Solutions
InnovationOur seeds form the basis for healthy and appealing vegetables. The world population continues to grow and the demands on food are increasing. That’s why our crop specialists and marketing specialists are in close contact with the entire vegetable chain. We discuss market developments, consumer trends and demographic shifts to identify the right priorities for our breeding programmes. This enables us to launch varieties that offer solutions to various societal challenges. |
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Taste and texture
At Rijk Zwaan, taste and texture play a prominent role in all of our breeding programmes. Furthermore, we offer varieties that really stand out in terms of flavour or mouthfeel. These can add breadth and depth to a standard range. For instance, we have developed a compact version of the tasty ‘piel de sapo’ melon in response to northern European consumers’ preferences for smaller melons. Another example is our aubergine that absorbs less fat, making it particularly suitable for frying.
Efficiency and shelf life
As a breeding company, fine-tuning is in our DNA. For example, we will work to develop a melon with a slightly smaller seed cavity so that it generates a higher profit for processing companies. Or we will fine-tune a tomato plant for slightly less fullness to reduce the pruning work for growers. Technological advancements can influence certain breeding objectives. We are working on spinach with uniform growth, for instance, to facilitate mechanical harvesting.