Kelvin RZ performs through celery’s danger zone to ensure supply security

Innovative genetics

Variations in temperature, light levels, soil conditions and other environmental pressures can all affect crop performance, creating risks for growers and potential interruptions throughout the supply chain. Rijk Zwaan’s breeding programmes aim to understand and solve these challenges. Based on innovative genetics, the company’s breeders develop stable varieties with the resilience to perform reliably in specific growing environments.

More than yield alone

Celery variety Kelvin RZ is one example of how this long-term investment in research and breeding translates into practical outcomes for growers, including in Australia and China, resulting in strategic supply-chain benefits throughout Asia. Exposure to low temperatures and low light can trigger bolting, reducing marketable yield and creating gaps in supply at critical times. By carefully selecting for traits such as bolting tolerance, strong colour and reliable plant structure, Rijk Zwaan helps growers meet market needs based on more than yield alone.

Surviving the danger zone

In Western Australia’s Mediterranean climate, celery is particularly vulnerable to bolting during October, November and December – a period Lori Sumich, grower at Sumpec Vegetables, describes as the “danger zone”. Sumpec Vegetables, located approximately 30 kilometres south of Perth, produces around 55 tonnes of celery each week, with 80% being exported to markets including Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and the Middle East. “Most other varieties go to flower in the danger period. With Kelvin, you don’t lose anything because it’s slower-bolting and slots into that period very well,” says Lori. “The biggest benefit is that we can grow it for 12 months of the year.”

Practical efficiencies

In addition to enabling Sumpec to maintain year-round production, Kelvin RZ delivers the appearance and compact structure required for the company’s demanding domestic and export markets, according to Lori. “Compared to other varieties, Kelvin stands up a lot higher; it is a lot darker in colour, has longer stalks and is low on side shoots,” he states. “It’s a greener celery, which holds up better for export, and has a neat form that’s very tight from the middle.”

“When you’ve got a good, uniform product, the labour component comes down. And since we export whole heads, that helps a lot with packing and transport because you get more in the carton,” he continues, emphasising some of the practical efficiencies.

Performing under challenging conditions in China

Kelvin RZ is also performing strongly in celery-growing regions of China, where growers face similar challenges, including low temperatures, bolting and continuous cropping in the same soils. In both China and Australia, the variety’s tolerance to such conditions is helping growers reliably extend production windows and achieve consistently uniform marketable quality, minimising crop losses and reducing the risk of supply interruptions to customers.

Taking advantage of emerging opportunities

That reliability is becoming increasingly important as demand for celery in Asia continues to evolve across retail, foodservice and processing markets. As Lori observes:“Compared with 60 years ago, about a thousand times more celery is grown nowadays. It’s no coincidence that Kelvin is a tasty celery.” Fresh whole heads remain important, while convenience products such as cut celery sticks are creating additional opportunities. Thanks to Kelvin RZ, celery growers will be able to take maximum advantage of such opportunities, now and in the future.

Join us at Asia Fruit Logistica

At Rijk Zwaan, we believe that care turns clients into partners. Visit us at Stand 05A02 during Asia Fruit Logistica, 2-4 September, and discover how our reliable and sustainable solutions ensure security of supply, reduce waste, and create value through innovation. Together, we unlock growth opportunities for the entire fresh produce chain. See you in Hong Kong!

Peter Sumich from Sumpec Vegetables, with Kelvin RZ