Meet the People Behind the Crops – Heritage Edition: Arthur Zuidweg

At Hazera, we value the people who have helped shape our company over the years. In this Heritage Edition, we reconnect with colleagues who have either moved on from Hazera or have been part of our team for many years. Today, we speak with Arthur Zuidweg, Supply Chain Planning Expert. For more than 40 years, Arthur has been an integral part of Hazera’s story.


Arthur began as an assistant bean breeder, coming from a background in garden architecture. Introduced to the seed business by his father-in-law, this step proved life-changing — bringing him not only a lifelong career but also a lifelong marriage. Arthur’s current role is Planning expert within the Supply Chain department.

From beans to supply chain, Arthur has seen it all. “Back in the day, we even did the quality checks ourselves. NAKTuinbouw trained me for this,” he recalls. Beyond work, Arthur treasures his family, with whom he shares many proud memories and joys, including his grandchildren.

What is a common myth about your job or field of expertise?

“There’s a common myth that Supply Chain ‘knows’ everything or can fix every problem. In reality, while we do play a central role — acting as the spider in the web between production, processing, demand planning, and sales — our real strength lies in connecting the dots.” Arthur explains that it’s Supply Chain’s responsibility to bring the right people and processes together. “But it’s important to stress that solving every issue requires collaboration across the organization. It’s never a one-team effort.”

In your opinion, what is the most important personality trait someone should have to work in your industry?

“In Supply Chain, you need to work well under pressure and show resilience. It’s about maintaining a helicopter view while staying calm and collected — especially during the high season, when stress levels can be intense,” explains Arthur.

Tell us about a project you’re proud of and why?

“I’ve been a Supply Chain Manager and Team Lead for more than 12.5 years. Beyond the business responsibilities, I truly enjoyed leading a team — it was a rewarding experience, and I’m proud of the team I had the opportunity to build. The personal connections mean a great deal to me.”

Arthur also benefited from the support of his wife, who managed a large team herself. “Exchanging experiences and learning from each other was inspiring, and she often offered me an invaluable ‘outside-in’ perspective.”

What does “Hazera – Growing Together” mean to you?

“Literally growing together. With a sense of unity and solidarity, we do this as a team — taking care of each other, listening to one another, and showing respect, even in our differences.” Arthur is convinced that that’s very important nowadays.

Tell us something interesting/funny about you most people don’t know.

“In my spare time, I enjoy woodworking with my son. Together, we design and create wooden tables with epoxy. Woodcraft is my hobby, and it’s even more special because I get to share it with him.”

What lessons have you learned in 40 years that you would pass on to younger colleagues?

“Over the years, I’ve witnessed the company’s growth, marked by rising sales and an expanding crop portfolio,” Arthur says. “But beyond the business achievements, the most valuable lesson I’ve learned in four decades is the importance of truly listening. When we listen to each other, we gain deeper understanding. And that’s how we find the best solutions together.”

What do you hope the company will achieve in the years ahead?
Arthur doesn’t beat around the bush: “We strive to be the market leader in onions.”

If we opened a time capsule from your first year here, what would we find inside?
“A forklift would be in the time capsule because it symbolises those early years of hard, hands-on work. And,” Arthur continues, “it reflects the practical side of my role, the dedication to keeping everything moving, and the way we all helped lay the foundation for what the company has become today. It’s more than just a machine, it represents reliability, effort, and the essential contribution we made from day one.”

 

Do you want to stay connected with our Hazera people?

Follow us on our social media channels to stay connected with our Hazera people! If you have any questions left, don’t hesitate to ask them via our contact page!

Meet the People Behind the Crops – Heritage Edition: Wim van der Heijden

At Hazera, we value the people who have helped shape our company over the years. In this Heritage Edition, we’re reconnecting with colleagues who may have left the workplace, but whose contributions are still part of our story. Today, we speak with Wim van der Heijden, retired breeder and product development specialist from Kaatsheuvel (NL). Wim played a key role in the development of important crops and helped build the foundation that still supports our work today, a great example of what it means to grow together.


Wim, father of two daughters and grandfather of four grandchildren, worked at Hazera for nearly 40 years before retiring in 2019. After studying at the Higher Agricultural College, he started in 1981 as an assistant breeder in Stompwijk. There, he worked on bush beans, parsley, and other legumes. After about five years, he was transferred to the Tuitjenhorn location, where he spent another five years working as a breeder for radish, and later also for red beet and carrots.

“You can hardly imagine it now,” Wim says, “but back then there was no marketing department. Breeding and sales worked together, which sometimes led to large stocks of seeds that couldn’t be sold.” To improve this, a marketing department was set up. Wim became part of this team as Product Development Specialist for the root and bulb crops, which at that time included nearly all vegetable crops Hazera was active in.

Around 2000, Wim became Product Manager for onions, radish, leek, and red beet, and served as backup for carrots. Until his retirement, Wim remained active as Product Manager. In the last eight years, his focus was mainly on onions and radish. He led colleagues in various countries and worked on defining and developing the traits varieties needed to have.

What is a common myth in your field of expertise?
Wim laughs as he recalls a story that used to circulate: “A colleague once said courgette seeds germinate better if you put them under your pillow at night and sow them the next day. Whether it’s true? No idea, but it was a funny theory!”

In your opinion, what is the most important strength someone needs to be successful in your job?
Wim doesn’t have to think long. Good collaboration with colleagues and perseverance are, in his view, essential. “With onions, for example, a biennial crop, it takes about six years to go from A to B. It requires a lot of patience and endurance.” He also believes you shouldn’t be too theoretical. “I need to hold a product in my hands to judge whether it has potential. You can’t be afraid to get your hands and feet dirty,” he jokes.

Wim van der HeijdenTell us about a project you’re proud of and why.
After a career spanning nearly 40 years, there are of course many projects to look back on. Wim is especially proud of the development of firmness in Hazera onions. He explains that Hazera was one of the first companies to purchase a firmness tester. “Every onion from every line was manually pressed to determine firmness and select the best. That project took about 15 years, but we really hit the mark with it. The Centro and Dormo varieties resulted from it.” Hazera still offers these varieties. And according to Wim, that’s likely to continue due to their unique characteristics. “Also worth mentioning,” Wim adds, “is that Hazera was one of the first to develop downy mildew resistance in onions. That was quite a breakthrough in onion breeding.” Wim has plenty more to say about onions. He enthusiastically talks about Hazera’s growth: “In the Benelux, we started with a 2 to 3% market share in onions. Thanks to the right varieties in terms of yield, firmness, sprouting tolerance and storability, we grew to almost 30%. We completely turned the market upside down.”

What does “Hazera – Growing Together” mean to you?
During the interview, Wim repeatedly emphasizes how Hazera grows as a team.
“Of course you’re never alone. We do everything together with the breeding team, the sales team, etc. We started with a 2 to 3% market share in onions. That’s nothing, right? Farmers didn’t even know us. And to turn that into almost 30%, we achieved that together.” Wim is also proud of what Hazera achieved in radish by working with the same breeders. “Stability is very important, and that’s how you achieve the best results. I had the great privilege of choosing my own people. That’s a big plus, because you always choose people who suit you and have the right background. They were truly committed. That kind of motivation really makes a difference.”Wim van der HeijdenTell us something about yourself that most people do not know.
“What most of my former colleagues probably don’t know,” Wim explains, “is that I always wanted to be a farmer. That never really came up at work.” Since he didn’t come from a farming background, he worked on a farm during school to gain hands-on experience. Wim continues: “That’s where I learned the tricks of the trade. Looking back, it really laid the foundation for my role as a breeder.” Things could’ve turned out very differently though. Originally, Wim planned to go into livestock. But after a crop farming internship, he changed direction. “Yes, I loved it,” he says with a smile. “And believe it or not: I only wrote one job application, and that was to Hazera!” Except for one short detour, Wim stayed until he retired. A career to be proud of!

 

Do you want to stay connected with our Hazera people?

Follow us on our social media channels to stay connected with our Hazera people! If you have any questions left, don’t hesitate to ask them via our contact page!

Celebrating a Successful Field Day in Woodland

We were delighted to welcome hundreds of growers, dealers, retailers, and customers to our recent Field Day in Woodland. It was an incredible opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and share meaningful conversations with so many valued partners.

This year’s event was particularly special as we hosted a joint open day with colleagues from across the Americas, highlighting innovation, collaboration, and agricultural excellence on a global scale. The presence of our senior leadership, actively engaging with visitors, brought added energy and insight to the day.

From showcasing groundbreaking innovations to strengthening relationships, the event reflected the spirit of teamwork and dedication that drives us forward.

We extend our deepest thanks to our passionate team and loyal customers whose support makes gatherings like this possible. Together, we look forward to continued growth, shared success, and many more memorable field days ahead.

Radish updates from the West

From Barry Younkin – Western Sales Manager.

At the forefront of innovation and excellence, we’re proud to introduce the latest additions to our diverse lineup of high-performing radish varieties. Our dedication to delivering premium quality seeds ensures that each variety offers outstanding results for growers and retailers alike.

Introducing Our New Radish Varieties
Our team has been working tirelessly to develop radishes that meet the highest standards of quality and offer unique characteristics.

Here are some highlights:

  • Robello: A fast-growing, uniform, high-quality hybrid. Ideal for fall through spring
  • Django: Highly versatile for bunching and processing, very uniform in shape and size, with excellent white internals.

These new varieties will complement our existing stronghold in the market:

  • Autella: A round red radish perfect for indoor winter cultivation.
  • Melito: Bright red and round, ideal for bunching.
  • Danilo: Versatile for cello, slicing, and bunching.
  • Diego: Flexible for various growing conditions.
  • Donato: Productive, flexible, and uniform.
  • Purpella: A round hybrid with an attractive and unique appearance.
  • Whitella: A white round hybrid suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation.

Why Choose Our Radish Varieties?
Our radishes deliver dependable performance, excellent quality, and adaptability to a range of growing conditions. With options that offer both reliability and market appeal, there’s a variety to fit every grower’s needs.

Supporting Our Growers
We don’t just provide seeds, we provide solutions. From in-depth growing guides to hands-on, personalized support, our team is committed to ensuring your success in every season.

Looking Ahead!
We’re excited about the future of our radish varieties and their potential to shape the market. Explore our latest offerings and discover the difference quality and innovation can make. We look forward to growing success together.

Got interested? Reach out to us!

Galilea Tomato: The Untold Story Behind Its Global Success

The Hazera Tomato team was taken by surprise when their determinate open field variety, Galilea, became a long-standing blockbuster. It is because Hazera was traditionally known for its indeterminate greenhouse varieties and globally grown round tomatoes.


Launched 15 years ago in Mexico, Galilea significantly impacted global tomato cultivation with its large fruits and robust plants, allowing for high yields and quality previously unseen in open field tomato productions.

Building on Galilea’s success in Mexico, the tomato team took a leap of faith and introduced Galilea in different parts of the world, where with its properties, Galilea overshadowed local varieties. Let’s have a look at some success highlights:

In California, Galilea is cultivated as a bush or staked and is sold in many American retail stores.

In the Ethiopian market, Galilea had such a successful launch that it became synonymous with quality tomatoes. The firmness and low juice content of the fruit made Galilea ideal for transportation, a critical factor for local farmers and traders.

Galilea revolutionized Turkey’s summer tomato market. Initially, the Turkish market was characterized by low quality varieties, but it became evident that growers who had experience with Galilea were willing to invest more in its quality seeds as they were able to charge a premium price for the produce.

“From the beginning Galilea gave us the feeling that it was going to be a blockbuster variety. We recognized that customers were coming to us instead of us having to go to them. We didn’t need to invest heavily in marketing or promotion because the variety spoke for itself.” ~ The marketing team.

