Chainmail Rijk Zwaan 2016-08 EN

Chainmail RZ Rijk Zwaan magazine for all chain partners | August 2016

The rise of urban farming and plant factories

Foodbloggers event hits the right spot

Rijk Zwaan helps to dress up the humble burger

Contents 2 4 6

The rise of urban farming and plant factories Living lettuce event for food bloggers hits the right spot Australians embrace the sweet piel de sapo melon

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Passing trend or future?

The rise of urban far Vegetables are grown indoors and outdoors. Currently we see an increase in indoor protected production. There are a growing number of initiatives with ‘media-

Wassana Farm supports Thai

friendly’ names such as urban farming, city farming, vertical farming and plant

launch of Golden Emerald melon

factories. Some of them are aimed at bringing consumers and food production

Growth of high-density

closer together, while other projects stem from food safety issues or a lack of water.

Salanova® in the US market

Rijk Zwaan regularly contributes its expertise to such initiatives.

Lettuce from paradise

Photo-credit: Martijn Zegwaard, UF002 De Schilde

Rijk Zwaan helps to dress up the humble burger Collaboration improves service to QSRs in India Knox lettuce varieties offer new opportunities for fresh cut Cos lettuce

Ecoveg gets off to a great start in Tanzania with support from Rijk Zwaan New Sicilian trial station

When we meet with Marc Celis, Rijk

Suitable varieties for projects

Zwaan’s Crop Specialist Lettuce, he

Nevertheless, since 1 March 2016 a large-

has just returned from a brainstorming

scale urban farming project has been up

session for ESA’s Mars project. The idea

and running in the Netherlands too: UF002

of growing vegetables on another planet

De Schilde (see box). Rijk Zwaan supplies

may sound like science fiction, but for

the company with suitable varieties and

Thai vegetable company sets

Celis it’s only logical to look further

provides advice on the best approach.

itself apart with peppers

ahead. “We’re constantly involved in

And the project has a good chance of

Responding to consumer needs

thinking about new production methods

success, according to Bauke van Lenteren,

around the world

for the future, plus how we can support

stimulates chain collaboration

Introducing snack cucumbers to Brazilian consumers

Internal Red maximises on-shelf impact at Migros

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

them with our breeding activities.”

a reality – such as in North America, for

Up on the roof in The Hague

example. “Things are much more spread

UF002 De Schilde, the name of the production

out on that continent, so urban farming is

company in The Hague belonging to the Swiss

essential to bring food production closer

firm Urban Farmers, uses aquaponic production

to consumers. The company Gotham

methods. The system extracts nutrients from the

Greens, based in Chicago and New York, is

excrement of the tilapia fish and these nutrients

doing so very professionally: it produces

are then used as feed for the plants in the rooftop

numerous types of lettuce hydroponically

greenhouse. The plants purify the water, which then

on the rooftops of buildings. Most of

goes back into the fish tanks. Recycling in this way

the crop production in Europe is urban

means that much less water is required than for

farming because the distances from

traditional cultivation. Furthermore, the semi-closed

production to sales markets are much

system and optimal production conditions eliminate

smaller. Where in the USA the main

the need for pesticides or antibiotics.

production area for lettuce is in California,

www.urbanfarmers.nl

Although space-based cultivation may still be some way off, urban farming is already

3000 miles to New York ” Rijk Zwaan | Chainmail

rming and plant factories Marketing Specialist Leafies at Rijk

another development is the rising

incidences of plant disease. In Dubai,

Zwaan: “At De Schilde they organise a lot

number of plant factories worldwide.

water is scarce and the climate is hot.

of guided tours which generate revenue

These are windowless, multi-layered

You can regulate the temperature,

and help to keep the company profitable.

facilities where vegetables are cultivated

CO2 level, humidity and artificial light

Consumers and companies are very

under artificial light. The idea of factory-

inside the facilities even better than

interested in visiting.”

made vegetables evokes a reaction

inside greenhouses. Furthermore, plant

that is very different from the nostalgia

factories are not climate-dependent and

associated with those grown in an

they take up less space.”

