Author: limor

Fruit Logistica Innovation Award 2024

Posted on Jan 17, 2024

Staay Food Group and Hazera Seeds present new watermelon

Exceed mini watermelon nominated for Fruit Logistica Innovation Award 2024

The Exceed mini watermelon has been nominated for the 2024 Fruit Logistica Innovation Award, marking a proud moment in the long-standing partnership between Staay Food Group and Hazera. The winner will be announced at Fruit Logistica in Berlin (7-9 February), where Staay will be present to premier the Exceed watermelon.

Mark Loojenga, Marketing Manager at Staay Food Group, and Michal Taraska, Global Value Chain Lead at Hazera, discuss the product, the partnership and what to expect at the Food Logistica.

EXCEED mini watermelon nominated for Fruit Logistica Innovation Award 2024
Exceeding expectations
According to Mark and Michal, the Exceed watermelon has earned its nomination through a unique combination of qualities that benefits growers, retailers and consumers. “The Exceed watermelon is a durable and eco-friendly variety, with strong resistance to diseases like powdery mildew, and has plants that provide multiple harvests. Not only does this make life easier for the grower, but it also requires less fungicides and significantly less water than the production of traditional watermelons”, Mark says. Michal adds that this also helps reduce food waste: “Exceed makes it possible to reduce losses in production and during transport.”

“And due to the variety’s extended shelf-life of over 5-10 days longer than traditional watermelons, this variety displays a long-lasting freshness in both supermarkets and consumer’s homes”, he continues. With its compact, uniform size the Exceed watermelon answers a strongly growing call in the (Northern) European and American markets for smaller watermelons. “The size is suitable for ever smaller households and easy to keep in the fridge. And they’re seedless, which is both a major convenience for consumers and a waste-saver.” Mark adds. “But it’s the taste and color they come back for.” Michal: “The Exceed mini watermelon has a really sweet and crispy taste, as is shown by its above average Brix level.”

Team effort
The Exceed mini watermelon is the latest success in a long-standing collaboration between Staay Food Group and Hazera. “Staay is a strong and dynamic partner, which is key for successfully introducing a new product to the market”, Michal says. He underlines the importance of such a partnership for Hazera. “We can provide the best Formula One car, but we still need a top-class driver to win the race. In Staay Food Group, we’ve found that driver.”

An analogy Mark wholeheartedly agrees with. “Hazera provides top-quality seeds that are perfectly suited for our fields in Costa Rica. And with this newly developed variety, we perfectly reflect the demands of the market; we’re able to grow the right products. The Exceed mini watermelon is another step in our close and fruitful cooperation.”

Premier release at Fruit Logistica Berlin
The premier release of the Exceed mini watermelon for the European market will take place at Fruit Logistica, where Staay Food Group will be present at stand B45 in hall 3.2. “Here, we will also display a selection of other products we grow and offer ourselves,” Mark elaborates. “For the first time we can show our three club varieties of colored pears together: The Red Conference, Early Desire and Dazzling Gold are all exclusively available through Staay Food Group. Secondly, we show our hydroponic lettuces, and finally our wide range of available vine tomatoes. In addition, we will bring special attention to our branch in Venlo, which focuses on the food service industry. This location provides a quite unique service for the German market, where customers can buy products per box instead of per pallet and can combine different products on one pallet. This is ideal for restaurants, who usually don’t need entire pallets of one product.”

The prize-giving ceremony for the innovation award will take place on 9 February 2024, 2.30 p.m. at the FLIA Technology special exhibition area between Halls 1.1 and 2.1. Mark and Michal agree this nomination “shows we are on the right track in our team effort to successfully align the development, cultivation, sales and marketing of excellent and innovative products.”

More News

Meet the people behind the crops: Juan Montes
Radish updates from the West

The Tomato that Works for You – Camelot

Posted on Jun 18, 2023

In today’s world, we are witnessing a global trend of rising production costs and a shortage of labor. At Hazera, we are proud to present ‘Tomatoes that Work for You’, a new umbrella concept encompassing a range of tomato varieties designed to address the key challenges faced through the entire chain, such as a significant increase in production costs, labor shortage and sustainable agriculture. We sat with Arno Van Staden, Regional Product Manager for Tomato, to better understand the concept of “Tomatoes that Work for You.”

Learn more about “Tomatoes that Work for You”

Arno Van Staden: “At Hazera, we strive to develop tomato varieties that address the challenges faced by growers, retailers, and consumers alike. With our unique advantages, we aim to provide an innovative solution that improves efficiency, reduces waste, and enhances the overall experience for everyone involved in the tomato supply chain and Camelot is exactly that variety”, says Van Staden.

