Chainmail RZ Rijk Zwaan magazine for all chain partners | February 2016
KNOX transforms the lettuce landscape
Sweet Palermo®: ‘maintaining an excellent flavour’
On the rise: melons from Turkey
Contents 2 4 5 6 7 8 9
A Rijk Zwaan innovation transforms the lettuce landscape
Sweet Palermo®: versatile pointed pepper
Manuel Galdeano, Spain: “Maintaining an excellent flavour”
‘Let’s snack 2.0’
Tesco Poland ‘packs a punch’ with Silky Pink tomatoes Organic production in USA benefits from Zeppo RZ beetroot
Salanova® in Brazil and Germany
Hydroponic lettuce takes off in Peru Australia embraces Endeavour RZ tomato
transforms KNOX is a trait in lettuce varieties which delays the discolouration process of leaves caused by oxidation. This presents numerous benefits, especially for processors and retailers. But the biggest winner is probably the end user; for the consumer, pre-packed bags of salad now stay fresher for longer.
10 11 12
On the rise: melons from Turkey Northwestern Europe enjoys charentais Flexima RZ white cabbage in Russia Ernteband processes Monty RZ beetroot
13 14
Italian turning point for endive Responding to consumers worldwide
The magazine Chainmail RZ is published in English, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese and German by Rijk Zwaan Distribution B.V. It is distributed to chain partners worldwide and has a circulation of 8,000. Text and editorial team: Rijk Zwaan Photography: Rijk Zwaan, Tjipke Meijer Lay-out: Drukkerij Van Deventer Printing: Drukkerij Van Deventer Reproduction stating source is allowed. Chainmail RZ has been created with the utmost care. Nevertheless no liability can or will be accepted for any incorrect information. Rijk Zwaan Distribution B.V. Burgemeester Crezéelaan 40 P.O. Box 40, 2678 ZG De Lier The Netherlands T +31 (0)174 53 23 00 F +31 (0)174 53 21 63 E chainmanagement@rijkzwaan.nl www.rijkzwaan.com 2
Nothing beats the taste of fresh lettuce,
Extensive laboratory and practical tests
and fresh-cut bagged lettuce has gained
have confirmed this unique trait.
considerable ground in recent years. However, the pinking on the edges poses
Crossing into varieties
a tricky problem. In response to this,
It appeared to be a recessive trait and
the breeders at Rijk Zwaan – who are
breeders set to work to investigate its
continually working on innovations and
inheritance pattern. Once techniques
improvements to existing products – set
such as genetic markers had provided
out in search of a nature-based solution.
certainty, it was time for the next step
They developed a research methodology
and the breeders initiated backcrossing
and tested the extent of discolouration
into various lettuce types as quickly
in hundreds of lettuce heads. And
as possible. Finally, after a decade of
then they had a breakthrough: the
continuous research and development,
researchers found a plant with no
the breeders presented six varieties with
discolouration even after three days.
the KNOX gene: cos, batavia, iceberg
Rijk Zwaan | Chainmail
the lettuce landscape lettuce, butterhead, Salanova® Crispy and Salanova® Butter.
A bright future for lettuce KNOX was officially launched onto the market in September 2015 during the Rijk Zwaan Leafy Event, and the KNOX varieties were on display at the demo field in Fijnaart immediately afterwards. Visitors were very interested in the concept. All the enquiries from growers and processing companies are currently being evaluated so that widespread trials can start in 2016. Thanks to KNOX,
varieties will gradually be extended
the future of lettuce looks even brighter.
over the coming years to eventually
Needless to say, the assortment of
make a KNOX version available for every
favourite.
“KNOX extends shelf life of lettuce by two days” According to Bauke van Lenteren, Convenience Manager at Rijk Zwaan, KNOX responds to an important need among processors. “Thanks to KNOX, fresh-cut lettuce does not always need low-oxygen packaging. This reduces costs and gives processors more options when blending. Furthermore, it eliminates the unpleasant smell that is associated with opening low-oxygen packaging.” Combining the benefits for the processing industry with the advantages for retailers – better inventory management and less waste – reveals the true scope of KNOX: a more sustainable chain in which this groundbreaking innovation will hopefully stimulate consumers to purchase and hence eat lettuce more frequently. “After all, the KNOX benefits ultimately create a better Bauke van Lenteren
consumer experience too.”
delays pinking in fresh-cut lettuce
The trait
‘Inside’
Ready to eat
Happy consumers
KNOX is the result of 10 years
Approximately 10 varieties
KNOX extends the shelf life of
Needless to say, the benefits
of research and development
have the KNOX trait.
lettuce by approx. 2 days.
of KNOX will lead to a better
at Rijk Zwaan.