Sense of freshness up close Apart from this expansive urban farm

urban garden. Van Lenteren: “I expected

there are lots of small-scale initiatives that

consumers to regard it as too artificial,

Suitability for artificial light

bring people and food closer together.

yet it actually appeals to them because

But not all varieties thrive under artificial

Allotments, urban gardens and school

it’s a clean, eco-friendly, efficient and

light and some are more suitable than

gardens are hugely popular, for example,

disease-free production method.”

others for multi-layer cultivation, such as

and restaurants that use ingredients

There are various reasons for establishing

leafies. Celis helps plant factories around

picked from their own greenhouse or

a plant factory. Green Sense Farms

the world to make the right decisions. “At

garden are increasingly common. When

(see box) did it to shorten the fresh

the moment it’s still a matter of growing

Dutch retail chain Albert Heijn ran a

produce chain. In Japan, this method

existing varieties in a certain way, but our

loyalty campaign giving away free pots

of production meets the need for safe

breeders are working hard to develop

of seeds for vegetable gardens, it saw a

food, which is a logical consequence

varieties that deliver optimal performance

considerable rise in sales.

of the Fukushima disaster. Marc Celis

under artificial light. We’re focusing on

“Have you seen the mini greenhouses

gives examples of other reasons: “Hong

tomorrow’s vegetable production – here

sold by IKEA? They’re really popular and

Kong has high humidity and therefore

on Earth, and perhaps even in space.” 

come complete with granulate and seeds.

People like seeing how vegetables grow, and the consumer seed market is growing

says Van Lenteren.

Fresh herbs grown in store in Berlin

German retailer Metro has responded to

Shoppers at the German grocery

this trend by installing a small greenhouse

chain Metro in Berlin have been

inside one of its stores (see box). “It brings

privileged to a ‘first’ since March

American Green Sense Farms: towards a faster chain

the sense of freshness right up close. To

2016, when a four-square-metre

The North-American company

me, that’s just great marketing. Rijk Zwaan

greenhouse was installed in the

Green Sense Farms cultivates leafy

is happy to support initiatives of this kind

store to grow vegetables and herbs.

vegetables in five plant factories

if they help to make vegetables more

The greenhouse was designed

in densely populated areas. It has

accessible for everyone.”

by the company Infarm, which is

ambitious growth plans for China and

convinced that the future lies in

Canada. The aim is to achieve clean,

vertical farming on a micro scale.

sustainable production of leafies that

www.infarm.de

can be supplied to consumers faster.

in line with this trend. Rijk Zwaan supplies many of those seeds via intermediaries,”

Clean, eco-friendly and disease-free In addition to urban farms of all sizes,

Keen to know more about plant factories?

Rijk Zwaan has established a closed online platform

Whereas in the ‘normal’ American fresh produce chain it takes 72 to 120 hours before the vegetables arrive in stores, Green Sense Farms is reducing

called Green Box where experts from Rijk Zwaan share

that down to 24 hours. Rijk Zwaan

their knowledge about hydroponics, plant factories and

is one of the company’s innovation

everything in between. Interested? Send an email to

partners.

greenbox@rijkzwaan.nl. Rijk Zwaan is also a member of the

www.greensensefarms.com

Association for Vertical Farming. See vertical-farming.net.

August | 2016

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Hundreds of positive posts, likes, comments, blogs and tweets

Living lettuce event for food blog European food bloggers have hundreds of thousands of followers, making them an interesting new target group. On 22 April 2016, Rijk Zwaan’s online platform called Love my Salad invited high-profile food bloggers from the Netherlands and Belgium to the fashionable Fenix Food Factory venue in Rotterdam. It was the first event of its kind and it immediately hit the right spot. “All 24 food bloggers were enthusiastic, which was a very nice surprise. This concept could work well in other countries too,” says Maarten van der Leeden, Account Manager Retail.

Hundreds of posts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and other social media; eight blogs, complete with inspiring photos, tasty recipes and upbeat stories (e.g. blog by De groene meisjes [‘The Green Girls’]); over 5,000 views on Facebook and 700 on YouTube for the event’s ‘after-movie’ – these are just some of the results from the afternoon of inspiration, where food bloggers heard all about ‘living lettuce’: lettuce sold with its root ball still attached. The event was organised by Rijk Zwaan

see the bloggers marvel at how root ball lettuce is produced on water and the fact that it’s a very clean and eco-friendly product. The supermarkets don’t always get that message across,” comments Annelies Blaauwkamer, Community Manager at Rijk Zwaan and organiser of the event.

Upon their arrival back in Rotterdam, the bloggers themselves got hands on with preparing and photographing food. “That’s what they love doing the most, of course, and we ended up with some fantastic photos and delicious food.”

