Caribbean has become the most important variety in leading cantaloupe melon-producing countries such as Honduras, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Brazil - a mere four years after initial tests.
Caribbean is the result of an eight-year breeding process of vegetable seeds by company Rijk Zwaan.
Vincent van Wolferen, chain manager at Rijk Zwaan, said: “Looking for co-operation within the chain is something Rijk Zwaan invests a lot of energy in. That is why we are proud that Caribbean is such a success.”
Through its plant breeding work, Rijk Zwaan has managed to markedly improve the presentation and flavour of orange-fleshed cantaloupe melons. The combination of a good flavour, presentation and shelf life has resulted in this totally new melon type.
The Caribbean brand encompasses different varieties, including Caribbean Gold RZ. It is mainly grown in Central and South America and Caribbean Giorgio RZ is suitable as a summer crop in Spain and Italy.
Zwaan claims Caribbean is also the ultimate product for processing with its thin, smooth skin, small seed cavity and easy-to-cut flesh structure giving the processing industry high efficiency in automated processes.
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