February | 2016
end-user experience.
3
Sweet Palermo®: the tasty, convenient and versatile pointed pepper One year on from the international launch of Sweet Palermo, Rijk Zwaan’s pointed pepper is already gracing countless supermarket displays. This sweet innovation offers some welcome variety in the largely ‘boring’ bell pepper segment and, thanks to the specially designed packaging line, brand recognition is growing by the day.
Consumers can rely on Sweet Palermo
Palermo to unburden
for consistently good flavour and
our partners
quality, and that is an important
and boost the
message to convey according to
sales figures.
Florent Rezeau, Marketing Specialist
Selected
at Rijk Zwaan: “We do so through
growers produce
a consistently impeccable product
a high-quality
and an all-encompassing marketing
product, retailers
concept. At Rijk Zwaan, we have
provide shelf space and Rijk Zwaan
devised a toolkit to help all partners
positions the concept via unique
tell the same Sweet Palermo story with
displays, various packaging options,
conviction.”
logos, informative websites, etc. It’s all in our toolkit.”
Sweet Palermo really hits the sweet spot, not least thanks to its brix value – at least 2 to 4 points higher than a standard blocky pepper – and consumer studies confirm that flavour is the main reason to buy. The biggest challenge is enticing shoppers to purchase it for the first time, but
Enticing shoppers to purchase it for the first time
Rijk Zwaan lends a helping hand in
The story is based on three pillars:
this respect too. “We’ve developed a
flavour, versatility and convenience.
partnership model especially for Sweet
Sweet Palermo’s sweet taste and crispy bite are irresistible every time. It is a real all-rounder in the kitchen cooking but also delicious in fresh
New website bursting with information
salads. The ready-made marketing
To whet consumers’ appetites for
strategy means that all links in the
Sweet Palermo, Rijk Zwaan launched
chain can set to work immediately.
a website bursting with tips, product
In terms of future plans, Rijk Zwaan
information and recipes. The modern
will be introducing yellow varieties
design and appealing images are a
alongside the red option in the coming
visual feast and are aimed at inspiring
season. Furthermore, as part of the
people to discover the versatility of
robust overall concept, the first trials
the sweet pointed pepper. The user-
with orange pointed peppers will start
friendly website adds real value for
shortly.
Sweet Palermo partners and retailers
because Sweet Palermo is perfect for
alike. See www.sweetpalermo.com
4
Rijk Zwaan | Chainmail
Manuel Galdeano, President of the Murgiverde growers’ cooperative in Almería, Spain: “Maintaining an excellent flavour” Murgiverde has been producing and selling Sweet Palermo since 2002. “An exceptionally tasty pointed pepper,” states Manuel Galdeano. “Our customers keep asking for it by name. And I don’t buy any other type of sweet pepper any more either. My favourite recipe is oven-baked Sweet Palermo with a dash of olive oil.”
Mediterranean conditions In addition to the excellent product quality, Galdeano praises the technical traits of the Sweet Palermo varieties. “We grow them on the high wire with a two or three stem system. The average production is considerably higher than with other pointed peppers and the varieties are well suited to our Mediterranean conditions. They don’t always have all the resistances, however, and that can sometimes be difficult in the spring when the burden of disease is high. But our growers are experts who can also produce great peppers in the summer months. That’s important because it’s a period of increased demand Sweetness is definitely Sweet
from northern Europe. We’re
Palermo’s trademark, and that
currently trialling a few yellow varieties, and our growers are
should remain so, emphasises Manuel Galdeano. “In our view,
positive about them too.”
the strategy for success is simple: only the very best and sweetest peppers must be
Together with Rijk Zwaan, Murgiverde is
allowed to carry the Sweet Palermo brand name.
currently working on a good crop plan for the
That trait has enabled it to secure its current market status.” And Murgiverde expects Sweet Palermo to further increase its market share in Spain and
Sweet Palermo varieties. By creating better alignment between the sowing periods, the cooperative hopes to avoid peaks and troughs in production. “Rijk Zwaan have proved themselves to be a reliable partner. They develop unique
France. Galdeano: “I’m
products and supply high-quality seeds, so we
convinced that, once
are very happy to grow a large number of their
consumers have tasted
varieties.”