Passion for healthy eating and its chain partner Staay Food Group but branded

Most food bloggers have a passion for food

as Love my Salad. “We purposefully chose to keep

that not only tastes great but is healthy too.

our companies in the background. It revolved

And that’s precisely what ties them to Love my

around living lettuce: Salanova®, Salatrio and the

Salad, Rijk Zwaan’s online platform that aims to

many other variations,” explains Van der Leeden.

inspire people with recipes, tips and facts about

Marvelling at production methods

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vegetables every day. Blaauwkamer: “We can’t do it alone, however. That’s why we’re so happy

The afternoon included a visit to lettuce producer

about the rising popularity of food bloggers. We

Boer den Hoedt in Ridderkerk. The mode of

all share the same ambition, but each blogger

transport was an old school bus. “It was great to

has their own target group. One might be more Rijk Zwaan | Chainmail

oggers hits the right spot focused on health, another on sport and nutrition

every month for the next six months. The boxes

and a third on vegetarian or vegan recipes, for

will contain various lettuce types but also other

example. So we can reach countless different

products. Blaauwkamer: “We’ve now connected

consumers through them.”

with the bloggers, so the next step is to build on

Powerful medium

that.”

And there are more ideas for further rolling out the

The numerous posts, likes, comments, blogs

concept. Van der Leeden: “A similar concept could

and tweets prove that the message is getting

work with food vloggers, other chain partners,

through. Van der Leeden: “Our objective was to

other products and in other countries. There are

find new target groups. We wanted to give bloggers

lots of food bloggers in the UK and Germany, for

inspiration for new content, and we succeeded. This

example, and those countries are also important

is the first time we’ve done anything like this but it

sales markets for our products. So we can see

definitely won’t be the last. Food blogs are a very

plenty of opportunities.” 

powerful medium. We’re seeing that retailers monitor them closely, so having bloggers cover our product can in turn strengthen our position on supermarket shelves.

That’s why we’ll definitely be following up on this event.”

De groene meisjes wrote the following blog about the event Reach: 150,000 followers

A vegetable box every month

[…] Later that afternoon I attended another event: the Living

Rijk Zwaan is doing so by sending

the people behind that really know their stuff. The decor (of the

each food blogger a vegetable box

workshop area at the Fenix Food Factory) was perfect, a school

Lettuce Bloggers Event organised by Love my Salad. And wow,

bus had been arranged to take us to visit a lettuce grower and they’d literally thought of everything: food, drink, scented candles, fresh flowers… yes, that’s the way to win me over.

We learnt all kinds of things about different types of lettuce, how to make fabulous dishes using lettuce and then how to take great photos of them. Pretty smart, because every blogger is interested in that. It was a fun afternoon and I’m now looking forward to the spring and summer even more than before because now I know for sure that I’m going to eat lots and lots of salads.

Marianne Lock – blogger and illustrator – captured the essence of the afternoon in this cheerful drawing which was of course subsequently shared generously on social media.

August | 2016

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Australians embrace the sweet piel de sapo melon Three years ago, most Australians were unaware of the deliciously sweet and refreshing flavour offered by the piel de sapo melon. Then Rijk Zwaan, together with a number of visionary growers, introduced its new variety, Ricura RZ: a smaller, more convenient and sweeter version of the traditional types.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the piel de sapo

satisfy Australian consumers’ ever-increasing

melon is commonly known as a ‘Santa Claus’ or

appetite for new flavours, concepts and

‘Christmas’ melon. Its longer shelf life traditionally

multicultural ideas in fresh produce. It is now

meant that the melons harvested in October could

available in supermarkets and specialised stores

be consumed around Christmas time. “Nowadays,

and demand is increasing steadily as consumers

however, consumers have the luxury of enjoying

discover this new sweet melon.

these melons at their best almost every day of the year. They are grown in various production regions,

“Nevertheless, we still have to educate consumers more about the

enabling a year-round supply. You can’t beat that!”

melon’s attributes and how they can select and enjoy a good melon,”

says Maurice Schiavon, Rijk Zwaan Australia’s

comments Maurice. “Ricura RZ melons are not aromatic so there’s no

melon expert.

point in smelling them before purchase or tapping them to listen for a ‘hollow’ sound. The secret to picking a good piel de sapo melon is to

Ricura RZ was originally produced in Australia

select a fairly firm, yellowing olive-coloured melon with ample ‘netting’

specifically for the Asian export market. However,

or ‘cracking’ lines on the skin. This indicates that the melon has been

three years ago one of Rijk Zwaan’s trade partners

harvested at its peak so its pale green-coloured flesh is sweet and ready

introduced it to the domestic retail market to

to eat.” 

Wassana Farm supports Thai launch of Golden Emerald melon In close collaboration with Wassana Farm, Rijk Zwaan is rolling out the new Golden Emerald melon 34-248 RZ in Thailand and elsewhere in South-east Asia.

