News

The ‘New Delhi’ virus has been a serious problem for many cucurbit growers, especially in the Mediterranean region, for numerous years. Due to its high infection pressure and rapid spread, this disease poses a severe threat to cucumber crops. Rijk Zwaan is proud to introduce a solution for cucumber growers: ‘Delhi Defense’.

Thanks to our intensive breeding programme at Rijk Zwaan and close collaboration with our partners, we are able to continuously develop new high-quality Sweet Palermo varieties in order to further strengthen the brand. On Thursday 25 March, the names of the newest Sweet Palermo varieties were officially announced at the facilities of two of our valued growing partners: VOF Ton-vd Maarel and Frestia BV. We are pleased to reveal that the official names are: Palermo RONTON RZ and Palermo RASHFORD RZ.

Seed companies and associations representing different regions in the world recently came together to sign a joint Declaration. They expressed their commitment to actively support achievement of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to proactively demonstrate their extensive and diverse contributions towards sustainable food systems. The sector also calls for more public private cooperation to achieve the goals. As a vegetable breeding company, Rijk Zwaan acknowledges its role as foundational contributor to the world’s food supply and we are committed to contribute to the SDGs.

The New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV) has been causing serious problems for squash growers in the Mediterranean region for close to a decade. The plant virus can attack the foliage and the fruits in any stage of cultivation, resulting in smaller, misshapen fruits and ultimately a lower yield. Following years of research, vegetable breeding company Rijk Zwaan has now introduced the first squash varieties with resistance to the New Delhi virus.

Innovating the tomato category ‘The future of fresh tomatoes is here!’ is the theme of the online Global Tomato Congress on 16 March. Vegetable breeding company Rijk Zwaan will be sharing its vision on the future of the tomato category in two online sessions during the event. One session will analyse research into consumer preferences and tastes, and the other will show the effects of the pandemic on the German retail market. The congress is free to attend.

Rijk Zwaan recently held a series of online meetings with greenhouse cucumber growers/ marketing companies in North America. The aim was to discuss the seed companies’ latest research into consumers’ purchasing preferences as well as shelf life characteristics of cucumbers. Although the COVID-19 restrictions meant that it was not possible to meet in person, Rijk Zwaan was able to discuss valuable insights with its partners ‘virtually’ by hosting the meetings from its very own studio.

Nowadays, sustainability is increasingly incorporated into a company’s business operations. Consumers have high expectations in terms of organic produce, low pesticide levels and alternatives to plastic packaging. So how can vegetable breeding companies play a role in offering solutions for ever-more demanding consumers?

For the second year in a row, Spanish consumers have awarded Sweet Palermo, the extra quality pointed pepper of Rijk Zwaan, with the 'Taste of the Year' seal of approval. After putting forward only the red variety of Sweet Palermo as a contender for the award in 2020, for 2021 we submitted our entire range: the colours red, yellow and chocolate.

Responding to a changing market. The coronavirus outbreak appears to be reinforcing four key consumer trends in particular. At Asia Fruit Logistica ON 2020, Rijk Zwaan will be sharing details of solutions that respond to those trends. Together, we can inspire consumers in this changing market.

Vegetable breeding company Rijk Zwaan has achieved a net turnover of €477 million in the 2019/2020 financial year. This represents 8.5% growth on the previous year.