Despite its success, Galilea faced challenges in certain regions due to emerging fungi and viruses. This recognition led to investing the expertise and efforts of our R&D team into finding solutions to these challenges. Our R&D and team of breeders developed several new commercial hybrids resulting in the birth of the “Galilea family,” which fights against Fusarium 3 fungus, Powdery Mildew, and TY virus. All while preserving the superior genetics and fruit qualities of Galilea and keeping its position as a versatile choice for growers.

“Galilea is the variety that made Hazera one of the leaders in the world’s open field tomato segment.” ~ Ezri Peleg, Global Breeding Lead for Tomatoes.

Adding on its success, in 2020, Galilea achieved a remarkable milestone by recording the highest sales for a single variety and by being sold in almost 40 countries. This achievement underscored Galilea’s status as the leading tomato variety in sales, bringing pride and a sense of accomplishment to everyone involved in its development and cultivation.

Galilea’s success story is a testament to the power of targeted breeding programs and the adaptability to diverse agricultural challenges. Its high yield, exceptional quality, and robust resistance to various diseases have set new standards in tomato cultivation globally, ensuring its continued dominance and popularity in the market.

Would you like to learn more about Galilea? Don’t hesitate to contact us.

Hazera Introduces new packaging design as part of Its rebranding journey

Same seed quality, fresh new look!


Hazera, a global leader in the vegetable seed business, is excited to introduce a refreshed packaging design, delivering the same high-quality seeds with a modern, sustainable twist.

Over the past year, Hazera has undergone a comprehensive rebranding process, updating its visual identity with a contemporary graphic language that better reflects the brand’s core values. This transformation is now extending to our packaging.

As part of this change, Hazera is taking steps towards greater sustainability by transitioning to more environmentally friendly packaging by eliminating the use of cans.

What’s New?

  • A redesigned logo, updated colors, and a fresh graphic look
  • Improved sustainability—transitioning away from metal cans

What Remains the Same?

  • The same seed quality you trust
  • Our unique security hologram for guaranteed authenticity
  • Familiar package sizes
  • Same packaging materials

This transition will occur gradually. If you still receive the previous design, rest assured that the new packaging will be available in your future orders.

For more information, please contact:
www.hazera.com / or check our social channels

HAZERA: Growing Together
Hazera Seeds is a global company that develops, produces, and commercialize  seed varieties and is a global leader in the seed industry. Hazera has headquarters in both the Netherlands and Israel and operates subsidiaries in 11 countries, together with a distribution network serving over 130 markets.
Hazera is part of the Limagrain Group, an international farmers’ cooperative based in France. Limagrain has grown into the largest seed company in Europe, specializing in vegetables, field crops and cereals. The vegetable seed division at Limagrain is the largest in the industry

Hazera’s Brand Story: Through Maria’s Eyes

Was it destiny that led Maria Adamopoulou to the seed industry and Hazera? It certainly seems so.

Raised around her grandparents’ grocery store in Athens, she grew up watching them source fresh vegetables from the central market at dawn. These early experiences sparked a lifelong connection to fresh produce. After earning her degrees in agronomy, Maria initially considered a PhD but chose a different path after marrying an agronomist who represented Bejo in Greece. Following his sudden passing 12 years ago, she returned to her roots and founded a fresh vegetable distribution company, working closely with growers, traders, and retailers. In 2019, her industry expertise led Hazera Hellas to bring her on board. Today, she holds a dual role in Product Development for Lettuce and Brassicas, as well as Fresh Market Specialist.


How does Hazera’s brand story have an impact on your day to day?
“Hazera’s brand story inspires me every day. With the support of a dedicated team and high-yielding products, I start each morning motivated and confident. Whether I’m in the field or at the office, I’m driven by a shared commitment to our customers and the feeling that we’re growing together.”

Can you share a project when you felt this pillar in action?
“Two years ago, I met the owner of a hydroponic greenhouse, who was new to the agriculture business at that time. After two years of failed tomato production, he didn’t want to hear about hybrids anymore. However, through ongoing visits and discussions with him, we uncovered the real issue: he was growing hybrids based on trader demands, without knowing his greenhouse was contaminated with ToBRFV. The varieties he used had no tolerance, leading to constant crop failures. The following season, he decided to try Lollipop—and everything changed. No diseases, excellent taste, beautiful shape and color, and most importantly, high yield and profits. Moments like these remind me why I’m proud to be part of a team that delivers real solutions. It’s a pleasure and a privilege to work with a company that offers not just products, but confidence and support every step of the way.”

What motivates you most about being part of this Hazera’s journey?
“Over the past six years, building strong relationships with growers and customers has brought me immense personal fulfillment. This motivates me to continuously improve and strengthen our collaboration, grounded in mutual trust and the expertise we provide. It can be challenging when I encounter a dissatisfied growers or customer, but my goal is to apply my knowledge and experience to address these concerns and, over time, turn the situation into a fruitful, lasting relationship.”

What excites you the most about Hazera’s future?
“I feel confident to be a member of Hazera. What excites me most is the prospects that are offered with Hazera’s innovative and dynamic R&D programs: products that will be on the top list of choices for our growers. We offer hybrids in the market with the purpose to combine quality, performance, and solutions to diseases and other problems that constantly arise in the growers’ everyday life.”

Would you like to learn more about our brand story? Contact us!

Roaring Success: Onza, a Mini seedless Watermelon with a Big Impact

Developing a triploid, seedless watermelon requires precision and expertise—especially when integrating new traits to meet the demands of growers, retailers, and consumers. Hazera’s breeding team has achieved a remarkable breakthrough with Onza, a next-generation tiger type mini seedless watermelon hybrid.


Onza embodies Hazera varieties’ core strengths and essential traits in crop resilience, high yield, and good shelf-life. Its ideal rind-to-flesh ratio ensures durability during shipping without compromising quality, while its deep red interior, long shelf life, and high brix content guarantee a sweet, flavorful experience.

“Onza is proving to be the first of our new generation mini tiger strip watermelons that shows wide adaptability for West Coast growers. It boasts high yields, excellent field holding capacity, impressive storage shelf life, uniformity, and exceptional internal qualities, which have growers and marketers raving. Watching the harvest crews’ line up Onza on the beds and seeing the line machines stop due to high yields stacking up the belts is a very impressive and prideful sight to see.” ~ says Barry Younkin, Western USA Sales Manager.

Thanks to its amazing adaptability, Onza has quickly gained traction in the US and Mexico markets, proving its value in challenging growing conditions. It delivers measurable benefits across the agricultural chain by reducing costs for growers, maximizing profitability for retailers, and ensuring satisfaction for consumers. At Hazera, innovation does not stop at breeding. Our Fresh Chain program fosters sustainable partnerships across the entire supply chain, from seed to shelf. By collaborating with growers, retailers, and other stakeholders, Hazera ensures that groundbreaking varieties like Onza meet market demands while raising industry standards for quality and sustainability.

Hazera’s long-term vision is to continue elevating watermelon quality and transportability while developing robust solutions for plant protection and yield stability. Through continuous product improvement, Hazera remains committed to advancing a healthier, more resilient food system and delivering optimal value across the agricultural chain.

Would you like to learn more about Onza? Contact us!

Hazera’s Brand Story: Through Clara’s Eyes

Clara Segura, has been a Tomato Breeding Lead and breeder at Hazera since 2011. Her role involves developing new beef and intermediate tomato varieties that are resilient, high-yielding, and adapted to various growing conditions.


How does Hazera’s brand story have an impact on your day to day?
“As a biologist, Hazera’s brand story profoundly influences my daily work. It reminds me to look to nature for inspiration and solutions, fostering a deep respect for the natural world. This perspective drives me to develop sustainable varieties that benefit both our growers and the environment.”

Can you share a project when you felt this pillar: Inspired by Nature in action?
“One memorable project was our collaboration with local growers to develop a new variety adapted to early Spring planting, following exactly the most important requirements they expressed: big fruit size, good cold adaptability and earliness. Seeing the growers’ enthusiasm and the thriving crops was a powerful reminder of how our work being inspired by nature can create tangible benefits for growers.”

What motivates you most about being part of Hazera’s journey?
“What motivates me the most is the opportunity to make a positive impact on global food security. Knowing that our innovative solutions help growers around the world grow healthier, more resilient crops is incredibly fulfilling and drives me to continue pushing the boundaries of agricultural science.”

What excites you the most about Hazera’s future?
“I am most excited about the potential for new technological advancements and sustainable practices that we can integrate into our work. The future holds endless possibilities for enhancing crop resilience and productivity, all while maintaining our commitment to the environment. At Hazera, we are poised to lead the way in creating a sustainable and prosperous future for agriculture.”

Would you like to learn more about our brand story? Contact us!

Hazera’s Brand Story: Through Jihan’s Eyes

Jihan Mercier is the Head of Marketing and Business Development. Following her MBA, she started working in agriculture in 2012 and had the chance of living in Switzerland, Panama and Singapore. Jihan joined Limagrain first with HMC as their Portfolio Lead for Solanaceae in 2018 in the United States and transitioned to her current role with Hazera in 2021, in the Netherlands.

How does Hazera’s brand story have an impact on your day to day?
“2 years ago, we re-branded Hazera and since then, we have centered our mission around the core ethos of “growing together” by making people, partnerships, and crops flourish. This resonates deeply with me because beyond a statement, it really transcends how we work. Every day, our inclusive environment allows diverse perspectives to create breakthrough solutions. Whether brainstorming with team members from different cultural backgrounds or collaborating with growers in various regions, diversity isn’t just a buzzword; it has truly become the engine for creativity and problem solving.”

Can you share a moment/project when you felt this pillar in action?
“We are a global company with more than a thousand employees spread between our 2 headquarters (Israel and the Netherlands) and our 11 subsidiaries. We have over 1,600 varieties sold in more than 130 markets. In essence, our global diversity is in action in every part of the company. Just look at our marketing team with its 35 team members with 13 nationalities, a gender parity of 51% female / 49% male and varied years of experience between 2 and 40 years. How much more diverse can we be? We leverage this diversity to collaboratively execute successful projects whether launching new varieties with value added traits, organizing events such as our recent participation at Fruit Logistica, our week 39 International Open days or in running global campaigns, like “Tomatoes That Work for You”. Everything we do is imprinted with a local touch and our commitment to understand the markets shows in the excitement customers display about working with us. If I must highlight a moment where I really saw diversity in action, I’m transported to a field in Northern Mexico where we were evaluating our new ToBRFV-IR varieties, and in the greenhouse, you had an American, a French, an Israeli, a Mexican, a South African and a Haitian (me) giving feedback on the varieties and that diversity in perspective is unparalleled.”

What motivates you most about being part of this journey of Hazera?
“What drives me most is knowing that I’m part of a company that values every voice. Hazera’s commitment to inclusivity ensures that we don’t just work side by side—we actively learn from one another. This nurturing environment embraces a spectrum of perspectives, allows us to create high-quality seeds, and leads to better, more innovative solutions. Our “People Behind the Crops” concept is a key testament to this diversity as we proudly showcase the people that contribute to Hazera’s success – in every part of the organization. We aspire to contribute to global food security and sustainable agriculture. In order to support our growers and customers; we need to embrace the diversity of our teams which bring passion, experience and strong commitment to innovation.”

What excites you the most about Hazera’s future?
“Looking ahead, I’m thrilled about Hazera’s future because our focus on diversity and innovation is paving the way for groundbreaking advancements. Anchoring our brand’s story to the deeply rooted values of global diversity took courage and I’m proud we’ve been able share how our story of growth, inclusivity, and collaboration went beyond a simple initiative and became the foundation of our innovative spirit. Diversity is not something we take for granted: the same way we embrace our people, we embrace the diversity of crops that we breed. The rich heritage of our varieties – such as Marshal, which celebrated 30 years as a game-changing pointed cabbage continues to embolden us to push the boundaries and to use our collective, diverse strength to transform agriculture and empower communities worldwide for generations to come. And that, excites and motivates me.”

Would you like to learn more about our brand story? Contact us!