This product creates a new segment in the regional market and paves the way for more new product launches in the future. in Thailand to convince all stakeholders

Mrs. Wassana Sukping, Wassana Farm is

in the chain, from seed to shelf, of the

one of the best melon farms in Thailand.

variety’s unique selling points (USPs).

It is investing in new technology

First introduced in 2013, 34-248

as it increasingly shifts towards

RZ was trialled extensively in local

greenhouse cultivation. The company

growing conditions and has now been

is characterised by its willingness to

developed as a high-quality variety for

collaborate and share knowledge

The recent development of the 34-248 RZ

greenhouse cultivation. The 34-248 RZ

with chain partners. Supported by

melon represents opportunities for new

is also performing well for open field

Rijk Zwaan, Wassana Farm now grows

market segmentation in Thailand and

growing. The variety is highly tolerant to

Golden Emerald and sells it through

other South-east Asia countries, where

powdery mildew, has a good size under

supermarkets including Big C, Tops and

the current standard melons are green

dry season productions as well as less

Tesco Lotus. Wassana Farm plans to

with netting. However, this also makes

cracking compared with local standards.

build on this success with the launch of

its introduction a challenge. Rijk Zwaan

With a team of 50 highly professional

other new Rijk Zwaan melon products in

has worked closely with Wassana Farm

employees led by Managing Director

the future. 

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Rijk Zwaan | Chainmail

Growth of high-density Salanova® in the US market Rijk Zwaan has been working with key customers in creating and expanding the possibilities for mechanically harvesting Salanova® in a high-density scenario.

The processing sector is a very mature segment in the US. The traditional lettuce types used are cos, iceberg, butter head, baby leaf, and batavia. However, Rijk Zwaan quickly realised that Salanova varieties offer a possibility to expand this segment with types that do not require so many cutting and processing applications and hence offer efficiency gains for processors.

Furthermore, Salanova can be grown at high density (60,000 seeds per acre, equivalent to 45 seeds/m2) and harvested mechanically. This enables growers to supply processors with

popular varieties are the sweet crisp/incised types: Wintex RZ,

the full amount of lettuce needed for their production activities

Telex RZ, Exponent RZ, Exfiles RZ, Expertise RZ and Stefano RZ.”

for sale to retail and/or foodservice clients.

Faced with rising labour costs and also labour shortages, the US “The main reasons that customers choose high density over

produce industry is looking for options to improve efficiency at

growing traditional baby leaf, are to achieve extra yield and a

every stage of the chain. “With the combination of types that

longer shelf life, or because of the nice bite of certain varieties,”

are suitable for mechanical harvesting, we can change the way

says Braden Hoover, Crop Specialist Lettuce for Rijk Zwaan

our customers grow and process their products,” concludes

USA. “Within the Salanova line used for high density, the most

Braden. 

Lettuce from paradise With its warm sandy beaches, deep blue oceans and palm trees, Hawaii is a tropical paradise. However, thanks to collaboration between Rijk Zwaan USA and local company Pacific Produce, the volcanic island of Maui is also a Paul Singleton en Geoff Haines

production region for high-quality lettuce.

Paul Singleton and Geoff Haines founded Pacific Produce in

ample supply of pure mountain water for the nutrient film

1997 and now grow about 7 hectares of hydroponic lettuce

technique (NFT) outdoor growing systems.

outdoors. Rijk Zwaan lettuce varieties are an important part of their programme, including several Salanova®

The wild pheasant population represents a major pest, so

types, butter lettuce Adantia RZ and romaine types such as

each row is covered in bird netting. The most important

Requena RZ. Pacific Produce employs 22 full-time workers

challenge, however, is downy mildew (Bremia). Paul

and distributes its fresh whole heads of lettuce to high-end

Singleton attributes some of Pacific Produce’s success to Rijk

restaurants, hotel resorts and retail stores in Hawaii.

Zwaan’s mildew-resistant varieties, commenting: “With help from RZ staff, we have transitioned most our varieties to the

The farm is situated near the town of Kula, at about 1,000

very latest Bremia resistance. We also switched from older

metres above sea level along the west side of the dormant

romaine varieties to Requena RZ, which has very high yield

volcano Haleakala. At that altitude, daytime temperatures

potential as well as great colour, leaf shape and appearance.

are consistently in the 20-21° Celsius range and average

The chefs love it!” 

rainfall is close to 600mm per year, which ensures an August | 2016

7

Rijk Zwaan helps to dress up the humble burger The increasing demand for trendy, health-conscious meals is a key factor influencing consumers’ choices. By working closely with chefs and growers, Rijk Zwaan was able to help Australia’s Burger Project restaurant group select fancy lettuce variety Othilie RZ to dress up its burgers.