Among the main advantages for the Grower: Our tomato varieties come with a wide resistance package, some, such as Pendragon even include ToBRFV intermediate resistance, offering growers peace of mind against common diseases. Additionally, our varieties offer flexibility in workforce management, making it easier for growers to manage their labor resources efficiently.

One of the significant benefits for growers is the potential for up to 30% savings on manual labor due to our varieties’ efficient harvesting capabilities. With fewer unmarketable fruits, growers can expect a higher marketable yield, resulting in increased profitability. Moreover, our tomatoes ripen on the plant, enabling fast and efficient picking. This, combined with the ability to stretch harvest frequency up to 14 days on average, provides growers with greater flexibility and productivity.

Among the main advantages for the Retailer: Our tomato variety Camelot possess a long shelf-life and excellent firmness, reducing waste and ensuring that the product remains in optimal condition for a more extended period. With its red shiny skin and high brix levels, our tomatoes offer an appealing appearance that attracts consumers. Additionally, the uniform fruit size and weight throughout the growing season provide consistency and convenience for retailers in terms of packaging and display.

Among the main advantages for the Final Consumer: Consumers can expect superior quality and taste from our tomatoes. The longer storage capabilities of our varieties mean that consumers can enjoy the excellent flavor for an extended period. With our tomatoes, consumers can savor the taste they love for much longer, enhancing their overall satisfaction.

Learn more about the Tomato that Works for You- Camelot.

 

More News

Meet the people behind the crops: Juan Montes
Radish updates from the West

East Coast demo fields “Exceed” Expectations and more!

Posted on Jun 18, 2023

We sat with our very own Yair Askira, Regional Product Manager Pepper and Watermelon, to learn more and get the latest update on our watermelon and pepper varieties.

“Developing new plant varieties plays a crucial role in meeting the demands of both growers and consumers. New varieties should offer increased productivity, plants that provide more growing adaptability, and improved disease resistance”, says Askira. Here are our up-and-coming select varieties that truly do make a difference in our market:

Lamuyo pepper Monfort is our latest pepper. It is a TSWV-resistant variety that has shown exceptional performance in California.  It has a robust plant that has impressive adaptability and is very productive.  Monfort is rapidly becoming a favorite for CA Lamuyo growers, as it offers the option of multiple harvests throughout the season and the fruit has thick walls and excellent firmness.

As for Watermelons, we are EXCITEd to share that there are several varieties that indeed EXCEED our expectations:

On the East Coast, our demonstration plots of mini watermelons have yielded impressive results.  One of the standout performers is the Exceed variety which has a crimson rind pattern. Exceed truly delivers outstanding performance in terms of flavor and texture.

Additionally, Excite, which is also a crimson variety, proves to be an excellent choice. The East Coast trials have underscored the potential of these varieties and their suitability for different market preferences.

Watermelon growers in California and Mexico face increasing challenges from powdery mildew (PM), which negatively impacts crop quality and yields. To address this issue, our new watermelon variety Onza has been introduced. Onza is a tiger-type, personal-size watermelon which provides strong tolerance to powdery mildew.  It has vigorous vines that offer excellent cover for the fruit and is very productive. The fruit has intense red flesh, which is firm, crisp, and exceptionally tasty. As damage from PM becomes more prevalent, the demand for resistant varieties is on the rise. With its excellent quality, vigorous plant growth, and resistance to powdery mildew, Onza is set to make a significant impact in the watermelon industry.

What’s next? You may ask. According to Askira, “We have now focused our breeding efforts on developing conventional-sized seedless watermelon varieties that will provide the same high-quality internal attributes as our minis”.  We aim to strike the perfect balance between size, taste, and texture. We are planning to conduct extensive trials in the upcoming season to ensure their viability on a larger scale. By refining these varieties through rigorous testing, we strive to offer growers superior options for meeting market demands.

In conclusion, the introduction of Lamuyo Monfort pepper and Onza tiger-type watermelon has injected new possibilities into the vegetable-growing landscape. With their disease resistance, impressive yields, and superior quality, these varieties have garnered attention from growers in California and beyond.

As the industry continues to evolve, the pursuit of innovative plant breeding techniques will pave the way for even more remarkable varieties that meet the diverse needs of growers and consumers alike.

 

More News

Meet the people behind the crops: Juan Montes
Radish updates from the West

The future of onion is here- annual onion week tour in Brawley

Posted on Jun 18, 2023

We sat with Santiago, Product Manager Allium & Crucifers in the Americas, to discuss and learn more about his experience at our annual onion week tour in Brawley, which took place in early May. Brawley is located in the heart of the Imperial Valley and serves as one of the primary production areas for Short Day onions in the USA. This region plays a vital role in supplying the market with fresh onions, particularly between April and June.