Meet the people behind the crops: Michał Taraska

Michał Taraska, Hazera’s Global Value Chain Lead, was practically born into the world of agriculture—his family’s farming roots go back generations. With a master’s in agribusiness and a life-long fascination with how a tiny seed can turn into something amazing, he’s spent 15 years in the seed and vegetable industry. Almost nine of those were with Limagrain, and for the last five, he’s been shaping the Fresh Chain first in Poland and now in his global role.


What is a common myth about your job or field of expertise?
“People think that I’m always in meetings with retailer stores and their managers, but in reality, what takes up a lot of my time is preparation. Putting a product on the shelves takes a lot of effort. There are plenty of great vegetables on the market, and getting retailers to choose yours requires the cooperation of multiple departments and stakeholders for instance coordinating with breeders, analyzing market needs, and working with traders and retailers. Another myth is that in Fresh Chain, vegetables need branding too. Everyone takes the importance of branding for products like clothing or electronics for granted, but branding is also crucial for selling vegetables. You cannot just rely on the fact that they’re tasty and healthy—you need to make customers want them.”

In your opinion, what is the most important personality trait someone should have to work in your industry?
“I think it’s perseverance, and what I call the ‘gardening approach’ to business” Michał explains. “A gardener never expects his work to be finished—he knows it’s a continuous cycle. Just like we do. We plant seeds, nurture them, care for the garden every day, and harvest. Then, we start all over again. To thrive in this business, you need passion, a forward-thinking mindset, and a deep understanding of consumption and health trends. You need to bring quality and build trust, because people rely on both you and the product you deliver.” Then Michał adds “being open, positive, and eager to foster relationships with your business partners are also essential traits.”

Tell us about a project you’re proud of and why?
“The project I’m most proud of is participating in the Fruit Logistica Innovation Award 2024 with our mini seedless watermelon, Exceed. When we began preparing for this event, we had a very tight timeline. But thanks to our dedicated team, an exceptional product, and a strong partnership with Staay Food Group, we achieved incredible success. This year, we were proud to return to Fruit Logistica, where we had a lot of meetings with major players interested in our tomato varieties.”

What does “Hazera- Growing Together” mean to you?
“For me, the core principle is building strong cooperation with our stakeholders and partners. Our goal is to support their success and grow alongside them. We strive to showcase the best of our products and pipeline, ensuring that together, we achieve sustainable growth and success.”

Tell us something interesting about yourself that most people don’t know.
“People who work with me quickly notice that I’m dyslexic, which means I sometimes make mistakes when speaking or writing emails. It’s more challenging for me than for the average person, but I also see dyslexia as an advantage as it enhances my creativity and intuition. I rely on my instincts to understand market trends and solve problems quickly by recognizing the most effective solutions.”

Do you want to stay connected with our Hazera people?

Follow us on our social media channels to stay connected with our Hazera people! If you have any questions left, don’t hesitate to ask them via our contact page!

Insignia, the Golden Revolution

Spanish growers have long sought a pepper that combines vibrant color with an ideal fruit size, especially suited for the popular Flow Pack packaging format demanded by markets like the United Kingdom.


Hazera developed Insignia, a standout yellow blocky pepper, with exactly these needs in mind, bringing a high-quality option that meets market standards and consumer expectations. Insignia was introduced six years ago to the Spanish market and is cultivated specifically for greenhouse environments. 

Insignia is more than just an attractive yellow pepper. It has been a game-changer in sustainable farming practices. As one of the first yellow pepper varieties to offer Lt resistance, Insignia allows growers to cultivate under reduced treatment conditions, helping to reduce chemical dependency.

As a global leader in the seed industry, Hazera knows that success starts with trust. Initially, some growers were hesitant to embrace the reduced treatment approach, even with Insignia’s disease resistance. Demonstrating our dedication, we worked side-by-side with growers, sharing expertise and crop management tips to help them overcome their concerns.

Jose Manuel López Vargas, a grower from Almeria who has been cultivating Insignia since its debut, stated: “Insignia is a high-yield variety, giving me confidence year after year. I plan to continue growing it in the years to come.”

Today, Insignia is the leader for early-season production in Spain, with nearly 50% of the market share. Its adaptability has also been proven in successful trials in Poland, reflecting Hazera’s ability to combine global innovation with local expertise. This variety enables growers to achieve high yields and provide fresh, nutritious produce to northern Europe during the winter months—a testament to our belief that the fruits of our labor strengthen people and communities worldwide. 

As a testimony to Insignia’s success, when the cooperative MABE in Almeria conducted a thorough evaluation of the variety, their quality control manager, Jesús Alvarez, said: “This variety meets all our requirements, enabling us to provide our customers with a Flow Pack program of great quality, featuring vibrant yellow color, size, and consistency.” 

Looking ahead, Insignia is expected to maintain its leadership position, backed by Hazera’s ongoing commitment to innovation. New hybrids are in development to reinforce our dedication to offering resilient, high-performance varieties. At Hazera, we remain focused on creating seeds that empower growers, enrich communities, and contribute to a healthier, sustainable future. 

Would you like to learn more about Insignia? Don’t hesitate to contact us.

Meet the people behind the crops: Juan Montes

At Hazera, we are proud of our dedicated team, which works passionately to provide our growers with the best products. While we tend to put our products in the headlines, it is the Hazera team who are behind our success. Let’s shine the spotlight on Juan Montes, Product Development Specialist Tomato from Almería, Spain.


Juan Montes, father of two, was born in a coastal town in Almería, Spain. “Fortunately, I grew up surrounded by beaches and greenhouses, and since my father is a farmer, my connection with the crops was inevitable. So, I studied agricultural engineering at the University of Almería and started working as a crop advisor in 2004. After a little more than two years, I changed sectors and began working as an engineer in the technical department of a public works company. However, my love for crops led me back to technical advising for seven years at a large export company. Finally, I joined Hazera in 2014 as the development manager for tomato cultivation, where I remain to this day.”

What is a common myth about your field of expertise?
“In the agricultural sector, seed companies and the people who work for them are well received because they always bring new developments. However, we are rarely fully trusted, and it is often thought that our goal is only to sell at all costs.” Juan shook his head and said, “but nothing could be further from the truth. It is true that we aim to sell and repeat the sale year after year, but what we really seek is a partner who evolves and works with us, and we strive to build long-term partnerships, where both parties benefit and is built on trust.”

In your opinion, what is the most important strength someone needs to be successful in your job?
Juan said that “listening and understanding are the most essential traits.” He continued saying that “many times, we are eager to explain our materials, varieties, and their advantages, but perhaps we do not fully understand the focus, which leads to frustrations. Properly listening to and understanding the needs of the growers, the supply chain, and the consumers are the keys to success in our business.”

Tell us about a project you’re proud of and why.
“Over my ten years at Hazera, I’ve been part of many projects, but I’m especially proud of my growing involvement in Fresh Chain. This initiative allows me to deepen my knowledge of cultivation and markets while gaining a broader, global perspective on the business. It also gives me the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from diverse countries and cultures,” Juan shared enthusiastically then he added, “It’s not just exciting—it’s also a significant challenge. A great example is our exceptional Roma tomato, Heredero. I have the privilege of showcasing it to customers in various countries, including Mexico, Morocco, and Spain, where it has been performing well. Heredero embodies everything we strive for: outstanding quality, firmness, ideal shape and size, high production, and most importantly, resistances, especially against ToBRFV.”

What does “Hazera- Growing Together” mean to you?
Juan said that for him Grower Together means “on one hand, growing myself as a professional, thanks to the development opportunities provided by Hazera and the chance to meet incredible people and professionals from other countries, whom I also see evolving. On the other hand, seeing how the growers, who work with us, grow thanks to our varieties and recommendations.”

Tell us something about yourself that most people do not know.
“Although everyone sees a logical progression in my career—being the son of a farmer, growing up surrounded by greenhouses—it’s normal to be linked to this job/sector. But the truth is, for me as a child going to the greenhouse when we misbehaved was a punishment by my father. When I got to university and told him I wanted to be an agricultural engineer, he was perplexed and when I started my studies, I discovered a new world and began to see plants differently. Fortunately.” Smiled Juan.

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Layers of Success: The Centro Onion Journey

The story of Centro, a high-performing onion variety now sold throughout Europe, is one of innovation and strategic focus. Over the years, Centro has become a key symbol of Hazera’s dedication to producing top-quality onions and driving success in the global market.


Thirty years ago, Hazera’s market share in onions was low. In 1993, a dedicated project team was formed, bringing together experts from R&D, Marketing, and Commercial divisions, along with an external onion specialist. The goal: to uncover the reasons behind the low market share and implement impactful changes to significantly improve it. 

Through extensive discussions with key growers and packers, the team identified the core issues—low yield and poor skin quality—which led to low pack-out rates and considerable losses for customers. This realization helped the team set new priorities, focusing on four key traits: yield, skin quality, dormancy, and firmness. 

Recognizing that “what gets measured, gets improved,” the team invested in a machine to accurately measure firmness. This new approach provided clear focus and helped define the right priorities. Over the next decade, Hazera’s onion team consistently used this tool during their evaluations, allowing them to identify clear differences in traits like yield and firmness between Hazera’s genetics and those of competitors. 

Together with a group of colleagues, the team selected breeding number 37-58 F1 for development. It was thoroughly tested with leading growers in key onion-producing regions, and a detailed plan was created to guide the project in the years to come. Numerous trials confirmed the variety’s exceptional performance. The variety was named “Centro” due to its high rate of single centers and was first launched in key markets, the Netherlands and Germany. Within 6-7 years, Centro gained popularity and was adopted in many other countries. 

Hazera’s long-term commitment and investments have led to a substantial increase in its market share for onions. Hazera continues to focus on breeding and the development of high-yielding varieties with unique traits. 

Would you like to learn more about Centro? Contact us!

Meet the people behind the crops: Maria Martinez

At Hazera, we are proud of our dedicated team, which works passionately to provide our growers with the best products. While we tend to put our products in the headlines, it is the Hazera team who are behind our success. Let’s shine the spotlight on Maria Martinez, Marketing Communications Manager from Almería, Spain.


Maria Martinez is 30 years old and has been with Hazera for almost nine years. She started in finance at Hazera and gradually began combining both finance and marketing communications. “When I started, the Marcom department didn’t exist at all. We only had a Facebook page but we didn’t use Instagram or other platforms,” Maria explains. “So I created the Marcom department. Then we began to professionalise our marketing actions more and more.” While she also handles finance responsibilities—sometimes stepping in for the finance manager during maternity or sick leaves—her passion lies in marketing. “While finance is all about clear numbers and predictability, marketing allows me to think outside the box, be creative, and work on something different every day.”

Maria’s connection to agriculture runs deep through her family. “My family has a greenhouse, and they have been working in agriculture for years. My grandfather also had a open fields where he used to grow all the fruit and vegetables that they ate in the house. I remember when I was a child, I used to go to the open field with my cousins and grandparents in the afternoon to pick up apples, lemons, and potatoes. So, I’ve been in contact with agriculture since I was a child.”

What is a common myth about your field of expertise?

“I think that in these last two years, people have been thinking of Hazera Spain as a company that innovates a lot and is always doing different things,” Maria shares. She recounted how their innovative approach has become their signature:

“Last year we did 3D billboards which we placed along the highway, and one girl saw the billboard, only seeing a flash of the Hazera logo. But she immediately asked me, ‘Is that 3D billboard from Hazera?’ When I said yes, she replied, ‘I knew it had to be from Hazera because it’s something very different, very innovative, and this is something only Hazera does.'”

Maria continues, “People always say we’re the only company doing very different activities. When we go to fairs, everybody likes to visit our stands because they know they’ll see something totally different compared with the rest of the companies. Marketing is very important, because it often is the first glimpse you get from the company.”

In your opinion, what is the most important personality trait someone should have to work in your industry?