Neil Perry, chef and owner of the Burger Project food service concept in Australia, was keen to connect with growers in the search for fresh produce that ‘fits’ with the company’s provenance-based approach and to share the story behind the specially selected ingredients on his menus. By working closely with local growers, Rijk Zwaan Australia was able to help select the right lettuce

Grower Peter Muscat harvesting Othilie RZ for, Neil Perry’s “The Burger Project”]

variety that would add vibrancy, contrasting colours and additional textures and flavours to chef Perry’s hamburger creations. Othilie

providing personalised and

RZ, the chosen variety, ultimately provides a better leaf for

relevant information about

everybody in the chain – including, of course, consumers.

where their food has come from. And with its ‘Sharing a

In a recent survey, 84 percent of Australian consumers indicated

healthy future’ approach, as

that they are more likely to buy from a business they feel connected

well as initiatives such as Love

to (CommBank’s Retail Therapy research, 2016). This type of

my Salad, Rijk Zwaan is in an

connectivity is creating opportunities for vegetable growers.

excellent position to provide

Restaurateurs are hungry for inspiration and food knowledge so

support. 

they can help customers make informed, confident choices by

Collaboration improves service to QSRs in India In a combined effort, Vista Processed Foods and Rijk Zwaan are working

Vista holds international accreditations like SQMS and ISO 20000, and its cultivation activities comply with Good

together to ensure that leading

Agricultural Practices (GAP). The firm operates an end-to-end

quick service restaurants (QSRs)

cold chain; immediately after being harvested, the crops are

and food chains in India receive

first pre-cooled at the farm then transferred to temperature-

a more reliable supply of hygienic

controlled reefer trucks for delivery to the processing unit.

fresh vegetables for use in their end products.

Rijk Zwaan has played an important role in enabling Vista to meet its customers’ needs. “Rijk Zwaan is the only company

Mr Nanja Reddy is manager of Vista

in India that helps growers from seed to harvest,” comments

Processed Foods Pvt. Ltd., a processing

Mr Reddy. “The Rijk Zwaan sales team is always available

company that supplies lettuce,

to advise and guide growers, helping them to expand their

red cabbage, sweet pepper, carrot and tomato as fresh cut (chilled) vegetables to the QSR

own cultivation expertise. And the chain team keeps growers continuously informed on the supply and demand situation to keep things running smoothly.”

segment in southern India.

Vista’s customers include global customers such as McDonald’s, Papa John’s and Dunkin Donuts.

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Vista is now exploring future opportunities including hydroponics, pre-packed salads and possibilities to tie up with high-end QSR chains.  Rijk Zwaan | Chainmail

lettuce varieties offer new opportunities for fresh cut Cos lettuce Bakkavor’s ambition is to offer convenience, quality and enjoyment to the consumer through fresh prepared foods.

To grow their business, produce technologist Lorraine Shaw is always looking for innovation in products and technology.

One recent innovation of interest is Knox™. “We were impressed by the results of the first factory trials.”

Bakkavor considers many product attributes when developing new leaf varieties. They not only look for improvements in colour, shape and shelf life, but also believe that agronomical aspects and factory process efficiency are equally important. “We use market trends and inspiration from across the chain to guide our product selections”, says

Lorraine Shaw, Produce Technologist

Lorraine Shaw. “We listen to feedback from our customers and consumers, we have experienced marketing and development teams, and, of course, we use the knowledge

Lorraine Shaw is specialized in leafy vegetables and

of our suppliers. This includes our growers and seed

herbs. The lettuce assortment is very extensive and

companies.”

still widening, but still no other lettuce type can

Close cooperation

match the texture and sweetness of Cos lettuce.