Sweet Palermo for themselves, this sweet pointed pepper will become a huge success.”
Februari Januari | |2016 2016
5
Mixes increase demand for diversity in snack varieties, ‘Let’s snack 2.0’ Sweet, bite-sized plum tomatoes and handy, crunchy cocktail cucumbers: snack vegetables are the perfect way of increasing global vegetable consumption. Rijk Zwaan is continually developing suitable varieties and exploring sales opportunities, such as in the medley/mix segment.
Most supermarkets sell ‘shakers’ of snack tomatoes. They are generally filled with red ones, but they are increasingly available in variety of colours and shapes. In recent research in Germany, Rijk Zwaan asked 700 consumers to appraise and taste various ‘tomato shaker’ mixes.
Yellow, blocky and pear-shaped The research revealed that consumers find mixed packs more appealing than the traditional
Rijk Zwaan presented its snack range at Fruit Attraction in Madrid, Spain
red-only versions. This interesting finding fits in well with Rijk Zwaan’s breeding activities. Since
72-188 RZ and orange pear-shaped tomato 72-187
last year the company has added the small yellow
RZ to its assortment – and other colours and
plum tomato 72-195 RZ, orange blocky tomato
shapes are ‘work in progress’.
Light-green, bi-colour and one-bite
Metro Hungary lists light-green snack cucumber
Just as with other varieties, reliability and production are important basic requirements when developing snack varieties. Rijk Zwaan has already launched a number of successes,
Retailer Metro C&C Hungary launched a new range of snack
such as Confetto RZ in tomatoes and Quarto RZ
vegetables in 2015, including a cucumber mix of fresh-green Quarto
in cucumbers. The latter is widely sold in multi-
RZ with cream-white Quinton RZ. For attractive presentation, both
packs for extra convenience. In addition to this
types are harvested when they are the same size and are flow-
‘standard’ snack type, the mixes are gaining
wrapped on a foam tray. The snack vegetable is
ground in this segment too, such as Quarto in
sold as an own-label product and displays
combination with the light-green snack cucumber
the Metro Controlled Own Grower
Quinton RZ, the one-bite 19-720 RZ and the green-
logo. The unique, colourful appeal
white snack cucumber Quirk RZ.
of the mix combined with the reassurance of Metro’s own brand immediately stimulated
Research has shown that consumers are enthusiastic about snack cucumber mixes too.
sales and also keeps
Almost half of those surveyed chose a mixed
consumers coming back for
pack immediately, and after the taste test that
more.
increased by a further 11%! In other words, there is still plenty of breeding work to be done in the cucumber segment.
6
Rijk Zwaan | Chainmail
Tesco Poland ‘packs a punch’ with Silky Pink© tomatoes With 400 stores Tesco is one of the leading retailers in Poland, and more than 5 million Polish people do their shopping with Tesco each week. The Silky Pink tomatoes from Rijk Zwaan have recently been added to the in-store offering – in an attractive 300 gram flow-wrapped pack: ‘Tesco jedz świeże’.
Robert Kuczara, Tesco’s Technical Manager for Central Europe, regards Rijk Zwaan as a valuable partner who helps the multinational to introduce innovative products, such as Silky Pink, in its stores. When asked about the secret of a good partnership, Kuczara replies: “Transparency and trust. Each year we organise several meetings so that both sides can exchange information and knowledge. And that works.”
Focus on packaging
Robert Kuczara, Tesco’s Technical Manager Central Europe.
Winter production in Spain If a consumer comes into the store especially for Silky
Silky Pink is not the first special Rijk Zwaan vegetable on Tesco Poland’s
Pink, it had better be in stock! Therefore, year-round
shelves. The stores have already introduced the sweet
supply is an absolute must. We find Polish growers
pointed pepper Sweet Palermo, cucumbers and various
to produce Silky Pink in the summer and autumn
innovative lettuce types. “And we’re now
months, and supplies come from Spain in the winter
presenting this pink tomato. We have high
and spring. They all grow Tatami RZ. Kuczara: “This
expectations thanks to its soft, juicy bite, well-
variety immediately caught our eye during the
balanced flavour and distinctive colour. Such
demos. Its good flavour and nice, pink colour means
a beautiful product deserves stylish packaging,
that this cocktail truss type is perfect in our exclusive
and we’ve worked together with Rijk Zwaan on that
range.”
aspect too. The tomatoes are now flow wrapped on a Silky Pink tray with Tesco co-branding. The packaging displays the
jedz swieze
words ‘Tesco jedz świeże’ meaning ‘Tesco eat fresh’.”
