EDITORIAL
Europe opens the door to plant innovation
For years, Europe has been the continent that looked at gene editing through a magnifying glass — and often with suspicion. While the United States, Japan and several Latin American countries advanced steadily in this technology, the EU remained constrained by regulations that did not distinguish between transgenesis and new genomic techniques
PROFILE OF THE MONTH
Juan Báñez: The value of normality
When I suggested this interview, he told me he was a very normal man. Yet, in the sparkle of his eyes, I sensed he was someone with much to tell. Tenacious, lively, curious…
EVENTS
CIMA Convention, a hub for agricultural innovation
The 4th CIMA Convention, organised by Alltech Crop Science, was held in Valladolid, consolidating itself as an essential meeting point for leading companies in the agricultural sector
Collaborative innovation at Semillas Fitó
With a clear commitment to collaborative innovation, Semillas Fitó develops its projects alongside leading partners to accelerate solutions that address the sector’s current challenges
WINTER VEGETABLES
Long-term planning and mechanisation: Cricket adapts to the new landscape
The company is reorienting its strategy in a brassica campaign defined by overlapping harvests and inflation
Arrival of the +Brócoli promotion campaign in Germany
Under the slogan “This is not just a broccoli. This is a healthier Europe. This is Green Power”, the +Brócoli Association has launched its new promotion campaign within the European programme “A Healthier Europe”
El Dulze: “This is a season with intense price pressure”
The company from Campo de Cartagena faces a delayed campaign marked by downward pressure on prices, labour tensions and a lack of tools to combat pests — a situation shared across the entire sector
Murcia, the only open-field vegetable production area in winter
During winter, the Region of Murcia is the only and largest open-field vegetable production area supplying the European market
The winter cauliflower calendar is renewed with Vesubio, Brinique and Kabique
Enza Zaden strengthens its brassica portfolio with new varieties adapted to climatic and production challenges
Hortial Fresh enters the European market with a strong response from retail
The project led by the trading company — 50% owned by Felipe Gómez and his partner — combines family growers, annual programmes and a wide product range available year-round
B43, the bowl for premium ready-to-eat salads
Experience B43, the new heat-sealable bowl by ILIP, designed to elevate your premium ready-to-eat salads with style, sustainability, and efficiency
Vega Baja artichoke cultivation increases by 10%
The association celebrated the official season opening with the ceremonial first cut in the municipality of Daya Nueva
Quo vadis, mass consumption?
The 5th Primaflor–UAL Chair explores the role of the consumer, generational change and the future of retail, marked by the need to adapt on multiple levels
Bejo expands its brassica portfolio with summer options, mechanisation potential and improved resistance
Bejo expands its brassica portfolio with summer options, mechanisation potential and improved resistance
Pretorian and Legatus, new broccoli varieties from HM.Clause
The company renews its brassica portfolio with two materials for different planting windows
Primaflor faces a season shaped by climate and demand
The start of the leafy vegetables campaign has not been easy
“Long Live Green Queen”: the artichoke that is revolutionising the market after 80 years of tradition
BASF | Nunhems organised a unique journey from field to table —ending at the Alícia Foundation founded by Ferran Adrià— to celebrate a milestone: its first hybrid artichoke, Green Queen, which already accounts for 98% of exports
AINNAGRO: a new agency for agri-food innovation
AINNAGRO was born from the alliance between Fundación Ingenio (Murcia) and Fundación Cellbitec (Almería), two organisations that have decided to combine scientific knowledge, field experience and business vision to accelerate applied innovation in agriculture
Cora Seeds strengthens its focus on baby leaf
The company presented its new rocket and baby lettuce varieties, along with several experimental lines, during its Open Days dedicated to baby leaf and fresh cut products
Hortofortini: every celery solution possible
The winter campaign is starting one month late due to European stocks, as the Murcian company strengthens its leadership with a unique field-packing model and a firm commitment to varietal innovation
CITRUS FRUITS
Bollo updates its brand identity
The Valencian company has launched this rebranding to extend its premium melon strategy to all its fruits and business areas
BASF and Viagro: regenerative agriculture through new microbial strategies
In a technical event held with Vademécum, the companies showcased the potential of Velifer® and the prebiotic Reko® in pest control and microbiome activation
Algarve IGP citrus showcased at Rungis
Algarve IGP citrus carried out a promotional action at the international market of Rungis (France) last November
Sando moves closer to growers with a new office
The Sando clementine takes a decisive step in its expansion: it has opened a new headquarters in Betxí (Castellón) with a clear objective — to be closer to growers and to strengthen a work model focused on technical support, training and professional management of the variety
Spain continues to lose relevance as a global supplier
The importance of Spanish citrus production continues to diminish season after season in the face of competition from Egypt, Morocco and Turkey. This trend is particularly pronounced in the mandarin segment, all within a European environment where consumption is failing to take off
“Competition with South Africa will increase from next year onwards”
The first part of the season has been delicate for the sector, as sales have not progressed with the agility they should
Anecoop: a citrus season marked by early complications
Fruit Today interviewed Nacho Juárez, Head of Citrus at Anecoop, to assess how the current citrus campaign is unfolding
Earlyna®: an early mandarin for the premium segment
The Earlyna® mandarin (US Early Pride) is steadily advancing to become the early-season reference in the European market
“Production is not the same as marketable yield”
This season has one of the lowest crop estimates of the past 15 years. However, Cañamás stresses that “it is more accurate to speak about marketable yield than about forecasts”
Benihort strengthens its connection between production and commercialisation
After a campaign with strong sales and favourable prices, Benihort begins the new season facing challenges driven by competition from third countries and the need to ensure effective generational renewal in the fields
Valencian Citrus PGI continues to gain momentum
New packhouses, greater retail presence and an expanded varietal portfolio are driving the growth of this quality label for Valencian citrus
MAF RODA: AI and robotics technology for citrus
Last season delivered very positive results for MAF RODA, with new facilities coming into operation and a portfolio of major industry clients reaffirming their trust and confidence in the company’s leadership
SEEDS
Cora Seeds brings to Spain its leading Sicilian watermelon
Samba, the black seedless watermelon, guarantees size and production from February to September across all regions, offering growers security and retailers simplicity
STVH5912 stands strong in a scenario marked by viral pressure
Bayer Seminis’ latest beef tomato variety stands out for its stability, resistances and performance
Cleanleaf®: the genetic innovation that protects growers’ health
With Kesia RZ and Katia RZ, Rijk Zwaan strengthens its Cleanleaf® line, reinforcing its commitment to more responsible production and to the wellbeing of those who work with aubergine
Vendaval, a turning point in Galia
The new HM.CLAUSE variety stands out for its excellent netting and flavour. In addition, the company continues to boost Cormorán F1
Bayer Seminis introduces Polinesia, its first micro-seeded pollinator
It stands out for its strong floral emission during fruit set and its later maturity compared to other commercial pollinators
BASF | Nunhems advances its varietal portfolio in melon and watermelon
The company offers materials such as the cantaloupe Thebes, the new Mini304º watermelon or Beladream*, which expands the options within the Fashion programme
