Monsanto's Vegetable Seeds Division presented its leading seed brands, Seminis, De Ruiter Seeds, Peotec Seeds and Western Seed, for the first time during Fruit Logistica 2010, with the group reporting on a successful three days.
During the Berlin event, which took place on 3-5 February, Monsanto outlined its 'Signs of Success: Technology, Dialogue, Innovation, Partnership and Sustainability', presenting its top-in-class varieties, sustainability solutions and collaboration opportunities.
'A perfect example of what partnership can mean is bellaverde Sweet Stem Broccoli,' said Carl Rentes, director of consumer traits for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Monsanto Vegetable Seeds. 'This new broccoli variety has been introduced successfully in the UK and more European markets will follow.
'Innovation is well represented by Cosmopolitan, a totally new lettuce concept,' he added. 'Cosmopolitan is a cross between Romaine and Iceberg lettuce and combines an exceptionally good and crispy taste with nutritional value.'
David Stark, vice-president of consumer traits at the group, noted that Monsanto's focus was to bring tasty and healthy vegetables to consumers, particularly those that are popular among children.
'We are working hard to improve the quality of our products for consumers, like aroma, flavour and nutritional value,' he added. 'At the same time we don't forget other traits that are crucial for our customers, like disease resistances and shelf-life. Monsanto puts a lot of effort in both fields.'
One new product presented by the group at Fruit Logistica was the EverMild sweet onion, which was also launched in the US for the first time at the beginning of the month.
Available at Schnucks stores in St. Louis, the onion will be available to consumers through to the end of March, with in-store sampling and demonstrations planned across the next few weeks.
According to Monsanto, the EverMild offers a milder taste when compared with traditional onion varieties, as well as reduced tearing when exposed to a cut onion.
'Monsanto is focused on bringing innovations to vegetable growers and the consumer,' said Mr Stark. 'The high quality of the EverMild brings consumers a great-tasting, mild onion for their favourite dishes. We are happy to be working with Schnucks for our EverMild launch.'
