Consumers want melon and watermelon varieties that deliver more flavour in smaller sizes according to Nunhems, the vegetable seeds division of Bayer.
Speaking at a recent event held at its research facility in Cartagena, Spain to showcase its latest melon and watermelon varieties to local producers, Nunhems’ crop sales manager Juan Sastre said the findings were the result of extensive research into consumer buying habits.
“We know each country’s consumer habits perfectly and we constantly listen to the demands of all the links in the food chain, so we did not put a foot wrong some years ago when we began a process of varietal improvement based on flavour,” he said.
“The market has proven us right and we are achieving our goal: consumers who try one of our varieties want to repeat the experience.”
The company presented several new varieties in the watermelon category, which satisfied four attributes highly valued by consumers: flavour, colour, a crunchy texture and good cutting. These include Stellar F1, and Embassy F1, a variety developed for the fresh-cut segment.
Other varieties showcased included Coliseo F1 and Melizar F1 in the Piel de Sapo category; the new CA256 Magenta melon; GA535 and GA966 in the Galia segment and the Khorum F1 Charentais.
