Closeness, Foresight and Reliability as our four core values.
Strategic structure of KWS: Link between mindset and everyday action
But there is more to the foundation of KWS – and our pyramid reflects the interdependence between mindset and action very clearly.
Our Corporate Principles (Essence, Vision and Mission) describe the way we relate to each other and interact, where we want to go as a company and what we aim to achieve with our activities and daily work.
On the next level, our strategic planning, as the central instrument for developing and steering the KWS strategy, comes into play. With the help of strategic planning, we review the orientation and strategy of the KWS Group and the individual business segments every two to three years to determine whether we are on the right course in the long term or if adjustments are required as a result of changes in the markets or new trends.
On the base level, the strategic planning, with its measurable objectives and initiatives, needs to be further transformed into daily business. There, we are looking into budget allocation for projects, tasks, etc. and finally our everyday actions. So, it is crucial to understand that all elements are connected and that we need to keep in mind where we’re coming from if we want to succeed in our everyday work and continue “Seeding the Future since 1856.”
When we are talking about measurable objectives in terms of KWS strategic planning, we always consider four defined cornerstones based on clear targets, which form the guiding framework for all business areas and strategic decisions.
Guiding frame
Measurable goals along our cornerstones
But a strategy is never static. Just as our world changes, our strategy needs to adapt to changing trends and a changing market environment as well. In our strategic planning, we regularly address global developments and trends. We focus on trends that have a major impact on agriculture as well as upstream and downstream industries. These long-term trends will thus also have a strong impact on KWS as part of the value chain.
The trends partially interact and form the basis for our strategic future topics, allowing us to tackle opportunities and challenges that come along with them. In the case of the Strategic Planning 2031, four strategic future topics were defined for the next ten or more years.
Our four topics for the future
Sustainable Agricultural Practices
The call for a more sustainable agriculture is becoming louder and louder – pressure from politics and society is increasing. The aim is to minimize the use of chemicals in arable farming, produce fewer emissions and at the same time safeguard yields. Farmers are thus faced with the challenge of having to cope with both the massive impact of climate change and social and political demands, while at the same time operating profitably. With the help of our many years of experience and our holistic approach, we are working on the solutions urgently needed by the industry. |
Nutritional Food Ingredients
Demand for plant-based alternatives to animal protein is growing. With our crops and varieties, KWS is an active part of the value chain for high-quality plant-based food – and will further strengthen its position in the future. With our products, we provide important fundamentals for sustainable diets, e.g. plant-based alternatives to animal protein. In addition, our innovations strengthen regional and sustainable food cultivation. |
Connected Seeds
Automation and digital cultivation support is continuously increasing in agriculture. “Connected Seeds" is all about improving the use of genetic potential through digital services and tools for the farmer. These support them in all decisions around cultivation – for secure and sustainable yields. Our digital offerings are optimally tailored to our seeds and are constantly being further developed with them. |
Future Sales Models
Our customers also like to buy conveniently and increasingly online. With additional and direct purchasing options for seed and services, for example via our sales representatives or our own online platforms, we offer simple and convenient options. When it comes to direct contact between KWS and farmers, customer satisfaction and service naturally always remain our top priorities. |
Where do we go from here?
Of course, the journey does not end with these strategic focus areas. As you have seen from the pyramid, they need to be translated into projects and everyday actions. The focus areas have already been picked up by the business units during the SP31 process and have been translated into product- and market-relevant strategies for their respective areas. These now have to be further detailed and implemented. R&D and Group and Global functions are picking up on demands resulting from this process and adjusting their strategies accordingly.
Each and every one of us is part of the KWS strategy
The successful basis of our strategy is the continuous improvement of our products and services for our customers and, at the same time, excellent internal service and outstanding "back-office" systems and processes. Implementing the strategic goals and their corresponding initiatives requires at the same time commitment, innovative strength and sometimes change as well.
Our strategy can only be successfully implemented if all colleagues work together to achieve it – in the business units, in research and development and in the functions. Closeness and team spirit – these are core values at KWS. They enable us to meet our customers' needs today and in the future and allow us to respond to changes.
Together, our actions, taken every day, will lead to a bright future. |
Info
- You can find a lot of useful information regarding the SP31 on the KWS intranet, including the recording of the “Meet the EXB meets Strategy Café” event, the presentation, the film, the poster, etc. A lot of the material is available in up to 10 different languages.
- You can find out more about the Corporate and Business Unit strategies in the upcoming Strategy Café events (stay tuned for more information and dates) and on the intranet:
© KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA 2025