“Unfortunately, this type of leaf suffers most from

Bakkavor’s close working relationship with Rijk Zwaan is

cut surface discolouration, otherwise known as

established and successful: Bakkavor was one of the first

pinking, which may partly explain the decline in

companies to introduce Rijk Zwaan’s Salanova® lettuce to the

sales of Cos lettuce bags that we have seen over

UK bagged-salad market. “When we select new development

the past couple of years. This is why we were very

material from Rijk Zwaan trials, we work in cooperation with

interested when Rijk Zwaan told us that they had

our growers and with Rijk Zwaan. This triangle works really

been working on a natural solution to combat

well. Other Rijk Zwaan colleagues may also be involved,

pinking on fresh cut lettuce, which is marketed by

depending on the development phase. We can review early

Rijk Zwaan under the trademark Knox™.”

material directly with the breeders and share ideas about market and sales opportunities with their marketing and

Large factory trials

convenience specialists. We really appreciate the close

Whilst Bakkavor usually starts with field trials

working relationship that we have with Rijk Zwaan”.

followed up by small scale factory trials, they started trialling Knox™ lettuce varieties by assessing relatively large amounts of bagged material. “We gathered an extensive amount of data from the trials, which indicated that the Knox™ lettuce varieties could extend shelf life of the lettuce by at least two days. We still need to gather more data, particularly on agronomical aspects, but this initial result is very encouraging.”

“In the first place we see this trait as an opportunity to improve the efficiency of our processes and the reliability of our product. As cos shelf life becomes more consistent, , we can increase our focus on other aspects such as colour, shape and taste. A further step could even be to extend the bag life of products containing cos - that would be fantastic.” 

August | 2016

9

Ecoveg gets off to a great start in Tanzania with support from Rijk Zwaan Rijk Zwaan often provides technical support to start-up companies in Tanzania. Ecoveg is a prime example of such a company, which has evolved into a high-quality producer and supplier of peppers to the Mwanza Rock City Mall.

Ecoveg Ltd. was set up by

disease attacks especially by Bacterial

a group of entrepreneurs;

and Fusarium wilt, Ecoveg Ltd under

they started with fisheries

supervision by George Upina, has started

in Lake Victoria and later

a trial of grafted tomatoes by using RZ

with poultry. Recently they saw the big

rootstock (Shelter RZ) with plan to do

business opportunity for vegetables

grafting in all tomatoes in next growing

and a 5,000 m2 shade net house. We

and started vegetable production in

seasons.

have benefited a lot from our very good relationship with George Upina, Product

greenhouses. Today it has more than doubled its production capacity, owns

Ecoveg Ltd. sells its products to hotels as

Development Specialist at Rijk Zwaan on

a 1-hectare Irrico greenhouse, employs

well as wholesalers and supermarkets

technical support and guidance as well

30 people and is a producer, processor

in eastern Africa, including the Mwanza

as in the field of growing technique and

and exporter of a wide range of crops,

Rock City Mall. It grows some of the

greenhouse construction.”

including broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce,

products itself and sources others from

leeks, beef tomatoes (Valouro RZ), cherry

small-scale local greenhouse farmers

Tanzania has a growing middle class that

tomatoes (Fortesa RZ), sweet melons

and smallholder open-field farmers. It

is increasingly buying fresh products in

(Amaral RZ, Caribbean Gold RZ, Natal

has already become one of Rijk Zwaan’s

supermarkets. This opens up excellent

RZ), English Cucumbers (Bologna RZ),

most important customers in Tanzania’s

opportunities for entrepreneurial

Hot peppers (Boomer RZ, Mextizo RZ

Lake Zone district but still has plenty of

producers such as Ecoveg Ltd. who,

and Habib RZ), Beetroots (Larka RZ),

growth ambitions. Hussein Alloo, Director

thanks to Rijk Zwaan’s high-quality

and sweet peppers (Ilanga RZ, Pasarella

of Ecoveg Ltd., comments: “We will soon

varieties, can command very lucrative

RZ, Boogie RZ). To reduce the soil borne

be adding a 1-hectare Astor greenhouse

farm-gate prices. 

New Sicilian trial station

Rijk Zwaan has invested in a new trial station on the Italian island of Sicily. Enabling trials of crops including tomato, pepper, aubergine and cucumber, this high-tech facility is another step in opening up new opportunities for collaboration with chain partners at home and abroad.

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Rijk Zwaan | Chainmail

Introducing snack cucumbers to Brazilian consumers Rijk Zwaan Brazil has developed the Snackpep brand for mini cucumbers to help growers and retailers introduce snack cucumbers in the Brazilian market. Snackpep is being positioned as a high-quality healthy snack alternative.

The aim of the Snackpep brand is to boost consumer awareness by increasing the recognisability of snack cucumbers, which are a new concept in Brazil. Rijk Zwaan is collaborating with well-established companies to safeguard quality and build the brand together. Its first partners are the companies Fazenda Rio Bonito, an organic producer from São Paulo, and Cia do Produtor, a production company from Rio de Janeiro.

Ubiraci Fernandes, founder and director of Cia do Produtor growers and Rijk Zwaan to achieve the best possible

Snackpep is already being sold through a number of supermarkets based on a network of approved growers.