Organic production in USA benefits from Zeppo RZ beetroot Tomatero is a medium-sized organic production company which cares about its products and its employees – a company with the same focus on corporate social responsibility as Rijk Zwaan itself. Long-standing collaboration has resulted in nutrient-rich vegetables, full-bodied flavour and high yields. Beetroot is the most recent addition.
Chris Tuohing is owner of Tomatero Organic Farms in
markets, local retailers and wholesalers with
Watsonville, northern California. He has been using
kale, cauliflower, lettuce, spinach, fennel
Rijk Zwaan varieties for as long as he can remember.
and – most recently – Zeppo RZ beetroot.
John Bauer from Johnny’s Selected Seeds alerts
Chris: “Consumers are enthusiastic about
Chris to novelties and regularly organises trials at
this smooth, round beetroot. It’s a feast for
his farm. Together, they succeed in producing high-
the eyes and you can use it in all sorts of
quality organic vegetables all year round,
tasty dishes. We are also interested in the productivity and reliability.” This fast-growing
February | 2016
Chris’s 2-hectare farm is certified organic and
hybrid, which is intended for the fresh
has 70 employees. It supplies dozens of farmers’
market, is a strong new entrant in the USA. 7
Interest in Salanova® Brazil: a market of extremes The Brazilian retail segment is booming. Consumer spending on groceries is up by more than 55 percent compared with a decade ago and high-quality food is particularly popular. That’s one of the many reasons for Rijk Zwaan to initiate and nurture sustainable partnerships. Since April 2015, Rijk Zwaan chain manager Thijs Hulisz has been coordinating this process. The retail market is a
is sold by retailers in all segments,”
colourful mix of large and
continues Thijs Hulisz. “Our innovative
small independant grocery chains,
and convenient lettuce addresses the
speciality stores and discounters:
culinary needs of the country’s growing
“Major chains such as Carrefour, Pão
middle class. Salanova is amongst others,
de Açucar and Walmart are the most dominant –
produced close to Rio de Janeiro, where it
not only with their hypermarkets but increasingly
is sold through Hortifruti stores.”
also with smaller, local stores. Furthermore, the discounter Dia Supermercado is growing and
“Growers are very enthusiastic about the possibilities and have even been
specialist retailers like Oba and Hortifruti are
featured with Salanova on national television (GLOBO). Now the ball’s in
gaining ground.”
our court. Our team approaches potential customers and facilitates contact with growers. In addition, we’re setting up trials with new varieties and
Brazilian consumers clearly like to have a choice
launching packaging concepts for both processed and wholehead Salanova.
and they alternate between the straightforward and
Our network is definitely growing steadily, and
affordable range of the ‘big names’ and the quality
Brazil will soon be reaping the benefits.”
and convenience of speciality stores. “Salanova
Source: Country Report on Brazil, Planet Retail
Red Salanova® batavia conquers German and Dutch markets Hans de Groot from Staay Food Group is enthusiastic about red Salanova® Batavia, which achieves higher repeat purchases and significantly less product waste. “This lettuce meets the needs of a critical fresh chain.” “We’ve been handling
supermarkets, among others. All our
the sales & marketing
customers say the same thing: this
for Deliscious in Beesel,
lettuce adds to in-store appeal and has
the Netherlands, since
an attractive colour and a good bite. The
2007. Using LED lighting
sales figures for red Salanova batavia are
and hydroponics, this
even better than for red Salanova butter
company produces high-
lettuce. I also have high expectations for
quality and uniform root ball lettuces all year round. Last spring we
8
the new green Salanova oakleaf, because it has the same outstanding visual
started growing red Salanova batavia; it’s
characteristics, the right bite and a subtle
a top-class product that’s already being
sweetness. The Salanova lettuces from
sold by German supermarket chains such
Deliscious definitely boost the freshness
as Rewe and Metro. In the Netherlands
and attractiveness of a supermarket’s
we supply to Plus Retail and Jan Linders
fresh category.” Rijk Zwaan | Chainmail
High-quality hydroponic lettuce in Peru Invernaderos Hidropónicos del Perú offers its customers healthy and natural foods with high nutritional value. “That’s our mission statement,” emphasises owner Miguel Uccelli. “Without a doubt, the hydroponic method is the best way to grow consistent and healthy vegetables. Rijk Zwaan also saw opportunities to develop hydroponic lettuce as a new market segment in Peru so the two of us partnered up.” Invernaderos Hidropónicos del Perú was founded in 1997 and is a pioneer of the hydroponic (soilless) cultivation method in greenhouses in Peru. Miguel Uccelli: “We are located in the city of Lima, in the district of Lurin. Lettuce is by far the most important crop which we grow hydroponically. We can regulate the conditions better and, because of the hydroponic method, the lettuce heads are very clean: no soil or residues. We are especially fond of Flandria RZ. This variety has a
Bonny Zambrano (l) from Bozelt Seeds, distributor Rijk Zwaan, Andres Campos, production manager (m) and Miguel Uccelli from Invernaderos Hidropónicos del Perú (r).
