RijkZwaan: Global Melon & Watermelon Event

At this new edition, RijkZwaan is focussing its attention on innovation as a response to needs of an increasingly demanding market.
On the 11th and 12th of July, at its Research Centre “El Arquillo” in Cartagena, the company will present the new developments in melon and watermelon to the chain’s buyers, marketers, retailers and distributors from all over the world. With the motto “In innovation we trust” RZ responds to the demands of an increasingly competitive market, where consumers are looking for flavour. The event’s format allows buyers to find the produce quality required 12 months of the year.
The concepts that will be presented are: Mellissimo®, Caribbean®, Caribbean Oro®, Gostissimo® and Sandissima®, which communicate competitive values for produce families. In the case of Mellissimo®, a Piel de Sapo melon for export with a smaller calibre and high quality. Caribbean® and Caribbean Oro®, are the evolution of very long shelf life melons in American Cantaloupe, with very high brix degrees. Gostissimo®, as the innovation stamp in Branco, is returning the flavour and tradition to the Branco melon from Ribatejo. Sandissima® in 3 and 4 kg calibres for watermelons with all skin types and high internal quality.
Within these concepts, the Gratino RZ watermelon varieties should be emphasised, belonging to the Tigrinho segment, smaller sized and with an important uniformity. Similarly, the Kidman RZ is a new striped, seedless watermelon that is very sweet and large in size.
Regarding melons, the new development is the yellow melon 34-186 RZ, which is still in a trial phase. It is a vigorous plant with good setting, giving uniform fruit and with a slightly rough skin, which make it behave very well in the post-harvest phase.
In the varieties that are already on the market and that have gained farmers’ confidence in piel de sapo, Mesura stands out, due to the uniformity of its fruit and its early ripening. And in Branco, the Portoalto, with the traditional flavour of a Portuguese white melon.
On the second day of the event, Tuesday the 12th, a talk will be held by two retailers: Casa Ametller and Zenalco who will present their business models and innovation management for melons and watermelons.