Research, field trials, and the involvement of the entire value chain: this is the path Cora Seeds highlights for the growth of the baby leaf segment destined for fresh cut. This journey also includes the enhancement of the Sele Valley (Piana del Sele) in Italy, a territory already recognised as one of Europe’s main hubs for the sector. This approach was the central theme of the Open Days on rocket and baby lettuce organised by the seed company in November.
The Open Days offered a unique opportunity to analyse, together with growers, the challenges facing the baby leaf segment, which requires varieties with high-quality seed, strong resistance, extended shelf life and excellent post-harvest performance. Cora Seeds’ research programmes are progressing precisely in this direction, taking into account both the production needs of farmers and those of processors and packers.
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Thanks to this approach, high-yield rocket varieties with excellent shelf life have emerged, such as Karina F1 and Kadjar F1, along with well-known baby lettuce varieties including Maverick and Rossettina, which combine extended durability with a wide harvest window. New experimental crops currently in testing, featuring tolerance to Bremia and Fusarium, were also presented.
“Investment in the fresh cut sector represents a major commitment for Cora Seeds, with the aim of responding to market needs five or six years from now,” said Maurizio Bacchi, CEO of Cora Seeds. “Our goal is to offer competitive, versatile and reliable genetics, while also promoting research and collaboration, building bridges between those who develop the varieties and those who bring them to the market.”