consistent quality throughout the whole year, even during the
good alternative to Flandria RZ because it has a higher average
summer when butterhead lettuce consumption is higher.”
head weight. The other benefit is a strong bremia resistance
Butterhead
pattern. According to the company owner, the market has welcomed Invernaderos Hidropónicos del Perú’s products.
Uccelli is testing three new varieties in Peru: Rex RZ,
“Most products are sold in local supermarkets like Wong’s and I
Cosmopolia RZ and Zendria RZ. Cosmopolia could be a very
see the demand for hydroponic produce increasing rapidly.”
Australia embraces productive, high-quality tomato Endeavour RZ Following on from Mexico, Canada and Western Europe, there is now a new standard for large truss tomatoes in Australia too: Endeavour RZ. Growers praise this robust crop that does not grow too full too quickly, and with its high quality and strong green stem this truss tomato variety performs well in sales channels too. Much of Endeavour’s success is due to its versatility. According to Steve Natsias, Rijk Zwaan’s Technical Representative, growers can almost always depend on a high-quality harvest, irrespective of planting date and production location – and the yield is virtually unrivalled! “I hear the same feedback everywhere: no matter how extreme the growing conditions are, the Endeavour fruits do not split and they retain their firmness at all times. Needless to say, that’s very beneficial in terms of presentation and shelf life.” Last season, Endeavour even proved itself able to cope with the scorching heat
Steve Natsias (l) and Andrew Potter.
on Adelaide’s plains, where several companies were growing the truss tomato without grafting. Ritchie: “It was great to see how this variety remained vital
on the Australian market. A high-quality,
until the very end and produced uniform fruits in the 140-160 gram segment.
productive and grower-friendly variety like
The open, labour-friendly plant was well balanced, setting well and a head
Endeavour is an excellent response to this
that constantly followed the wire. We will definitely be hearing more of this
country’s often volatile climate.”
February | 2016
9
On the rise: Caribbean and Sandissima® melons from Turkey Turkey is a real melon country. In 2012, it ranked second in the world in terms of watermelon production, and new types are also gradually gaining a foothold. For example, both the domestic market and international markets are interested in the Caribbean and Sandissima® concepts. Rijk Zwaan facilitated contact for the growers with Metro Dubai and Metro Russia, among other retailers, and the growth continues.
Although the traditional Turkish melon, the Kirkacag melon and the large Crimson watermelon still dominate the market, Bilge, Rijk Zwaan’s Chain Manager in Turkey, nevertheless perceives a slight shift. “Changing consumer lifestyles are creating a need for different products, and growers and dealers can sense international opportunities! Export activities are opening up completely new and above all sizeable markets. In other words, there’s plenty of sales interest in ‘special’ melons.” Various Caribbean and Sandissima varieties were trialled in Turkey last year. “We then held tasting sessions for retailers, wholesalers and dealers and organised promotional activities in stores. We received positive reactions, which encouraged growers to incorporate the concepts into their production plan for this year too. Turkey’s Mediterranean coast and the highlands are ideal production locations for Caribbean melons, for example. Two growers planted Caribbean King RZ (on 8 and 30 hectares respectively) intended for
Purchasing Director from Çekok Gokay Isa Ozyuksel (l) and Production Manager Çekok Atalay Imal.
the British market and the United Arab Emirates. There’s a big chance that the nice Caribbean melons in Dubai come from Turkey.”
