Rijk Zwaan Chainmail 2016-02 EN

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

14

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