RijkZwaan presented the latest trends and innovations responding to the needs of the entire agrifood chain.
At this new edition, held on the 11th and 12th of July on the RZ research property El Arquillo in Cartagena, over 200 marketers, retailers and distributors from 15 different countries in Europe, America, Asia and Africa came together to discover firsthand the solutions offered by RijkZwaan, with varieties that adapt to consumers’ needs, seeking the best quality and flavour on the supermarket shelves.
Innovation. During the field days, the professionals saw the characteristics of the new materials for the processing industry and innovation in orange and yellow flesh, along with new formats. The tastings carried out in the networking area back RijkZwaan’s commitment to flavour and firmness.
Diego Maestre, Crop Coordinator for Melons, Watermelons and Courgettes from RZ stated that “innovation as part of the progress philosophy at RijkZwaan has been communicated using two work routes, a disruptive route, showing prototypes to those attending that are going to come onto the market in the short and medium term and a second route that relates existing genetics on different markets that can be moved to new areas providing value through solutions for shelf life and flavour.”
The concepts presented were Mellissimo®, Caribbean®, Gostissimo® and Sandissima®. They communicate competitive values in families of produce. In the case of Mellissimo®, they are Piel de Sapo melons for export, small in size and high in quality. Caribbean® is the evolution of melons with a very long shelf life in American Cantaloupe and with high brix degrees. Gostissimo®, is seen to be a seal of innovation in Branco, returning the flavour and tradition to the Branco melons from Ribatejo. Sandissima®, in 3 and 4 kg calibres for watermelons with all skin types and high internal quality.
Casa Ametller and Grupo Zenalco Auchan Retail. On the 12th, a talk was held in Cartagena’s Chamber of Commerce on innovation in the melon category.
Carlos Cases, Purchaser at Zenalco S.A. – Auchan and Jordi Ametller, manager at Casa Ametller took part, showing their innovative business model on the retailer channel and they covered the need to continue in the search for materials where flavour is given priority to win over consumers and that also move forward regarding new shapes and colours.