Hailing from Argentina, Santiago Berger is responsible for overseeing Onion, Leek, Radish, and Cabbage across the American continent. Additionally, Santiago also holds global responsibility for Hazera’s portfolio of Short Day Onions (Yellows and Whites), Long Day Spanish Onions, and Radishes for open field low density.

Santiago Berger

During this week, the Hazera team embarked on a tour that encompassed visits to customers and growers, evaluations of trials, and discussions on market trends and our overall portfolio. The tour brought together the breeding, marketing, sales, and development teams, emphasizing the importance of seamless communication and continuous collaboration to ensure high-quality work.

Together with our dealers and growers, we had the opportunity to witness the exceptional performance of three of our new varieties that have been garnering remarkable results in the region. Leading the pack is Toro Rosso (Red), closely followed by Joelino (Yellow) and Cisne Blanco (White), offering growers diverse options in terms of color.

Furthermore, our DV trials have been showcasing exciting varieties in yellow, red, and white, which will continue to bolster our portfolio, not only in the USA but also in markets worldwide. Moreover, our breeding trials provided a glimpse into the future of our company.

“The exchange between our team, dealers, and growers holds immense value for Hazera. It enables us to gain a deeper understanding of market needs and receive feedback on our work and the direction we are heading”, says Berger.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us during this week, allowing us to showcase our ongoing efforts and what Hazera brings to the market. Thank you all for your support, and we look forward to continuing our journey together.

Browse our Onion Portfolio here

More News

Meet the people behind the crops: Juan Montes
Radish updates from the West

Spotlight on tomatoes: Opportunities and challenges in store 

Posted on Nov 14, 2022

Did you know that tomatoes are among the world’s most popular vegetable crops? EU farmers alone produce around 17 million metric tons every year. COVID-19 has been an important driver of this thriving market: global retail sales of fresh tomatoes rose 17.6% in 2020, as people were forced to eat at home.  

At Hazera, tomatoes have a special place in our heart, and we offer hundreds of different varieties to farmers worldwide. Below, Alejandro Szechtman, Portfolio Marketing Director Tomato, sheds light on the challenges and opportunities facing the tomato sector today. 

Changing consumer tastes 

Key to the popularity of tomatoes is the range of options available. Right now, we see rising demand for convenient snack tomatoes. Smaller tomatoes require more harvesting labor, which can be a challenge given today’s tough economic climate and tight labor market. 

Meanwhile, consumers are increasingly ‘buying local’ to help the environment. But growing Mediterranean-quality fruits in northern Europe, for example, hasn’t always been easy. Now, thanks to Hazera’s experience and in-depth R&D, tastier tomatoes are available for more of the year. In parallel, we’re working with exporters to develop varieties with a longer transport life.  

Automation opportunities 

As manual labor declines in the tomato sector, we’re seeing farmers turn to automated, digitalized solutions to make production easier and faster. The resulting energy, cost, and resource efficiencies are extremely welcome in an industry where profits are often unpredictable. 

Automation is therefore an exciting area for investment, and we at Hazera are always working on R&D to make the dream solutions of the future a reality for the growers who need them. 

Addressing the impact of climate change 

A hotter climate will negatively affect plant growth and increase the risk of disease, making it harder to meet growing global demand.  

Hazera is working on solutions to help farmers prevent and overcome the effects of climate change. Not only are we breeding more adaptable varieties with higher drought and heat tolerance, but we’re also collaborating with growers to design and implement technologies to save water during irrigation.  

Meeting your tomato needs 

A Hazera, We’re world leaders in tomatoes, with a huge portfolio of varieties available. We draw on our decades of knowledge and experience to support growers around the globe to make their operations sustainable, so consumers can continue to enjoy top-quality tomatoes for many years to come. 

Looking for answers or advice about tomato production? Contact us today! 

 

More News

Meet the people behind the crops: Juan Montes
Radish updates from the West

Fresh from the field: Three key trends in crop farming

Posted on Oct 20, 2022

Humans have been farming crops for millennia – but the goal remains the same: to feed people. Of course, farming practices have advanced dramatically in the past few centuries, and global pressures continue to drive rapid change in the industry.

 

Reinout de Heer, Global Product Manager Allium, explores three key trends shaping crop farming and discusses how Hazera’s expertise is paving the way for a more sustainable industry future.

