The development of shelf diversity
This is the last part of our series in which we celebrate nearly a century of cucumber activity. If you did not yet have the chance to read the first and/or second article, then read more about the evolution of production methods, or the increasing diversity in cucumber breeding. In today’s article, we hear from Heleen van Rijn – Wassenaar (Specialist Marketing Pepper, Cucumber & (water)Melon) about the development of shelf diversity and her perspectives on the future of the cucumber category. Join us as we delve into this timeline!
Supermarkets boosted organic vegetable sales
In the 30 years that Rijk Zwaan has been offering organic vegetable varieties, the most notable change has been the scaling up of the sector. “As demand from supermarkets has increased, organic farmers have grown too – both in Europe and worldwide,” say Crop Specialists Daan Heidema and Maarten van Geest. During this anniversary year for Rijk Zwaan, they reflect on the evolution of the organic sector and discuss their expectations of the future.
Rijk Zwaan opens new trial station in Vietnam’s Lam Dong region
Rijk Zwaan continues to expand its presence in Vietnam, where it has been active for nearly 15 years, including with its own subsidiary since 2017. The company’s recently opened a newly built trial station, located in the key horticultural hub of Lam Dong. This station will accelerate the development of vegetable varieties for the specific needs of Southeast Asian growers and the region’s fresh produce market. The official opening took place during Rijk Zwaan’s Centenary Celebrations.
The organic trial field enabled us to make a difference
The opening of the organic trial field in Welver, Germany, in the late 1990s was a significant step in promoting this wide range.
The evolution of production methods
Several crucial advancements in production methods occurred from 1980 to 1982, which was a period of high energy costs. This ‘energy crisis’ encouraged entrepreneurs to seek creative and efficient ways to capture energy. This is part two of the series where we celebrate nearly a century of cucumber activity. If you did not yet have the chance to read the first article about Breeding, please read more on the increasing diversity in cucumber breeding. In today’s article, we join Marcel van Koppen (Crop Co-ordinator Cucumber) in reflecting on the journey we have taken so far regarding production methods, and looking at what may still lie ahead in the future!
The increasing diversity in cucumber breeding
Despite being the most famous cucumber, the Long English cucumber is of course no longer the only type in the cucumber category. According to Eric, Rijk Zwaan has been involved in many important innovations over the past century.
Highlighting six surprising brassicas out of the broad organic range
A good root system, strong against fungi and long field standability – these are all traits that organic growers value in brassicas. A number of new brassica varieties from Rijk Zwaan excel in these areas. Crop Specialist John Buijsman highlights six particularly surprising varieties out of the company’s total range of more than 50 brassicas. The whole range is summarised in a handy leaflet.
“Overwhelmingly positive feedback on Sweet Palermo in China”
Whether as an ingredient in a fresh salad, panfried with eggs, or grilled on a barbecue: Chinese consumers love to share their creative ways of preparing Rijk Zwaan’s Sweet Palermo®. “For me, their enthusiasm is the most inspiring part of our campaign,” says Vivan Wang, Marketing Director at Dole China. The company is committed to bringing ‘sunshine’ and ‘fresh’ to consumers’ daily lives, and Sweet Palermo plays a role in that. This prizewinning sweet pointed pepper brand will be showcased at the Rijk Zwaan booth at Asia Fruit Logistica.
“Rijk Zwaan creates the conditions to connect us to the world”
At Vietnam’s Mai Khoi Farm, they care about a healthy life for people. “We grow a range of peppers because of their high quality and health benefits. The cooperation with Rijk Zwaan in promoting products providing technical support and training, helps us meet international standards,” says CEO Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan. Visiting the Rijk Zwaan booth at Asia Fruit Logistica is a way for Mai Khoi Farm to connect to the world.