Maria emphasises that “the secret of Hazera Spain is the team. When you enter the company, the feeling is that everybody is working, but if someone laughs, another laughs also. We try to have a very good environment.” She stresses the importance of connection in marketing work: “For social media, for different events, you need to have a good connection with people. Because even though we sell products, we’re a company that works for people. It’s very important to have a good positive attitude. Never say this is impossible. Especially in marketing, flexibility is crucial. If you can’t do something today, tomorrow you can.”

Tell us about a project you’re proud of and why.

“This year I’m very proud of the cinema campaign, and I am not only proud because of the result, but also because of the process,” Maria says enthusiastically. The ambitious project began when General Manager Manolo mentioned being at the cinema with his daughters and suggested doing something cinema-related. “We thought about this campaign in July of last year. We couldn’t tell anyone anything because if another company did something similar with cinema, the campaign would have been a total disaster.” The comprehensive campaign included a 15-minute film about the Heredero tomato variety, cinema advertisements for other varieties like ZiMMan, Nemeton, Pendragon, and Windsor, billboards designed like movie clapperboards, a Women’s Day cinema team-building event, and a premiere complete with red carpet. Despite challenges, including unexpected rain during filming in typically dry Almería, the campaign was a tremendous success. “This was Heredero’s first commercial year, and we sold all the seeds. Our marketing campaign had a result.”

What does “Hazera- Growing Together” mean to you?

For Maria, Growing Together represents collaboration at every level. “I do a lot of collaborations with influencers, and with other companies. I think the right way to grow is to collaborate because we can learn together. Also, Growing Together is reflected in our commitment to the clients— for example, this year we celebrated family days and invited people to the cinema to see our film. We don’t want to only involve the clients with Hazera, but like to involve their families as well. Because if the family is involved, they’ll have a good vision of Hazera and they are going to talk to other people about Hazera.”

Tell us something about yourself that most people do not know.

“The majority of people, external and sometimes internal, think that I studied marketing because I do everything related with marketing. But the reality is I studied finance and accounting,” Maria reveals with a smile. “Everything I learned was by myself. I did a lot of online courses, learning how to edit videos, how to create good social media planning. When I started in marketing it was like an obsession for me. I started following marketing companies, reading marketing books, and listening to marketing podcasts. While finance taught me precision, it’s marketing that allowed me to think beyond limits and write the story I’ve always wanted to tell.”

Do you want to stay connected with our Hazera people?

Follow us on our social media channels to stay connected with our Hazera people! If you have any questions left, don’t hesitate to ask them via our contact page!

Marshal: 30 Years and still an undeniable star!

Happy 30th birthday, Marshal! You are the pointed cabbage that has conquered the market with your fresh taste and quality.


At Hazera, everything is driven by our passion for innovation and our commitment to growers. We develop vegetable varieties that nourish communities and contribute to a strong and sustainable food system. The journey of Marshal, our groundbreaking pointed cabbage, is a testament to this dedication.

It all started with Duchy, the first pointed cabbage to make a significant impact in Western Europe. Developed in the 1980s, Duchy won the hearts of growers and consumers with its unique shape and natural sweetness, earning it the popular name “sweetheart cabbage.”

Growers saw the potential to extend Duchy’s availability and began storing it in cold storage, which extended the season by six weeks. This led to the need for a variety with even better storage qualities—one that would maintain its quality over a longer period. That’s when Marshal came into the picture.

Marshal was specifically developed to redefine the standard of storability. Unlike other varieties, Marshal retains its premium quality even after long storage. It has fewer yellow leaves, a firmer texture, and no black pepper spots. This breakthrough led to the creation of a new market segment: pointed cabbage designed for longer storage without compromising freshness or taste.

Our partners in the Netherlands contributed to Marshal’s success by using Controlled Atmosphere storage, where oxygen in the storage room is limited, and flowpacking techniques, which further extend its shelf life. Thanks to these innovations, Marshal became the retailer’s top choice, appreciated for both its consistency and quality.

“Marshal excels after Controlled Atmosphere storage; the lack of deterioration after opening the storage room is exceptional. Unlike other varieties that may show signs of wilting, yellowing, or loss of structure, Marshal maintains its fresh appearance, firm texture, and sweet taste, even after prolonged storage.” – Maarten Danenberg, Product Manager Cabbage and Brussels Sprouts.

Duchy laid the foundation, and Marshal has strengthened Hazera’s position in the pointed cabbage market. With the addition of Earl and Baron—varieties with improved plant health and better field performance—our portfolio continues to grow, offering tailored solutions for various markets.

Would you like to learn more about Marshal? Contact us!

Did you know?

Did you know that tomato variety Galilea was introduced to the California market over 20 years ago and has been a market leader ever since? This versatile and high-yielding variety is not just a California favorite but is also used around the world as a trellised variety. Its adaptability and robust characteristics have made it a favorite among growers globally.


Galilea is a high-quality, Roma/Saladette-type tomato known for its robust characteristics and adaptability to various climates. This variety is particularly favored for its large fruit size and high percentage of top-grade fruit, making it a popular choice among growers.

Plant Characteristics
Vigor: Galilea’s plant habit is notably strong and vigorous, ensuring healthy growth and high yield.
Maturity: Its medium maturity period makes it a reliable option for growers looking for a balanced growth cycle.
Picking: The fruit is picked loose, simplifying harvesting.
Leaf Canopy: The plant boasts an outstanding leaf canopy that protects the fruit from the sun, especially beneficial for bush production.

Fruit Attributes
Shape: The fruit is oval-shaped, typical of the Roma/Saladette category.
Size: The average size of the fruit ranges from 55 to 65 mm.
Weight: Each fruit typically weighs between 100 to 150 grams.
Color: Galilea is known for its intense red color, which is appealing to consumers.
Shelf Life: It has a long shelf life, making it ideal for both fresh market sales and transportation.
Firmness: The fruit is firm, which helps in maintaining its quality during handling and storage.

Growing Recommendations
System: Galilea is suitable for open-field trellised and bush production.
Climate: It thrives in various climates, making it a versatile choice for different growing regions.

Disease Resistances
Galilea is bred for resistance to several common diseases, ensuring healthier plants and better yields:
HR: Vd, Fol, race 1,2, ToMV, Pst
IR: Mi, Mj, TSWV, Sl

Galilea stands out for its strong plant vigor, high-quality fruit, and adaptability to various growing conditions. Its robust disease resistance and excellent fruit characteristics make it a preferred choice for both commercial growers and home gardeners. Whether grown in open field trellised or bush production, Galilea promises a bountiful and high-quality harvest.

Isn’t it fascinating how one variety can have such a significant impact on agriculture? Contact us if you would like to learn more. 

 

Hazera Unveils Exciting New Tomato Varieties

Hazera is proud to introduce our latest tomato varieties, designed to meet the diverse needs of growers, retailers, and consumers. Our commitment to innovation and excellence drives us to develop solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve the overall experience for everyone in the tomato supply chain.


Benefits for Growers: Our new tomato varieties come with a robust resistance package, including intermediate resistance to ToBRFV in varieties like Pendragon. This ensures that growers can manage common diseases with greater confidence. Additionally, some of our varieties, like Pendragon, Windsor, and Camelot offer significant labor savings—up to 30%—thanks to their efficient harvesting capabilities. With fewer unmarketable fruits, growers can achieve higher marketable yields and increased profitability. The ability to extend harvest frequency up to 14 days on average further enhances flexibility and productivity.

Advantages for Retailers: Our Camelot variety boasts a long shelf life and great firmness, minimizing waste and keeping the product in optimal condition for longer periods. Its red shiny skin and high brix levels make it visually appealing to consumers. Uniform fruit size and weight throughout the growing season provide consistency and convenience for packaging and display.

Consumer Satisfaction: Our tomatoes promise superior quality and taste, with extended storage capabilities that allow consumers to enjoy their favorite flavors for longer. This ensures a delightful and satisfying experience with every bite.

Discover Our Top Varieties:
Tymoty: High yield and resistance to TY and Fol 3, suitable for various growing conditions.
Summersun: Unique, sweet yellow cherry with high yield potential.
Blackfield: Attractive chocolate zebra variety with good color retention and vigor, perfect for single picking.
Orange delight: Indeterminate grape tomato with bright orange color and excellent shelf life.

These new varieties from Hazera are set to bring significant benefits to growers, retailers, and consumers alike, meeting the high standards expected from our brand.

Stay tuned for more updates and innovations from Hazera.

Meet Philip Stoffyn, our new High-Tech sales & PD specialist

My name is Philip (Phil) Stoffyn, and my passion for tomatoes started with my first job growing greenhouse vegetables over 20 years ago.


In a high-tech greenhouse just outside my hometown (close to the Tomato Capital of Canada), I grew a number of specialty tomatoes, including Cocktails, Romas, and grape (mini Roma) types. I learned the ins and outs of growing tomatoes, including how to “read” the plant and understand how “steering” a plant can affect more than just growth. It was essential to learn what tools you had in the greenhouse to work with and how they impacted the behavior, flavor, and yield of the plant. I fell in love with walking the rows of the plants each day, feeling the texture of the leaves, and tasting the fruit as I walked along, developing an understanding for the complexity of what it means to have a desired flavor profile in a tomato.

I caught on quickly and eventually joined a small seed company as their salesperson for the high-tech greenhouse industry in Canada and the United States. Their focus was on the greenhouse tomato market. It was there that I worked with tomato breeders for the first time and really had the opportunity to understand what it took to make a good variety. It was at that point that my respect for vegetable breeding companies really emerged. My passion for tomatoes grew stronger, and I wanted to share the knowledge I had gained with other growers so they could experience the joy I found in this crop.

I found supporting growers with their crops rewarding, and it was not just about selling a seed but creating success for the grower using your variety. Meanwhile, understanding the market, the customer’s needs, and limitations helped in selecting new varieties to develop.
I eventually worked with other international seed companies, working in many different crops such as peppers, cucumbers, and lettuce, in sales and product development roles, but my love for tomatoes never faded. Over these many years, I have learned the profile of what the NAFTA high-tech tomato market needs to be successful. With this knowledge and experience, I am confident that Hazera has what it takes to be a major player in this tomato market.

With the development of “Tomatoes that Work for You” and varieties such as Pendragon and Windsor, Hazera is offering varieties that provide new and exciting benefits not only for the grower but for the retailer as well. Creating longer shelf life means reduced shrinkage for retailers, and labor savings in harvesting means more money in the grower’s pocket. I look forward to working with the growers and marketers to show them this promising perspective of creating a winning assortment for both the grower and Hazera, and enhancing the industry together.

Would you like to learn more about Phil or our tomatoes? Contact us!

Onza, mini seedless watermelon

Meet Onza, our mini seedless watermelon

Onza is known for its high quality and practicality. With high yields, resistance to powdery mildew, and a sturdy vine, Onza thrives throughout the growing season. Its ideal rind-to-flesh ratio ensures durability during shipping without compromising quality, while its deep red interior, long shelf life, and high brix content guarantee a sweet, flavorful experience.

Compact and efficient, Onza’s balanced plant structure supports its resilience, and its 50/50% ratio of 6 and 8 watermelons per box adds convenience. The round shape, tiger rind pattern, and suitability for fresh-cut use make it appealing to growers and consumers alike. Combining taste, longevity, and innovation, Onza sets a new standard for seedless mini watermelons.

Would you like to learn more about Onza? Contact us! 

Meet the people behind the crops: Milan Zivkovic

At Hazera, our dedicated team works passionately to provide our growers with the best products. While our products often take center stage, it is the Hazera team that truly drives our success. Today, we shine the spotlight on Milan Zivkovic from Leskovac, Serbia.


Milan Zivkovic, Product Development Manager, lives in Serbia with his wife and two children. He graduated as an agronomist in 2009 and has been working in the vegetable seed industry since then, taking on roles in sales, product development, and area management. Milan has been a valued member of the Hazera team for almost three years.

