More than 50 years experience
What we do
Zouk creates new apple varieties. The development begins with classic apple breeding and ends with the protection and management of the Intellectual Properties (I.P.). In close cooperation with our partners we launch these new varieties as complete concepts carefully aligned with the needs of their markets. We strive to achieve a perfect match between production, apple volumes and the market demands.
The Zouk apple varieties amaze consumers with their unique taste experience and texture. Furthermore they excel in their technical progress because of their natural tolerance against the most common apple diseases and the high return on investment.
It runs in the family
The company is wholly owned by the (Johan) Nicolaï family. The long-term process of variety development is complementary to the long-term vision of the family. This ensures well-considered choices and a commitment to sustainability. The company must also continue to exist after the current generation. This creates trust with our partners as they can continue to count on Zouk because of the family.
Johan Nicolaï is one of the most successful independent apple breeders in the world, after taking over the company from his father in 1982.
Laura is the daughter of Johan. She holds a doctorate in biomedical sciences and has been responsible for developing new cultivars since 2012.
Vincent joined the team in 2014. He trained as sales and marketing manager at the nursery and ZOUK bvba.
WITH MY CHILDREN TAKING ON IMPORTANT ROLES WITHIN THE COMPANY, THE FUTURE IS GUARANTEED.
HOW IT ALL BEGAN. LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR HERITAGE
The history of our family business goes back to
1963 when Jo Nicolaï started cultivating fruit trees in Sint Truiden. In 1967 he was the first to introduce a bi-coloured apple in Belgium (a Jonathan crossed with a Golden Delicious). The Jonagold cultivar was developed in Geneva, New York.