 

  1. Mechanization momentum

 

Higher labor costs and decreasing labor availability are leading many farmers to consider mechanical harvesting and other new technologies.

 

We’re seeing mechanization trends take hold in places like the Netherlands, the UK, and California, in relation to a wide range of produce. However, with crops such as onions, it’s clear that hand-harvesting means a higher quality product with less damage.

 

This is what makes research into developing new varieties so important. At Hazera, we’re working to test new crop varieties to ensure farmers can invest in the technologies they need, knowing their harvest won’t suffer.

 

  1. Chemical control compliance

 

With tightening environmental regulation, many growers are looking for alternatives to traditional pesticides and fungicides.

 

Biostimulants are a popular option for Hazera’s customers, being applied to seeds to make plants stronger and more resistant to disease. Product quality can also be boosted through seed pelleting, which creates more rounded seeds, and priming, which means up to five days’ less germination time in the field.

 

  1. Local logic

 

Harvested crops have long been shipped around the world; however, increases in container transport costs are putting pressure on global food systems. Environmental awareness is meanwhile on the rise, as ‘buy local’ or ‘eat seasonal’ become important consumer trends.

 

At Hazera, we help farmers achieve year-round production with varieties that have good storability and shelf-life properties. Developments in leeks, for instance, which traditionally deteriorate quickly once harvested, are making a big difference. More flexible crop varieties can help customers reduce transport costs, carbon emissions, and food waste, all at once.

 

Support from the ground up

 

Around the world, Hazera works in close cooperation with farmers of all kinds of crops to respond effectively to emerging trends. Through trials and other research, we address the industry’s most pressing challenges and develop seed solutions to help agriculturalists – and their plants – thrive.

 

Want to learn more? Contact us today to see how we can support you!

More News

Meet the people behind the crops: Juan Montes
Radish updates from the West

Industry focus food tech trends to be aware of

Posted on Oct 06, 2022

Four food tech trends to be aware of

The food industry isn’t short of challenges right now. Growers face rising fertilizer prices and the effects of climate change, while food providers are dealing with increased transportation costs and low consumer sentiment.

Thankfully, innovators have developed a range of solutions to combat these difficulties and bring agriculture into the 21st century. These four are firmly on our radar …

1. Mechanization
Humans have been mechanizing agriculture for centuries, but recent advances are particularly sophisticated. One exciting development is the advent of “grippers” – advanced robotics that can pick up and hold food like a human hand. For packaging materials that need to be folded sharply, fruit picking, and other manual work, grippers are set to revolutionize the industry.

2. The Internet of Things (IoT)
IoT is infiltrating almost every sector – and agriculture is no exception. By integrating sensors, drones, satellite imaging, and intelligence-based autonomous systems, farmers can obtain more granular insights than ever before – and use this information to grow food more efficiently and sustainably.

For example, farms can use sensors to detect nitrogen levels in crops and combine this with satellite data to produce a variable rate application (VRA) map. This can be uploaded to a smart tractor, which then automatically disperses fertilizer according to the varying nitrogen levels across the field.

3. Sustainable Food and Packaging
With agriculture making up 11% of GHG emissions, scientists have been looking for sustainable alternatives – especially when it comes to proteins. Some companies have developed plant-based proteins that mimic the properties of traditional meat, while others are working to perfect lab-grown meat.

Mycoproteins (protein from mushrooms) can also be used to make meat substitutes. What’s more, our fungal friends are the basis for a new type of packaging. This uses 12% of the energy consumed in plastic production and emits 90% less carbon dioxide. Crucially, the product also decomposes within 30-90 days.

4. AI-driven vertical farming
Vertical farming is growing! The market is set to expand by 25.2% annually this decade. In this exciting new field, innovative companies are deploying artificial intelligence to streamline the growing process. This high-tech approach allows 40% more plants per growing area, saves up to 95% of the water used by traditional processes, and has a 30-40% higher growth rate.

As the world experiences another agricultural revolution, Hazera is by your side. Contact us today to see how we can help.

More News

Meet the people behind the crops: Juan Montes
Radish updates from the West

1st Watermelon Field Day – Yuma Arizona

Posted on Mar 02, 2022

At our first Watermelon Field Day in Yuma AZ., we presented our new and improved watermelon portfolio including better internal quality, stronger vines, and good resistance to powdery mildew.

We had a display of both tiger and crimson rind patterns in multiple sizes that the industry demands.

 

Our second Watermelon Field day Yuma Arizona will take place in June 2022.

our 1st Watermelon Field Day in Florida will take place  in May 2022

 

More News

Meet the people behind the crops: Juan Montes
Radish updates from the West