What is a common myth about your field of expertise?
“I think, especially in the Balkans, Southeast Europe, a common myth is that working in agriculture is very hard, involving heavy physical work or tough conditions. That’s why youngsters don’t choose agriculture as a profession, but they should as it’s a rewarding work. As an agronomist, you can travel, learn extensively, and meet many people.”

In your opinion, what is the most important personality trait someone should have to work in your industry?
According to Milan, patience is crucial in his job. “You need to wait for results, particularly in product development, where it takes at least six months from sowing to harvesting and after that, it takes around three months to see the hybrids. So, first, it’s necessary to see how the varieties perform and only then make decisions based on the results. Precision, especially with timings, is also essential, because in agriculture if you miss something, you will need to wait another season.”

Tell us about a project you are proud of and why.
“Right when I started my journey at Hazera, I was ‘thrown into deep water’.” Laughs Milan. “By this, I mean that at that time we were organizing the open field days in Serbia. We had distributors from various countries in our region. For me, it was a fantastic start. It was a great opportunity to learn about our varieties, the market, and our customers. I’m proud of it, because I could contribute to the success of that event, even though I just started.”

What does Hazera growing together mean to you?
Milan says that “for me, growing together means two different things. One is professional growth as you can learn a lot from other colleagues and from the customers too. The other part is the growth of the company. Hazera is constantly investing in new ways and crops to stay on top of the market, and I think it’s a very good opportunity for our growers to grow together with us. Also, we’re solving a lot of problems for growers. For example, with ToBRFV, we started to introduce new varieties helping growers advance with us.”

Tell us something about yourself that most people do not know.
“I think that most people don’t know that I’m not just an agronomist, but also a farmer and vegetable grower. When we have visitors in our regions, they see that I’m also growing vegetables, and they are surprised to see my results.” Smiles Milan proudly. “One time, my six-year-old son helped me measure the sugar level of the watermelons I harvested, and he really liked the sweet taste of it. He said I have a cool job.”

Do you want to stay connected with our Hazera people?

Follow us our social media channels to stay connected with our Hazera people! If you have any questions left, don’t hesitate to ask them via our contact page!

Harvesting Success: Southern Block Farming and Hazera South Africa Growing Together

Established in 2019, Southern Block Farming is nestled in the hot and humid sub-tropical climate of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa on Blair Moore farm. Since its inception, the farm has been committed to cultivating high-quality produce while navigating the unique challenges presented by its environment. Central to this success story has been the strong partnership between Southern Block Farming and Hazera South Africa. Hazera, inspired by nature, brought their expertise to Southern Block Farming from the very start.


The collaboration began with James Kelly, Blair Moore farm’s founder, adopting Hazera’s Ferrara variety for cauliflower and broccoli. Despite the difficulties of growing brassicas during the summer season, the high cut percentage and excellent quality of Ferrara provided James with the perfect foundation for success. With Hazera’s guidance, even the challenging KwaZulu-Natal conditions became manageable.

By supplying varieties that promote healthy lifestyles and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices, Hazera supports not just farms but the communities they feed. This commitment extends globally, but Hazera’s local team—part of a diverse network spanning over 130 countries—demonstrates a deep understanding of regional challenges, delivering tailored solutions to meet Southern Block Farming’s specific needs.

As Southern Block Farming grew, so did their crop diversity. Hazera worked closely with James to phase rotations into his programme, conducting trials on carrots and other crops. These trials exemplified Hazera’s extensive research and their drive to improve yield, quality, and disease resistance. The technical advice provided by Hazera allowed James to identify the best carrot varieties for year-round supply, bolstering his farm’s reputation with buyers.

Events such as Hazera’s Carrot Day further strengthened this collaboration, introducing James to new industry knowledge and the opportunity to expanding his professional network.

Reflecting on the partnership, James stated that he appreciates the strong relationship built on mutual trust and respect. “Hazera’s team has always been by our side, offering advice and support whenever needed. Their commitment to growing together aligns perfectly with our mission,” James says. This trust epitomises Hazera’s promise, ensuring that farmers like James can fully unlock the potential of their seeds.

Drawing inspiration from our growers’ community spirit, nature, and the drive to succeed together, Hazera continues its efforts to support its loyal customers from seed to harvest.

 

Hazera opens new high-tech R&D tomato greenhouse

Hazera’s new high-tech R&D greenhouse, unveiled last week in Made, the Netherlands, marks a significant milestone in the company’s ambition to become a leader in the high-tech tomato industry. The nearly 5-hectare facility, located next to Hazera’s headquarters, will serve as a cutting-edge hub for research and development.


This investment, supported by Limagrain’s vegetable seed division, aims to enhance Hazera’s research capabilities, focusing on developing tomato varieties with strong disease resistance (particularly to ToBRFV), high yield and excellent taste.

The official opening was done by the Mayor of Made-Drimmelen. From left to right Elad Shalit (Hazera), Gilles Gay (Limagrain), Mayor of Made-Drimmelen Mr. Scholtze, Milena Vulcheva (Deputy CEO Hazera) and Mary van Laar (Hazera)

The greenhouse is repurposed from an existing commercial operation, which aligns with Hazera’s commitment to sustainability. This facility will also allow Hazera to refine its breeding techniques and accelerate the development of innovative tomato varieties that meet evolving market needs. By leveraging advanced technology and expertise in breeding, Hazera aims to help growers overcome challenges and improve the quality of their crops.

The Netherlands, as a hub for high-tech tomato production, provides the ideal setting for this initiative, and Hazera envisions its new greenhouse as a vital tool for driving innovation and growth in the global high-tech tomato market.

Big thanks to the team
After the presentations and a tour of the greenhouse, we had the opportunity to discuss the future of tomato breeding in person with our partners. We also took the time to express our heartfelt thanks to the dedicated team of employees and contractors who worked on the construction of the new greenhouse.

Ready for the future
“This new greenhouse demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and efficiency, as well as extension of business operations”, says the new appointed Deputy CEO Milena Vulcheva. “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to this intensive period. This is a key milestone in our drive for innovation and ambition to become a leader in the high-tech tomato industry. Together with our partners worldwide we will build a sustainable future.”

A fresh boost for the region of Made
“The acquisition and renovation of André van Zeijl’s greenhouse by Hazera provides a fresh boost to Plukmade” according to Mayor Scholtze of Made-Drimmelen. “Since 1999, Hazera has had its operations in Made, and this expansion further stimulates local employment and commercial activity. It is something we, as a municipality, are proud of.”

For more information, please contact:
www.hazera.com / or check our social channels

HAZERA: Growing Together
Hazera Seeds is a global company that develops, produces, and commercialize  seed varieties and is a global leader in the seed industry. Hazera has headquarters in both the Netherlands and Israel and operates subsidiaries in 11 countries, together with a distribution network serving over 130 markets.
Hazera is part of the Limagrain Group, an international farmers’ cooperative based in France. Limagrain has grown into the largest seed company in Europe, specializing in vegetables, field crops and cereals. The vegetable seed division at Limagrain is the largest in the industry

How ToBRFV varieties changed the Mexican tomato market

ToBRFV is a constant threat to growers worldwide as it significantly reduces yields, affects the quality of the fruit, and systematically infects other plants. It is a very transmittable virus that can infect through soil, tools, water, and people’s contact. Hazera has been tackling this threat with its ToBRFV IR varieties- the optimal balance between protection and performance – which provide growers with an effective tool to face the highly infectious virus.

Guillermo Briseno, General Manager in Mexico tells us how the ToBRFV varieties changed the tomato market in Mexico.


Market overview prior to ToBRFV resistant varieties
“The Mexican tomato market before ToBRFV, was a regular market with its challenges on yield, quality, regular diseases for which we had the majority of the resistances and so on.”

How did the new virus impact the market?
“After ToBRFV, the course of tomato producing practices has changed dramatically in Mexico and in the whole world. At the beginning, it was an unknown enemy that was confused many times with TSWV or similar symptoms diseases. ToBRFV is a game changer in the industry. It requires plants to have a strong resistance as that is the main factor for growers to be able to produce tomatoes.”

How ToBRFV varieties changed the Mexican tomato market

What are the tomato growers looking for today?
“When the first ToBRFV-resistant varieties were launched by the different companies, there was always a strong doubt from the growers, about whether the resistance was strong enough or not, or how the behavior of the plants would be related to all the rest of the traits such as quality, quantity, vigor, size, fruit coloring etc. As of now, growers are looking for the optimal balance of protection plus performance of the ToBRFV-resistant varieties; So, it is important to supply growers with varieties that can provide on one side resistance and on the other side a good performance that can provide the growers a profitable business.”

Recognition of Hazera’s Efforts
“Hazera has a good position on the ToBRFV tomatoes in particular the indeterminate roma and grape tomatoes slots. We have now two indeterminate tomato varieties Canelo and Pendragon that show good performance and add value to the growers. In addition, we are now adding long shelf life to grape tomato varieties that require a high demand of labor to support growers as well with lower labor needs, resistance, and performance. At Hazera, we will continue working on this desired balance that can assure growers to continue profitable seasons and bring more and more varieties in the different slots that can provide performance and resistance.”

Would you like to learn more about the market in Mexico or have other questions? Contact us!

Newsletter – Special Edition

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Check out our special edition that introducing our Product Developement Team!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us!

Hazera Mexico at Expo Agroalimentaria Irapuato

From November 12 to 15, Hazera once again made its mark at Expo Agroalimentaria Irapuato 2024, one of the most prominent agricultural events in Mexico and Latin America.


This annual gathering brings together producers, companies, and innovators in the agri-food sector, serving as a key platform for exchanging knowledge and showcasing the latest innovations in agriculture.

This year, Hazera stood out with a dynamic booth and a highly skilled team dedicated to providing quality solutions for the challenges faced by growers. During the event, the team interacted with growers, distributors, and technicians, sharing experiences, personalized advice, and in-depth knowledge about the varieties best suited to specific growing conditions. It was also a privilege to welcome Hazera’s new CEO, Ofer Peleg, at the expo.

Hazera’s portfolio for this year included an impressive selection of varieties that have demonstrated outstanding performance in different agricultural regions. Some of the most notable were Canelo, Mago, Pendragon, Windsor, Fénix and Galoper.

Furthermore, Hazera introduced two new additions in its portfolio this year: Heredero and Indomable, which sparked significant interest among attendees. These varieties were developed to provide innovative solutions to meet current agricultural market needs, standing out for their resistance, productivity, and high quality.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Hazera Mexico team extends its gratitude to all the visitors, partners who made this experience a resounding success. Their participation serves as a reminder of the positive impact that can be achieved by uniting efforts for the benefit of the agricultural sector.

See you at next year’s Expo Agroalimentaria!

Hazera’s newly appointed CEO reflects on Growing in the seed industry

Hazera’s newly appointed CEO reflects on Growing in the seed industry

A conversation with Hazera’s new CEO, Ofer Peleg

In his two and half years as Deputy CEO, and in leadership roles at dynamic global companies, Ofer Peleg has gained significant experience in business and agriculture. Now, as he steps into the CEO-role at Hazera, Ofer reflects on lessons learned and looks ahead to what the future holds.


“It’s been a fascinating 2.5 years, in which we’ve worked to optimize our efficiencies and leverage our capabilities”, Ofer begins. “I find the most valuable lessons to be this industry’s innovative nature and strong focus on sustainability.  That is what is leading us to find better solutions every day. I’m proud to be a part of it.”

Growing Together
“For me, the customer is front and center,” Ofer explains his priorities and his plans to strengthen Hazera’s focus on growing together with customers worldwide, and with the growers in a diverse global community in more than 130 countries.

“We’re putting great effort into adding value for them with our solutions, such as improving our loyalty programs, service level agreements and seed products to meet the needs of clients in different markets.”