Rijk Zwaan’s partners monitor the product quality and work together with Rijk Zwaan to ensure that

quality in terms of production, packaging, transport and hence shelf life. When we presented Snackpep at a recent event everyone loved it, especially its surprisingly crunchy bite, colour and convenience.”

these growers receive all the technical and marketing Alex Lee from Fazenda Rio Bonito, adds: “Being the

support they need.

first to introduce snack cucumbers is a big challenge Ubiraci Fernandes, founder and

but also rewarding. Although this is a new concept

director of Cia do Produtor,

for Brazil, the market is hungry for innovations. We

comments: “We’ve been involved

also know that healthy snacking is a clear trend with

in the Snackpep project right from

significant growth potential. We hope we can help

the start. We work closely with the

consumers to eat more healthily.” 

stimulates chain collaboration The new 19,000-square-metre trial station, which is located

alike. Companies from all stages of the fresh chain can share

in Sicily’s most favourable region for vegetable production,

their insights and ideas about changes in consumption

includes greenhouses for tomato, pepper, aubergine,

trends and consumer wants and needs, especially when

cucumber and other crops. This investment will provide an

it comes to flavour, as the basis for developing innovative

extra base for Rijk Zwaan’s continuous breeding activities,

solutions together.

which in addition to studying varieties also deal with bioinformatics, molecular biology and biochemistry.

This is the latest step in further reinforcing Italy’s position in the global vegetable breeding industry. In addition to

Including state-of-the-art greenhouses, this facility for

another trial station that was recently opened near Latina

exploring the innovative visual and production-related traits

(Lazio), Rijk Zwaan is planning major investment in two

of such a wide range of products will open up interesting

further facilities, one in the north of Italy and the other in

opportunities for closer collaboration with chain partners –

the south, as part of a large-scale project that underlines the

both in Italy and internationally. The trial station will become

country’s growth potential. 

an important meeting point for growers, traders and retailers August | 2016

11

Internal Red maximises on-shelf impact at Migros The Jaquenoud family, which has been cultivating fruit and vegetables in Switzerland since the 1930s, recently introduced the innovative ‘Internal Red’ truss variety with its retail client Migros. Internal Red varieties Senserno RZ and 72-720 RZ, have a distinctively bold red colour and an intense flavour, and are presented in specially designed packaging for extra on-shelf impact.

Alban Jaquenoud, Managing Director Swiss company Jaquenoud was founded in the

tomato ideal for use in cold and warm dishes alike.

1930s and has been producing fruit and vegetables

“We always enjoy working with Rijk Zwaan because

ever since. Nowadays, the firm employs 65 people and is specialised in tomatoes and aubergines, including Aromatico (Brioso RZ), which it supplies to food retail chain Migros in Zurich. Jaquenoud’s latest showpiece is the Rosso tomato based on Rijk Zwaan’s Senserno RZ, one of the Internal Red varieties. A special, contemporary and environmentally friendly packaging

Jaquenoud’s latest showpiece is the Rosso tomato

concept has been designed for this product, but that’s not the only reason it stands

of its extensive range of varieties. Furthermore, the crop specialists give us good technical advice

out. Grown in Lully, one

and we have complete faith in the reliability of the

of Switzerland’s major

information we receive,” states Alban Jaquenoud,

agricultural production

Managing Director. “We’re looking forward to

regions, it is the most

adding other flavoursome and high-yielding Rijk

flavour-intensive truss

Zwaan varieties in the future.” The Internal Red

tomato in Migros Zürich’s

Rosso tomato is already available in almost all of

range. Internal Red has

Migros Zürich’s stores. 

been specially developed for its bright red flesh and intense aroma. It is also the only truss 12

Rijk Zwaan | Chainmail

Thai vegetable company sets itself apart with peppers PDS Foods in Chiangmai, Thailand, has found the perfect solution for the pepper segment in collaboration with Rijk Zwaan. Thanks to the Masillia RZ and Sven RZ varieties, the company produces the fresh ingredients needed by its own processing facility. The tasty red and yellow peppers are ideal for chopping, portioning and freezing for export by PDF Foods to countries such as Japan and processing companies in Thailand.