‘There’s a big chance
The Sandissima concept has also attracted
that the nice Caribbean
attention. One of Turkey’s largest fruit and vegetable distributors, Çekok, planted 1 hectare of Conguita RZ and Tigrinho RZ this season. According to Çekok, this product is popular thanks to its small, handy
melons in Dubai come from Turkey’
format. This makes the melons easy
them with this. It’s exciting because a number
to transport and consumers can eat
of large-scale, commercial crops are planned. In
them in one go. The sales figures were
addition we will be starting trials with our seedless
good and the distributor has planned
watermelon at various locations, and the sales
in new production.
channels will be hearing more from us too: we want to sell more products directly to retailers and are
Bilge: “Growers will hopefully also see their yields increase further again in the year ahead. Needless to say, we help 10
currently exploring partnership opportunities with processors. They’ve already shown an interest in our melons.” Rijk Zwaan | Chainmail
Northwestern Europe enjoys tasty charentais all year round Year-round product supply is often a precondition of long-term contacts and contracts. Therefore, Rijk Zwaan developed a charentais range containing varieties for every season –putting an end to empty shelves in north-western Europe for good!
No French home is complete
All the varieties meet Rijk Zwaan’s
without a delicious charentais.
high standards. They are healthy
These round, striped melons with
and reliable to produce – thanks
orange flesh are eaten fresh or
to the wide range of resistances
as an ingredient in a wide variety
– and they are strong enough to
of dishes. These melons are
guarantee a good shelf life during
immensely popular thanks to their
transportation without losing their
distinctive flavour and versatility,
aromatic qualities.
not only in France but also in other countries. To keep pace with the growing demand, Rijk Zwaan has
Long shelf life varieties Production region
Harvest period
spent many years working on
Agustino RZ
Central America
February - April
a broad range of varieties. The
Signol RZ
Senegal and Morocco
April - June
extensive assortment enables
Barriol RZ
Spain and France
May - August
year-round production. Production
Acropol RZ
France and Italy
June - September
Production region
Harvest period
takes place in Central and South America in the autumn and winter,
Aromatic varieties
followed by Senegal, Morocco and
Belharra RZ (34-401 RZ)
Morocco and Spain
April - June
Spain in the spring and France
Saswing RZ
Spain and France
June - July
and Italy in the summer and early
Ellington RZ
Spain, France and Italy
July - August
autumn months.
Australian harvest of Caribbean King RZ progressing well The crop is looking good and the melons are ready to be harvested. In Wallaville, Queensland (close to Bundaberg), grower Peter McLennan discusses his experiences with Maurice Schiavon, Rijk Zwaan Technical Representative. He is especially enthusiastic about the high yield from his field of Caribbean King RZ. The variety lived up to all expectations: the harper melons grew in around 80 days into firm, aromatic fruits with a uniform pattern of fine lines on their skin. Trials also revealed a good shelf life.
Peter McLennan (l) and Maurice Schiavon.
February | 2016
11
Flexima RZ white cabbage in Mari El Rebublic, Russia Earlier this year, Nickolay Pekunkin from open-field production company Demetra LLC in Mari El Rebublic (Gornomarysky Region, Russia) trialled Rijk Zwaan’s new white cabbage, Flexima RZ. The grower praises the nice, round cabbages because of their health and good shelf life. “Flexima is an attractive green colour when it comes out of storage and that’s what the consumer likes.”
The partnership between Demetra and
the decline of cheap labour has made
Rijk Zwaan started ten years ago with
mechanical harvesting more important
the covered production of gherkins.
but not every cabbage is suitable.
As the breeder’s cabbage range grew,
“Our trials with Flexima revealed little
the partnership gradually expanded
damage to the cabbages, partly due
to include more open-field crops.
to their upright growth habit and tight
Nowadays, Rijk Zwaan varieties – and
outer leaves and this variety produces
predominantly Mucsuma RZ and Storema
exactly the type of cabbage that Russian
RZ – take up 50% of Demetra’s cabbage
retailers want: 2 to 3 kilos and nice and
production area. 20% of the cabbages are
round. As they can no longer import
sold fresh and the rest are stored. They
cabbages from Europe, storage is
are all destined for Moscow, Cheboksary,
becoming even more important for us.