 “There’s a strong sense of partnership, professionalism and community within the organization. It is evident that our employees enjoy what they do and go above and beyond.” Ofer highly values the input he receives from employees. “It’s important to me to always be listening to what they have to say. I’ll admit that I can be demanding as a manager, but the greatest demands I make, are for myself.” To continue moving forward, Ofer says, Hazera as an organization needs to be flexible, agile and strongly focused on product quality. “By fostering a strong sense of ownership in everything we do, we can push our organization to excellence.”

Building on a century of growth
With Hazera celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025, Ofer takes a look at the future. “I’m honored that we’re part of the Limagrain Group, , together with our sister companies Vilmorin.Mikado and HM.Clause: the number one vegetable seed company in the world. Together, I see us continuing to play a huge role in the successes of the vegetable seed industry. And, most importantly, in the successes of the growers that we’ve been serving for nearly a century. We look forward to serving them for the century to come!” #GrowingtogetherAbout Ofer Peleg
Ofer joined Hazera in 2022 as deputy CEO after working for four years at Netafim (precision Irrigation global leader) as Vice-President, Global Supply Chain. Ofer had also previously worked 20 years in the pharmaceutical industry, most prominently at Teva Pharmaceuticals.

 

For more information, please contact:
www.hazera.com / or check our social channels

HAZERA: Growing Together
Hazera Seeds is a global company that develops, produces, and commercialize  seed varieties and is a global leader in the seed industry. Hazera has headquarters in both the Netherlands and Israel and operates subsidiaries in 11 countries, together with a distribution network serving over 130 markets.
Hazera is part of the Limagrain Group, an international farmers’ cooperative based in France. Limagrain has grown into the largest seed company in Europe, specializing in vegetables, field crops and cereals. The vegetable seed division at Limagrain is the largest in the industry

 

Voices from the field: Ipatioaie Costel reflects on 16 years with Hazera

Hazera held its International Open Days from September 24th to 26th, welcoming hundreds of customers from all over the world. During the event, visitors had the opportunity to “connect their senses” by touching and tasting a wide range of Hazera varieties at the fields and on displays, while also hearing insights from our crop experts about key highlights.


We had the pleasure of speaking with one of our customers attending the event, Ipatioaie Costel, the sales representative for Adri Prodcom in eastern Romania. With over 16 years of experience working with Hazera, Ipatioaie primarily focuses on tomatoes and cabbage, while also dealing with radishes, peppers, and watermelons.

The conversation began with a discussion of the challenges currently facing the agricultural industry. According to Ipatioaie, the biggest hurdle is adapting to the rapidly shifting market demands. He emphasized the importance of understanding growers’ needs, developing strategies to meet them, and introducing innovative products while maintaining a competitive edge. “None of this is possible,” he noted, “without quality seeds, high-yielding varieties, fair pricing, and strong grower support.”

When asked about Hazera’s ability to respond to these market changes, Ipatioaie highlighted the strong collaboration between his team and Hazera. “This partnership allows us to take the necessary steps to overcome challenges. We work together to identify what is important—finding new, quality varieties for the market. It is a step-by-step process. First, we assess the market and competition, then work with Hazera to conduct trials, evaluate the results, and decide if a variety is suitable. This takes time—patience is key, especially since some varieties respond to market needs faster than others.”

Reflecting on his long-standing partnership with us, Ipatioaie expressed pride in the company’s consistent delivery of high-quality products, particularly tomatoes. “Hazera tomatoes are known for their taste, color, and quality,” he said. “Consumers first look for good taste, then color, and now they also want quality and high yield.” He described the balance between taste, resistance, and transportability as like a chess game, where you must prioritize traits based on market demand.

Ipatioaie thought that Hazera’s slogan, “Growing Together,” is both meaningful and fitting. “It is a powerful message,” he remarked. “Working together is essential for success, and this slogan perfectly reflects the shared commitment in the whole industry.”

For Ipatioaie, the most rewarding part of his job is engaging with growers, understanding their challenges, and providing solutions that truly make a difference. “That’s the best part—offering quality solutions after listening to their needs. To do this successfully, you need strong collaboration skills. Without being close to the growers and understanding the markets, success is impossible.”

Would you like to learn more? Contact us!

The Cabbage Market Trends on the West Coast: Insights for Growers

The cabbage market on the West Coast is shifting towards varieties that demonstrate heat tolerance, high-quality yields, and fewer harvest passes. With rising temperatures, growers need reliable cabbage varieties that thrive in these conditions, catering to both fresh markets and processing.


Leading this trend is Romanov, the top red cabbage variety for processors. Known for its excellent field-holding capacity, Romanov resists splitting, offers high yields, and matures in 90 days. It features compact, high, round heads with minimal
wrapper leaves, making it easy to harvest and highly resistant to bolting and cracking.

Another standout variety is Cali, an early white cabbage with a strong performance in mid-spring through mid-autumn in California, while in the Yuma and Imperial Valley, mid-autumn through mid-spring. Cali’s uniform heads, dense planting potential, and resistance to Fusarium make it ideal for the fresh market, producing heads between 3-5 lbs that attract consumers.

Both Romanov and Cali provide the adaptability, resilience, and yield potential needed to thrive in the ever-evolving West Coast market, offering growers flexible solutions for both fresh and processing needs.

Check out our cabbage portfolio!

New Trends in Cabbage Cultivation on the East Coast, USA

As the agricultural landscape evolves, cabbage cultivation on the East Coast of the USA is experiencing exciting new trends. Here, we explore three standout varieties that are making waves among growers: Campbell, Tyson, and Taurus.


Campbell: The Long-Storage Champion
Campbell is a high-yielding white cabbage variety, perfect for medium to long storage. It thrives in continental climate zones, making it a reliable choice for East Coast farmers. With a maturity period of 140 days, Campbell produces heads weighing between 2.5 to 4 kg. This variety can be stored until June, providing a long shelf life. Additionally, Campbell is strong against thrips and boasts intermediate resistance (IR) to Xcc and high resistance (HR) to FoC, ensuring robust performance against common pests and diseases.

Tyson: The Reliable All-Rounder
Tyson is celebrated for its ease of growth and high yield, making it a favorite among farmers seeking short to medium storage options. It matures in 125 days and produces heads ranging from 2.6 to 4 kg. Tyson can be stored until March, offering a good balance between yield and storage duration. Like Campbell, Tyson is strong against thrips and has IR to Xcc and HR to FoC, providing reliable protection against pests and diseases.

Taurus: The Versatile Performer
Taurus stands out with its vigorous growth and high yield. This variety produces round to flat-round heads weighing between 3 to 6 kg. With a maturity period of 100-110 days, Taurus is suitable for dual purposes, making it a versatile choice for various market needs. Its adaptability and robust performance make it a valuable addition to any farm.

Embracing Innovation in Cabbage Cultivation
These cabbage varieties not only offer high yields but also provide strong resistance to pests and diseases, making them reliable choices for farmers on the East Coast. As trends in agriculture continue to shift, embracing these innovative varieties can help optimize production and storage capabilities, ensuring a prosperous future for cabbage cultivation in the region.

Discover More
To learn more about these varieties and explore our full portfolio of cabbages, visit our website. We offer a wide range of options tailored to meet the diverse needs of farmers. Stay ahead of the curve and discover the best cabbage varieties for your farm today!

Check out our cabbage portfolio!

Empowering Ethiopian farmers – a successful collaboration between Hazera, JDC and Greenlife

Hazera seeds, together with JDC, the global Jewish humanitarian organization, and its local representative Greenlife, has launched a two-year pilot program in Ethiopia. The project is part of TOV (‘Tikkun Olam Ventures’), JDC’s agricultural development project, that implements innovative agricultural technology (AgTech) to support and advance the businesses of smallholder farmers in developing countries, who currently use traditional farming methods.


Building on JCD’s decades-long and worldwide experience in collaborating with partners and companies such as Hazera, this program has been initiated to aid Ethiopia’s millions of smallholder farmers in increasing their crop yield with the help of AgTech.

Providing the foundation for success

The program started with seven demonstration sites, collaborating with local unions, MOAs and agricultural suppliers. Already in its second year, this collaboration has expanded to dozens of demo sites in targeted areas such as SNNPR, Amhara, and North Shewa to support hundreds of farmers growing tomatoes, onions, and peppers with the use of Israeli drip irrigation and fertilization systems. This technical support leads to enhanced productivity and better lives among the farmers, their families, and wider communities.

Local farmers unions and agribusinesses will also help the farmers get fair prices for their produce in previously untapped markets. TOV successfully managed to create a “Revolving Fund” model, which encourages the unions to adopt directed skillset and gives them the ability to purchase the seeds independently.

Hybrid seeds for a better yield

To achieve success, the JDC and Greenlife teams transfer the cultivational practices and knowledge needed to grow modern hybrid vegetables, with Hazera providing the hybrid seeds suited for the local growing conditions in Ethiopia. The goal of the program is to reach thousands of Ethiopian farmers over the next years.

One of these farmers is Mussa Jemal of Gurage. He shared that “Before partnering with the Greenlife and JDC, I planted local OPV vegetable crops, but since joining the project, I have access to Hazera’s hybrid vegetable seeds and seedlings, including Tomato Galilea, Hot Pepper Serenade Explorer and Onion Russet.”

“On top of these hybrid resources, the project also offers regular technical advice and extension services,” Jemal continued, “I’ve gained knowledge and skills to produce better quality yields by following the recommended agronomic practices and production protocols.”

Jemal proudly noted that based on the crop’s performance in the field, he anticipates a better yield this season.

The power of knowledge

Farmer Awgechew Betere, from Menjar Shenkora of Amhara, describes the importance of the knowledge transfer of the program and how it has helped his business.

“I’m getting regular technical support and extension advice on improving agronomic practices,” he said. “This includes irrigation, monitoring diseases and pests, fertigation, the application of pesticides and staking methods.”

Betere added that “all of this has improved my knowledge and skills in vegetable production. Thanks to the program, I’m sure I will get a better yield and income from the production. Furthermore, many of my neighbors have visited my farm and were motivated to produce hybrid vegetable crops as well next season!”

A fruitful collaboration

“As a leading seeds company in Africa and particularly in Ethiopia, we harness our strength and product portfolio for the good of this enterprise,” said Haggai Breslauer, the Sales Manager for Africa at Hazera. “Supported by our vast experience, we strongly believe that the combination of our added value of higher quality yield and the ability to compete with the challenging growing conditions brings significant advantages to the growers and their communities. This collaboration bears fruits of success, and we are proud to be part of this project!”

Meet the people behind the crops: Manu Parmar

On September 24–26, Hazera will host its annual International Open Days in Warmenhuizen, where you will have the opportunity to explore our crop varieties up close and also get an inside look at the breeding process behind these varieties directly from Manu Parmar, our Global Breeding Lead for Cabbage.


Manu Parmar has been working with Hazera for the past few months and he is based in Warmenhuizen. He lives in Haarlem with his wife and two daughters. He was born and brought up in New Delhi, India. His father is a soil scientist, which motivated Manu to pursue an education in the field of agricultural sciences. He did his PhD in vegetable crops with a specialization in Breeding from Punjab Agricultural University. He has 18 years of experience in breeding various vegetable crops and back in India, he was a cabbage breeder.

What is a common myth about your job or field of expertise?
“I think a common myth about working as a plant breeder in a seed company is that the job is mostly about working in the fields and greenhouses. While fieldwork is certainly a part of the job, plant breeders often spend a significant amount of time in the office conducting data analysis, planning breeding programs, and managing projects.” Manu thinks for a second then continues saying that “another myth is that plant breeders are solely responsible for all aspects of the breeding process. But in reality, they often work as part of a larger team that includes research associates, lab technicians, and other specialists. This collaborative environment helps to streamline the breeding process and incorporate various expertise.”