Owner Khun Dumrongchai Rattanaamornpin made a complete switch a few years ago and now works only with Rijk Zwaan varieties. Following disappointing production levels and crops that were susceptible to disease, he decided to put quality first. Not coming from a horticultural background himself but having a modern greenhouse at his disposal, he made grateful use of the knowledge and expertise provided by Rijk Zwaan. “The company is a true partner for me. I’ve known the company for a very long time now and our relationship is based on

frozen end products in countries including Japan. It

mutual trust. This has created a win-win situation for

also sells its peppers locally. Dumrongchai supplies

us both. I benefit from the best varieties and relevant

part of the harvest to major supermarket chains

technical advice and support, while Rijk Zwaan can

such as Tops, Tesco Lotus and Big C Superstore

trial new varieties at my facility.”

via traders. Dealers also take care of some of the

Production, processing and marketing

Khun Dumrongchai Rattanaamornpin

sales activities. So PDS Foods is a sizeable supplier that is dependent on producing sufficient volume

PDS Foods is much more than just a grower. The

in a consistently high quality. Rijk Zwaan helps

company has its own nursery, cultivates the peppers,

Dumrongchai to achieve that objective. “The highly

then processes them in-house and markets its

productive Masillia and Sven are a good fit with our production system and those nice blocky peppers enable me to provide the best possible quality to all our business units and our customers alike.”

Always at the front of the queue “A partnership like ours isn’t formed overnight.

We’ve been in contact with the people at Rijk Zwaan throughout several generations. We’ve also seen various peppers come and go. Whenever there’s a new and interesting variety, Rijk Zwaan always comes to trial it with us. Thanks to these trials and the intensive support, we’re always at the front of the queue. For example, Masillia is an even better successor of Zamboni RZ and Sven is the logical follow-up to Bachata RZ. In illustration of just how important our partnership with Rijk Zwaan is, we were happy to provide our very best peppers to decorate its stand at Horti Asia 2014-2015.”  August | 2016

13

Responding to consumer needs Promising as a loose leaf Australian growers have been

pre-packing 3 – 4 hearts and the early

impressed with the results from

results are very exciting. 

trials of 41-655 RZ; it has given consistently high quality results across a range of conditions and uses.

The 41-655 RZ shows promise as a loose leaf either pillow packed for the retail market, or supplied into the food service sector in bulk

41-655 RZ Crunchy lettuce

boxes. Currently some growers are also assessing the performance of

Harry Turna, Crop coordinator lettuce

Outstanding sweetness invites repeat purchase Caribbean Sunsweet RZ (part of the

easy to spot in in-store displays. This

Caribbean Oro concept) is a golden

melon variety has a long shelf life and a

harper melon with orange flesh. Its

complete package of resistances. 

unusual golden-yellow exterior colour gives the melon an enticing, ‘ready to eat’ appearance. It not only looks delicious but also tastes delightful thanks to its wonderful sweetness. With an average brix score of 14.5, the variety is rated very highly on flavour and this taste experience guarantees repeat purchases. Consumer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, not least

Caribbean Sunsweet RZ Melon

14

because the distinctive appearance of Caribbean Sunsweet RZ makes it

Vincent van Wolferen, Marketing specialist Melon & Watermelon Rijk Zwaan | Chainmail

around the world Also suitable for Sicily Cherry tomato is the most important

be produced in the challenging Sicilian

tomato type in Italy. Rijk Zwaan

climate. 74-124 RZ is a double-purpose

introduces with 74-124 RZ a new

variety that is suitable for loose and

variety with perfectly round and shiny

truss harvesting. 

red fruits. A traditional taste that they can savour, the 74-124 RZ cherry tomato is a firm favourite among consumers. It is ideal for the gourmet market, both for domestic sales and export. 74-124 RZ comes with a complete package of resistances that adds value for growers, including

74-124 RZ Tomato

TYLCV resistance and cracking resistance, which also enables it to

Massimo Perboni, Crop specialist tomato

Reliable kohlrabi varieties all year round Following three years of intensive

Rijk Zwaan to offer the entire chain

testing, the new Savio RZ kohlrabi

reliable and stable kohlrabi varieties all

variety has been developed specifically

year round. 

for indoor winter production in Italy. It is recommended for transplants from early November to early December in the Latina area of Italy. Savio RZ is an early, upright variety with a good balance of leaves and leaf stem. The stems are flexible for easy handling and the bulb is flat, round and smooth.

Savio RZ produces a uniform harvest with a good post-harvest attitude.

Savio RZ Kohlrabi

August | 2016

Together with Morre RZ, Volturno RZ and Siret RZ, Savio RZ now enables

Michael Kreitz, Crop coordinator kohlrabi

15

“A further step could even be to extend the bag life of products containing cos - that would be fantastic.”

Lorraine Shaw, produce technologist, Bakkavor

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