The seed specialist says partners can count on its support when tackling issues such as climate change and supply chain concerns
Dutch seed leader Rijk Zwaan has said that growers and retailers can count on its support in future, as the fresh produce supply chain faces up to challenges of climate change, resource shortages and supply chain concerns.
The question of whether there will still be a sufficient supply of fresh fruits and vegetables in future is yet to be answered, the group notes, with several factors meaning availability can no longer be taken for granted.
However, customers can count on the group’s commitment to innovative long-term solutions, according to Rijk Zwaan’s Jan Doldersum and Ingeborg Kleijer.
Developing traits
One of the company’s solutions is to find varieties with resistances to certain pests or diseases.
“For example, our tomato varieties with ToBRFV resistance prevent production losses, which can be as high as 30 per cent,” explains Doldersum.
“These and many other resistances from our Defense line also enable growers to grow more sustainably and reduce their use of pesticides.”
Besides developing resistant varieties, anticipating climate change is another innovation driver within the company.
“We breed vegetable varieties that require less water or perform well in new and alternative production regions – such as areas with tropical climates or droughts,” confirms Kleijer. “This is an example of how we’re working on the sustainable availability of food for the long term.”
In addition to continuously innovating, Rijk Zwaan says it makes a difference by nurturing partnerships with retailers, growers and many other stakeholders, putting personal contact first.
“At our 32 subsidiaries around the world, local crop specialists and marketing specialists are committed to connecting retailers with growers and jointly creating market opportunities – including in those new production regions,” Doldersum continues.
“Our focus on personal attention turns clients into partners. That’s why I urge everyone to keep sharing their questions and challenges with us, so that together we can help create a better future – for them and for the world.”
Fruit Logistica
In Berlin, Rijk Zwaan will engage with visitors and business partners to share its latest product innovations and insights.
“One of the highlights is our Tropical Sunshine watermelon – a bright yellow melon with a delightfully sweet flavour,” says Doldersum. “Thanks to our partnership with retailer Woolworths and growers, this eye-catching watermelon is already lighting up shelves and bringing smiles to consumers’ faces in South Africa, for example.”
Another standout is Tatayoyo, the prize-winning snack-size pepper that received the Fruit Logistica Innovation Award 2023.
“This spring, it will be firstly launched at European Lidl stores thanks to their collaboration with dedicated partners Scherpenhuizen in the Netherlands and Unica Group in Spain,” he confirms.