In your opinion, what is the most important personality trait someone should have to work in your industry?
“One of the most important strengths for a plant breeder is strong analytical skills. This involves the ability to capture plant traits, interpret complex data and make informed decisions based on genetic, environmental, and experimental data. Collaboration and communication skills are important to be able to work across cross functional teams of genetics and lab scientists to bring innovation, speed and agility to the breeding program.”

Tell us about a project you’re proud of and why.
“I am proud to be part of the brassica breeding team and it is part of the heritage of Hazera. It started with developing varieties for Western Europe, but today we are a global player with a wide assortment of specific varieties. Pointed cabbage is our specialty with varieties like Dutchman, Regency and Marshal, and Berlenga for western Europe and Mediterranean markets.”

What does “Hazera- Growing Together” mean to you?
“For me Growing together means that the Hazera team believes in working through challenges, just like increasing world population, pandemics, regional conflicts, reduction of arable land, and climate change, and is determined to develop superior varieties and achieve food security.”

Tell us something about you that most people don’t know.
“In India, we drive on the left side, so it was quite an adjustment for me to learn how to write on the right side when I came to the Netherlands.”

Do you want to stay connected with our Hazera people?

Follow us on our social media channels to stay connected with our Hazera people! If you have any questions left, don’t hesitate to ask them via our contact page!

Learn more and register for our International Open Days here!

Incredible Watermelon Field Days in Woodland, California

What an incredible day we had in Woodland, California! With over 250 participants, including dealers and growers from across the Americas, our Watermelon Field Day was a resounding success. The event was a vibrant celebration of our commitment to excellence and innovation in the watermelon market.


Our Americas team from Mexico, Central America, and USA warmly welcomed all visitors, who were treated to the best-tasting mini watermelons. A stunning display of our top 10 varieties, showcased in beautifully arranged boxes of 6s and 8s, highlighted the quality and diversity of our offerings. Our guests observed a rind thickness with a proven track record for excellent storage and long shipping capabilities, deep red flesh, and a very white rind that highlights our internal quality—just what consumers crave. And the taste? Out of this world! Each of these qualities was evident in the field.

The growers who attended were impressed by the vine strength and the resilience of the fruit, which continues to produce high yields, especially with our pollinator varieties, Minipool and Merilla. Internal quality, shipping and packing capabilities, and field holding were standout features during our field day. The field truly was a sight to behold, with rows of thriving watermelon plants that showcased our dedication to agricultural excellence. The field really was a sight to behold, with rows of thriving watermelon plants that demonstrated our dedication to agricultural excellence.

We were especially excited to introduce our new generation of mini watermelons, including the Onza, Excite, and Expert varieties. These new offerings, along with additional varieties still in development, are a testament to our ongoing innovation and commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the market.

As we walked the field with our guests, it was rewarding to witness their genuine admiration for the fruits of our labor. We engaged in meaningful conversations, listening to feedback from growers, dealers, and consumers, ensuring we remained attuned to market needs. Nothing compares to the satisfaction of walking alongside our customers and hearing firsthand the positive impact our products have on their operations.

We are proud to lead the mini watermelon segment, and this event reaffirmed our commitment to being ever closer to our growers and dealers. Our team’s passion and the strong relationships we foster are the foundation of our success. At Hazera, innovation is at the heart of everything we do, especially as we introduce our new generation of products that continue to set the standard in the industry.

We look forward to many more opportunities to connect, learn, and grow together.

Hazera USA: successful Hall Field Days

Last week, Hazera USA hosted its annual Hall Field Days in New York, drawing over a hundred customers, growers, and distributors from across the United States. The event offered a unique opportunity for the attendees to explore Hazera’s latest varieties and innovative new concepts, like ‘Tomatoes that Work for You’ shaping the future of agriculture.


The event kicked off with an introduction and launch of Hazera’s new concept of ‘Tomatoes that Work for You,’ presented by Hazera’s Tomato Expert and Regional Manager, Arno Van Staden. This forward-thinking initiative addresses some of the most pressing challenges in the tomato industry today, including rising production costs, labor shortages, and the need for sustainable farming practices. Arno’s presentation underscored Hazera’s commitment to leading the way in agricultural innovation.

Hall field days 2024

Another key highlight was the showcase of Hazera’s ToBRFV resistant tomato varieties. These breakthroughs represent a significant advancement in crop protection, offering enhanced resistance to ToBRFV. This innovation is crucial for maintaining crop health and ensuring consistent productivity despite the growing threat of diseases.

Attendees were also introduced to Hazera’s latest watermelon, cabbage, and sunflower breeds. These new varieties have been developed with a focus on improved yield, superior taste, and greater resilience. The excitement among the participants was palpable as they explored the potential of these crops.

Hall Field Days 2024

One of the most cherished aspects of the Hall Field Days was the opportunity for face-to-face interactions. Meeting customers, growers, and distributors in person allowed for meaningful exchanges, strengthening relationships and collaboration. The passion and commitment of the participants were truly inspiring, reinforcing Hazera’s dedication to supporting its partners in every possible way.

We look forward to many more opportunities to connect, learn, and grow together.

 

ZiMMan: The Cucumber Champion

Hazera’s Long Cucumber breeding program, initiated around ten years ago, is still relatively new. This makes it even more impressive that at such an early stage of the program, our team was able to breed ZiMMan, a variety that responds exceptionally well to new environmental stress factors like climate change, water salinization, and new plant viruses.


In the ever-evolving field of agriculture, with increased environmental challenges, Hazera needs to produce versatile varieties. ZiMMan is the first variety developed with this in mind. It is a notable addition to the Hazera cucumber portfolio, designed to tackle these challenges, with a main focus on fighting against the new plant viruses, especially CGMMV.

ZiMMan was launched in Spain, a key market for Long Cucumbers. But its adaptability to thrive under hot conditions, high yield, and comprehensive set of resistances (CYSDV, CVYV, CGMMV, Px) make ZiMMan a resilient and reliable choice for growers worldwide.

“The team started to develop ZiMMan around four years ago and within its first commercial year, ZiMMan achieved a 10% market share of the Spanish market in seed quantity. I’m impressed and proud of the team that they were able to achieve this level of success in such a short time with our cucumber breeding.” – Federico Puyo, Product Manager for Long Cucumber.

Moreover, ZiMMan showcases Hazera’s commitment to innovation and excellence, offering several key characteristics that ensure its adaptability to diverse growing conditions and environmental stresses:
Strong Root System: Ensures the plant’s resilience and ability to withstand stress.
Dark Fruit Colour: Indicates a healthy and visually appealing crop.
Plant Structure: Promotes optimal growth and productivity.

With investing the expertise of its team, Hazera is on a journey towards cultivating stronger and more resilient cucumber varieties.

Would you like to learn more about ZiMMan or our cucumber breeding program? Feel free to contact us.

Meet the people behind the crops: Federico Puyo

At Hazera, we are proud of our dedicated team, which works passionately to provide our growers with the best products. While we tend to put our products in the headlines, it is the Hazera team who are behind our success. Let’s shine the spotlight on Federico Puyo (52), Product Manager for Long Cucumbers and Blocky Peppers from Almeria, Spain.


Federico Puyo, Product Manager for Long Cucumbers and Blocky Peppers, lives in Almeria with his wife and two kids. He studied agronomy and has been working in the agricultural industry since 1994. He began his career as an advisor in crop management for local companies in the fertilizers and fruit trees business. After 25 years, Federico decided to return to his roots and work with vegetables. He joined Hazera five years ago and with his empathy, expertise, and curiosity he has been a valuable team member since.

What is a common myth about your field of expertise?
“A common misconception about the seed industry in general, which I also had myself, is that creating and breeding new hybrids is not a complicated process. But since I started working as a product manager, I learnt that I couldn’t have been more wrong about it.” Admits Federico. “Turns out, producing seeds is quite complex. Especially nowadays, as there is a need to develop global varieties that can thrive in various conditions and markets.”

In your opinion, what is the most important strength someone needs to be successful in your job?
“I think empathy and willingness to help others are very essential skills a product manager should have. At the end of the day, it’s not just the company that matters, but the people within. In my position, it is important to have empathy because you need to understand the challenges and needs of different departments and people like breeders, sales, and marketing. You need to be able to combine the various perspectives and work together towards a common goal. And of course, to do this, you also need to be curious, need to be engaged with different departments within and outside the company to learn and understand what they do. Then you have the full picture, and you are of better help.”

Tell us about a project you’re proud of and why.
“I can highlight two things I’m proud of. One is the mini seedless watermelon project I’m involved in with some colleagues from Marketing and Fresh Chain. I’m very proud of being part of this project because, despite all the difficulties the team is facing, we are taking a position in the market step by step. The other thing to highlight is related to my crop, long cucumber. I take pride in transforming the perception of Hazera in the Spanish market. At first, Hazera was viewed as a tomato company, but the reputation of our long cucumbers is growing more and more, and growers are curious about our varieties.”

Federico Puyo

What does “Hazera- Growing Together” mean to you?
“As I see it, Growing Together has two parts. One part is Growing Together internally, as I mentioned, being empathetic and curious and working as a team with colleagues. I might not be so knowledgeable in other crops, but I keep an open mind and try to connect with my colleagues and learn from them.” Federico smiles. “In the end, we are one team, and we need to have the same mission. Growing together externally means that we need to collaborate with our external partners and customers, understand their challenges and try to find solutions to help them. So, growing together is not only a benefit for Hazera but also a global benefit.”

Tell us something about yourself that most people do not know.
“Not many people know, but I would like to set up a tapas bar when I retire. My wife is not convinced yet of this idea.” Federico laughs. “But I’d love to own a tapas bar, where I can talk with the people who come in. And of course, drink a beer or two with them.”

Do you want to stay connected with our Hazera people?

Follow us our social media channels to stay connected with our Hazera people! If you have any questions left, don’t hesitate to ask them via our contact page!

How ToBRFV varieties changed the tomato market in Greece

Greece is recognized for its substantial consumption and production of tomatoes, both fresh and processed. This brief explores the transformative impact of Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) resistant varieties on the tomato market, focusing on the pre-existing conditions, the emergence of dominant varieties, their characteristics, benefits, and the broader implications for tomato cultivation.

Let’s see what Petros Karkatselis, General Manager can tell us how the ToBRFV varieties changed the tomato market in Greece.


Market overview prior to ToBRFV resistant varieties
“Before the introduction of the ToBRFV resistant beef tomato varieties, the virus significantly affected the tomato cultivation in Greece. It caused a reduction of approximately 15% in tomato greenhouses cultivation area. This decline was attributed to the virus’s detrimental effects on both yield and fruit quality, prompting growers to shift to alternative crops, such as cucumbers and tomato mini plums, that we saw an increase in the last two years in cultivation area by over 15%.”

Which ones are the dominant varieties in the Greek market?
“Hazera introduced Thireos F1, the first ToBRFV resistant beef tomato variety in Greece, with initial plantings in spring and expanded cultivation into autumn/overwinter periods. The variety has shown promising results, with excellent yield and fruit quality, encouraging repeated cultivation among growers. Similarly, the mini plum tomato variety Lollipop has gained traction for its resistance to ToBRFV, bolstering grower confidence in tomato production free from the virus’s threats.”

What are the main benefits of these varieties?
“Thireos is characterized by a robust and vigorous plant producing large, shiny red beef tomatoes with outstanding taste and quality.
Lollipop is known for its strong plant and high yield, Lollipop produces fruits with exceptional taste and extended shelf life.
These varieties not only outperform older varieties in yield but also offer a resistance package that allows for the cultivation of non-grafted plants, reducing costs significantly.”

How ToBRFV varieties changed the tomato market in Greece

What tomato the growers are looking for today?
“The challenges of pest infestations (Tuta Absoluta), labor costs, and ToBRFV have contributed to a declined tomato cultivation in Greece. Growers are searching for resistant varieties that offer ease of cultivation and high performance to mitigate these threats. The demand for ToBRFV resistant varieties is a testament to the industry’s need for solutions that effectively address both the virus threat and cultivation costs.”