Kazan and Nizhny Novgorod.
Flexima was still fresh and green even after a long storage period, so we will
Changes in the economic situation have
definitely be adding this variety to our
led to adapted varieties. For example,
production plan next year.” Nickolay Pekunkin from Demetra LLC.
Erntebant processes Monty RZ beetroot The production facility in
Stephan Rast, Quality Manager at Ernteband, explains
Winnenden, Germany, has
the success of Monty: “This variety has more strength and
been part of Ernteband’s
vitality than the conventional elongated beetroot, especially
parent company Grünewald
in the spring. These traits, combined with the high yield,
International since 1985. Local
make this is a reliable variety for our growers and Monty also
growers have been supplying
performs well when grown organically. Growers benefit from
them with carrot and beetroot for as long as anyone can remember, often on a contract-production basis and under Ernteband’s supervision. The beetroot is harvested using a machine that is tailored to the shape of sugar beet. This
a healthy crop, a high yield and a better internal quality than normal. It’s a grower-friendly variety that also meets our demands! We regularly inform Rijk Zwaan of our needs, because you can only create something special by sharing knowledge, experience and information with one another.”
method means that elongated varieties can become severely damaged, so growers went in search of a round beetroot instead. Following trials, a clear winner emerged: Monty. 12
Rijk Zwaan | Chainmail
Star in Campo:
Turning point for curly endives in Italy Last year Rijk Zwaan Italy embarked on a trip around the entire peninsula, accompanied by the most important players in the fresh food chain. The aim? To help them discover its new proposals for the endive range.
Under the name ‘Star in Campo’ Rijk Zwaan Italy organised a complete event that, in addition to visiting demo fields, also entailed consumer-related activities linked to Love my Salad. The new varieties – represented mainly by Avral RZ and Timehal RZ – have distinctive traits,
Mark Charlesworth, Crop Coordinator leafy crops (l) and Carlo Fermi, Crop Specialist Endive Italy.
the most innovative of which is the light-
the company Mirone Giuseppe. The
Brescia area – Simone Vischioni is very
green colour which gives them a sweeter
company’s main endive varieties are
pleased with the results of Timehal and
taste due to the lower concentration of
Kethel RZ and Anconi RZ. Giuseppe
Avral. He works at the company Ugolini
chlorophyll. This marks a real turning
Mirone is also president of the growers’
which is located in Lombardy, near Lake
point for the curly endive range. In
cooperative Il Faldo, located near
Garda. Vischioni: “We produce curly and
addition, they have good sized heads
Alessandria. “We are very happy with
smooth endives for all main markets in
and tender leaves, which are greatly
Avral and Timehal. They are the first
northern Italy and for the main northern
appreciated by the whole of today’s
light-green endives with enough strength
Italian processors.”
agrifood chain. The ‘roadshow’ covered
against bolting and tip burn. Those traits
After trialling the ‘Star in Campo’
almost the entire country since the new
are very important to us. We grow both
varieties the company was asked to
endive varieties are suitable for almost
varieties for all Italian markets with very
organise the first stop on the endive
every cultivation period throughout Italy.
good results everywhere. Feedback has
roadshow. “The partnership with Rijk
been very positive: they are ‘grower-
Zwaan has always been very good, so
Best practices
friendly’ and just what the market wants.
we were happy to open up our demo
Alessandria – One of the growers who
We would like to extend our cooperation
field. With the help of Rijk Zwaan’s
joined the endive roadshow in northern
with Rijk Zwaan and try some other
technical advisors we were able to show
Italy is Giuseppe Mirone, owner of
smooth endives.”
some superb endives. In my opinion that’s the most important advantage of this seed company: they not only supply great varieties, but also provide expert guidance.” Next season Ugolini will expand its Rijk Zwaan variety range with Anconi RZ smooth endives and with bigger trials of the curly endives 11-205 RZ and 11-206 RZ.