How are the Hazera ToBRFV-resistant varieties perceived in Greece?
“Hazera’s introduction of ToBRFV resistant varieties has been well-received in the market, providing growers with the means to produce high-quality tomatoes while alleviating concerns over virus-related losses. Hazera’s proactive support and knowledge sharing have been instrumental in assisting growers to optimize their cultivation practices and achieve superior results.”

How are Hazera’s efforts recognized?
“Hazera has been breeding resilient and resistant varieties to overcome the challenges in the market for a long time. With its ToBRFV varieties Hazera tackled new challenges and showed its commitment to support growers in difficult situations as well.”

How the ToBRFV varieties work for the growers?
“The introduction of ToBRFV resistant varieties, such as Pendragon, Giubilo, Windsor, Canelo, Lollipop and Thireos, aligns with the concept of “Tomato That Works for You,” emphasizing the synergy between innovative breeding techniques and the practical needs of tomato growers. This approach highlights the industry’s shift towards sustainable and resilient agricultural practices in the face of emerging threats.

In summary, the introduction of Hazera ToBRFV resistant tomato varieties has significantly influenced the Greek tomato market, offering new opportunities for growth, stability, and sustainability in the middle of challenges. Hazera’s contributions, through the development and support of these varieties, have been critical in revitalizing tomato cultivation in Greece, reflecting a commitment to innovation and sustainability in agriculture.”

Would you like to learn more about the market in Greece or have other questions? Contact us!

Unveiling Two Exceptional Pepper Varieties: Monfort and Tavor

At Hazera, we recognize the significance of innovation and resilience in the dynamic world of agriculture. That is why we are happy to introduce our two remarkable pepper varieties: Monfort and Tavor. These breeds assure not only high yields but also robust resistance to prevalent pests and diseases, guaranteeing a fruitful harvest for growers in varied conditions.


Monfort: A Resilient Red Pepper Variety

Monfort pepper emerges as a beacon of resilience and productivity. With its impressive attributes, this variety can be a highly valued addition to any grower’s repertoire.

Unveiling Two Exceptional Pepper Varieties: Monfort and Tavor

Resistances:
One of the standout traits of the Monfort is its resistance to Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV), a common scourge among pepper crops. This resistance ensures that your plants remain healthy and productive. Additionally, Monfort exhibits high resistance to Pepper Mild Mottle Virus (PMMoV 123), further fortifying its defenses against potential threats.

High Yield Potential:
With Monfort, you can expect outstanding yields. This variety is well-known for its high yield potential, delivering mostly extra-large fruit that will satisfy even the most selective of growers. From salads to sauces, the abundance of Monfort peppers will grace your table.

Adaptability and Versatility:
The Monfort demonstrates remarkable adaptability to diverse growing regions, making it a flexible option for farmers across different climates and environments. Whether you’re cultivating in the desert, central valley, or along the coast of California, Monfort thrives with excellent coverage and moderate plant height.

Tavor: A Grower’s Delight

Tavor pepper variety offers resilience, flavor, and versatility in one compact package. With its thick fruit walls, compact plant habit, and a range of resistances, it’s an ideal choice for growers of all skill levels.

Resistances:
With high resistance to Pepper Mild Mottle Virus (PMMV-P 1,2,3), Xanthomonas campestris pv. Vesicatoria (Xcv race 1,2,3), and resistance against Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV), Tavor is a champion of resilience. Its thick fruit walls ensure a satisfying crunch with every bite, while their compact plant habit makes them ideal for gardens with limited space.

Growing System and Recommendations:
While Monfort thrives in a staked growing system, Tavor flourishes in open field environments. Planting recommendations vary depending on the region, with optimal planting dates provided for different areas of California.

Recommended planting dates for Monfort in California:
Desert: January-March, July-August
Central Valley: March-May
Coast: March–June

Planting Season for Tavor is spring, summer, autumn.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Monfort and Tavor stand as testament to resilience, productivity, and adaptability in the world of pepper cultivation. Whether you are seeking high yields, disease resistance, or versatility in the kitchen, these varieties offer a winning combination of traits that will elevate your harvest season after season. Consider adding Monfort and Tavor to your farm this season and reap the rewards of a successful pepper harvest.

Want to learn more about or get advice on pepper production? Contact us today!

Tomatoes that work for you: “These varieties benefit growers, retailers and consumers.”

Hazera introduces ‘Tomatoes that work for you’, a new umbrella concept of tomato varieties that turn the main issues that growers, retail chains and consumers face into advantages. Alfredo Mesa, Tomato Product Manager for Hazera, talks us through the concept’s benefits in resistance, quality, less labor, and sustainability. Grower Jerónimo Maldonado Estevez from the Granada area in Spain shares his experiences with the concept’s varieties.


“The varieties included in ‘Tomatoes that work for you’ are Camelot, Pendragon, and Windsor, all of them Tomato Miniplum type. They all harbor special qualities that benefit the growers”, Alfredo says. “Camelot was the first variety in the Spanish market to provide those special qualities: a perfect combination of high yield, exceptional fruit quality and long shelf life.

Recently, thanks to years of advanced research and substantial resources invested by the R&D department of Hazera, led by breeder José Antionio Zorrilla two new varieties, Pendragon and Windsor, holding ToBRFV IR resistance where developed and released to the market, adding the ToBRFV resistance while keeping the high yield, exceptional fruit quality and long shelf life.

Consistent quality = less waste

According to Alfredo, the reason this concept is called ‘Tomatoes that work for you’ is that “these varieties make the production of tomatoes easier, more efficient, and profitable for growers. Firstly, they have a very high yield potential, due to their great uniformity and consistency. There are almost no unmarketable fruits.” Jeronimo, whose specialty is growing cherry tomato types, confirms this claim. “With Camelot, 98% of the harvest was first category in quality, and nearly 100% of the harvest made it to the supermarket. There is almost no fruit waste. The variety maintains a very consistent quality throughout the year.” Alfredo: “The resistance to the main viruses, including ToBRFV for Pendragon and Windsor, definitely helps in maintaining this consistency and reducing fruit waste.”

Less labor, more profitability

“Another main advantage is the amount of labor, manpower and time that growers save in production and harvest”, Alfredo adds. According to Jeronimo, harvesting is only required every 10 to 15 days, instead of twice a week. “The fruits are bigger than in other varieties. So, there are fewer harvest moments, but I produce more fruit. The labor that is saved here is a very important argument for me to improve profitability, as it is the principal cost of growing cherry crops.”

“Additionally,”, he continues, “it’s easier and more efficient to manage as I can schedule harvest when it suits me the best, thanks to the extensive shelf-life of the tomatoes.” Alfredo confirms and strengthens that the varieties’ long shelf-life also contributes to profitability and helps to make the harvest itself easier. “You can harvest the entire cluster at once, instead of picking a few fruits from a few clusters. We estimate that savings can be up to a potential of 30% on manual labor thanks to the fast and efficient harvest.”

Win-win-win tomatoes

“The long shelf-life and outstanding firmness are great advantages for retail as well”, Alfredo says “in internal tests we have conducted, post harvest results were very impressive and high results of the indices were recorded even after many days. For retailers, this means less food waste and better profits.” Last but not least, consumers also benefit from ‘Tomatoes that work for you’. “When people buy mini plum tomatoes, they expect exceptional taste. And that’s exactly what they get with Camelot, Pendragon, and Windsor fruits”, Alfredo says proudly. “And of course, the longer shelf-life also applies to the consumer’s kitchen. When we say these tomatoes work for you, we mean for growers, retailers, and consumers. A win-win-win situation for everyone.”

For more information about ‘Tomatoes that work for you’ click here

Introducing ‘Tomatoes that Work for You’: transforming challenges into advantages

Hazera proudly presents ‘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.
Challenges such as a significant increase in production costs, labor shortage and sustainable agriculture. This innovative concept offers numerous qualities, including resistance to diseases, reduced labor, enhanced quality, extended shelf life, and minimized food waste.

Less labor, greater quality

Under the ‘Tomatoes that Work for You’ concept, growers experience a significant reduction in labor, as observed in Spain during 2020-2023. “The Savings of manual labor can potentially be up to 30%, thanks to the low maintenance production processes and efficient harvesting of varieties such as Camelot, Pendragon and Windsor”, says Alejandro Szechtman, Tomato Portfolio Marketing Director at Hazera.

“These varieties ripen on the plant, offering not only benefits for efficient and fast picking, but also a harvest-flexibility of up to every 14 days on average.” With their outstanding uniformity and consistency, growers can achieve a higher yield potential whilst minimizing unmarketable fruits.

Moreover, the incorporation of ToBRFV IR resistance in varieties like Pendragon and Windsor ensures enhanced disease resistance, further contributing to consistent yield and fruit quality.

Tomatoes that Work for You

Maintaining commercial value

According to Alejandro, the advantages for retailers are equally compelling.

“Qualities like extensive shelf life, exceptional firmness, shiny skin and high brix levels allow these varieties to maintain commercial quality for a very long period post-harvest, significantly reducing food waste.”

The varieties also maintain uniform fruit size, shape and weight during the season and are being grown in many different markets. “This constant supply of quality products offers retailers a reliable solution to boost profitability.”

Exceptional Taste and Shelf life

“These varieties provide important benefits for the consumer as well”, Alejandro adds.  “With an emphasis on tasty and crunchy tomatoes with extended shelf life, Camelot, Pendragon, and Windsor deliver a premium culinary experience and extended storage possibilities.

Whether used in salads, sauces, or simply enjoyed fresh, these tomatoes promise an exceptional taste experience full of flavor and freshness.”

In conclusion, ‘Tomatoes that Work for You’ epitomizes a win-win-win solution for growers, retailers, and consumers alike.

With its innovative approach, Hazera addresses industry challenges and delivers quality solutions worldwide.

For more information about ‘Tomatoes that work for you’ click here

Hazera’s new head of commercial: Tom Antens

“We must strive for quality and excellence in all aspects, to truly make the difference”.
Tom Antens returned to Hazera on 1st July 2023 as Head of the Commercial Department. “Even though Hazera is a strong brand in many markets, there’s still a lot of room to grow and new markets to explore. I see a lot of potential”, said Tom.

Tom is 47 years old and lives in Baarle-Nassau, the Netherlands, with his wife and two children. He previously as Sales Manager for the Middle East, North-Africa and Oceania. He later joined HM Clause as Business Manager. “I was in charge of leading and structuring all business activities in Turkey, a fast-growing subsidiary, as well as the commercial activities in the Middle East and North-Africa”.
During the past four years, Tom has worked for HM Clause as Commercial Director for Turkey, Algeria, EMEA Export and Africa, overseeing sales for these high-growth markets. “In this period, I also fulfilled the role of board member of a joint venture that HM Clause had with Seed Co. in Africa. We worked to combine their established brand awareness on the continent and our products to cater for the rising needs of African growers for hybrid vegetable seeds.”

Team effort
Now, returning with significant experience, Tom is excited to be back at Hazera. “I’m looking forward to working with both new and familiar faces. My goal is to form a close-knit team and bring stability to the Commercial Department as I have done in previous roles. From there, we can explore new markets for our Hi tech and ToBRFV resistant tomatoes and strengthen existing ones, realizing our growth potential along the way.”

Strong potential
“I strongly believe that, within Hazera, we have the people, knowledge, ambition, and commitment to get the company to the place that I believe we can get to. In my opinion, Hazera has a big growth potential and I’m looking forward to taking on the challenge to achieve it with the team.”

Game changer
“The question I ask myself is: how do we make the difference?”. According to Tom, the answer is quality and reliability. “Hazera’s products are widely regarded to be innovative. But, to really understand why clients choose us, we must place them at the centre point; not just in the Commercial Department, but in all departments within Hazera. We can excel by listening carefully to our growers and translating their input in our innovations. By combining this with operational excellence, we can grow together and truly stand out from the competition.”