The endive roadshow consisted of six different stops in Italy, from north to south, including Sicily. During the events lots of growers, fresh cut processors, traders and technicians were introduced to Rijk Zwaan’s light-green curly endives. The roadshow ended in December 2015. February | 2016
13
Responding to consumer needs Ideal partner: red little gem More and more consumers are
And our newcomer 41-454 RZ gives us a
discovering the culinary delights of
slightly bigger version. Because the head
little gem, which is also known as baby
is more open at the top, the prominence
romaine lettuce. This type of lettuce is
of the red leaves creates an even more
distinguished by small, dense heads
attractive contrast with green Rafael RZ,
of juicy leaves. In addition to the
for instance!”
green version, Rijk Zwaan also offers several red ones which are ideal for duo packs together with their green ‘brother’. José Luis Sáiz Moya, Crop Coordinator Lettuce, mentions three options: “Maraine RZ, Rosaine RZ and 41-454 RZ. Both Maraine and Rosaine have a splendid red colour and are the
Maraine RZ Olite RZ
perfect shape to be packaged together with other green little gem varieties such as Olite RZ. Both varieties perform well in moderate climates and the Mediterranean region. José Luis Sáiz Moya, Crop Coordinator Lettuce
Rediscovering pole slicing beans Faiza RZ is an attractive dark-green pole
the product retains its high nutritional
slicing bean that is easily recognisable
value even after harvesting. Faiza
in fresh produce displays. In addition
already has intermediary resistance to
to the colour, other benefits include its
the Bean Common Mosaic Virus (BCMV)
flavour, nutritional value, processability
and Rijk Zwaan is continuously investing
and convenience. Mathilde Tournebize,
in bean breeding to further increase
Marketing Specialist at Rijk Zwaan,
the reliability of the crop. We’re now
especially loves its sweet taste: “Faiza
looking forward to presenting this new
has a distinctive, sweeter flavour which
pole bean variety at Fruit Logistica in
consumers rated highly during testing.
Berlin!”
They were also impressed by this variety’s delicate fresh bite: crisp and juicy at the same time. Since it is not necessary to remove the seal, this pole slicing bean is convenient for consumers
Faiza RZ
and processors alike. Moreover, Faiza can be produced all year round with a high yield. The presentation and shelf life of the variety is also good, so that Mathilde Tournebize, Marketing Specialist
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Rijk Zwaan | Chainmail
around the world Dark days: tomatoes under lights When the days are short and dark, how
a long-standing reputation, both in
can growers continue to produce high-
traditional and illuminated production.
quality tomatoes? Crop Coordinator
This variety also guarantees a year-
tomato Ben Zwinkels sees the solution
round supply of high-quality tomatoes –
on a daily basis: assimilation lighting.
as our customers know from experience!
“Many companies grow tomatoes under
Therefore, these nice, tasty tomatoes are
lights nowadays, so at Rijk Zwaan
firm favourites among Dutch and British
we take this production method into
supermarket chains.
consideration when selecting our tomatoes. After all, not every plant produces good results under lights. Take Callanzo RZ, for example. We’ve conducted extensive trials with this coarse truss tomato and it has proven to be extremely suitable for growing
Callanzo RZ
under lights thanks to its early maturity and generative nature, and the quality is good too. While Callanzo is a newcomer, the fine truss tomato Roterno RZ has Ben Zwinkels, Crop Coordinator Tomato
Carrot with minimal waste A sustainable fruit and vegetable chain
variety: in an early phase as a bunching
should generate little waste. Over
carrot and later as a B-carrot for the
the past four years, Carrot Jerada RZ
fresh market. It’s a real all-rounder
has proved to be a good fit. “Jerada
which is steadily gaining ground in terms
produces few losses in the field plus
of production, and no tonly in traditional
minimal waste during storage,” says
growing regions: production recently
Marketing Specialist open field crops
started in Italy, and northern Europe will
Michael Sempf. “That’s an important
follow shortly.”
buying consideration for retailers and also boosts the image of the chain. Furthermore, this carrot produces a good, high-quality yield. Jerada is primarily known for its good earlyharvest and storage traits. It’s the most uniform variety in this segment. In
Jerada RZ
addition, it stands out thanks to its long harvest window, good shelf life and very healthy, upright tops. Therefore, it’s sometimes also used as a dual-purpose Michael Sempf, Marketing Specialist Open Field Crops
February | 2016
15
Market research shows that colour-mix packs are more appealing to consumers
If you have any questions, please contact your local Rijk Zwaan representative or send an email to chainmanagement@rijkzwaan.nl. For a current list of all Rijk Zwaan events, go to www.rijkzwaan.com/events or scan the QR code.
Rijk Zwaan Distribution B.V. | Postbus 40 | 2678 ZG De Lier | The Netherlands | www.rijkzwaan.com