Harmoniz’s corporate vision is to be a trusted partner for the entire value chain. “On the one hand, we aim to offer growers agronomic solutions that maximise profitability; on the other, we strive to deliver such a satisfying experience for the end consumer that it encourages repeat purchases,” says Mauricio Fernández, General Manager of Harmoniz Ibérica. This approach has earned the company recognition in recent years, especially for its work in tomatoes. Now, it is taking a further step by decisively committing to another crop: “Our goal is to provide solutions that elevate the pepper category.”
“In Almería, the main production hub, pepper is a key crop because it combines agronomic security, operational efficiency, and commercial stability.” For growers, it offers manageable cycles, less labour dependency, more spaced-out harvests, and better adaptability to biological control—making it easier to implement low-residue strategies.
For the market, it meets constant demand across Europe, ensuring stable programmes and clear differentiation from third-country competitors, especially in winter supply. And for consumers, peppers are nutrient-rich, colourful, and versatile, bringing freshness to the kitchen and fitting both traditional consumption and healthy snacking trends. “Ultimately, it’s a crop that delivers security and value at every stage, from Spain to Europe, fully aligned with our mission.”
Solid genetics
Building on a foundation of “solid genetics,” Harmoniz made a significant leap last year by launching two new varieties—Bernabel (red) and Bonáyar (yellow)—for late-season cycles, a highly competitive market segment.
Both offer “high final yields per square metre” and have open, less vegetative plants that make it easier to detect and manage Thrips parvispinus. They are also resistant to L4, powdery mildew, and spotted wilt virus.
Bernabel stands out for its ability to set fruit at low temperatures, allowing consistent winter production of G–GG calibre fruits with four well-defined lobes and no tip. Its thick walls give it good shelf life on the plant and postharvest. The absence of silvering means it can also be harvested green, and during ripening it changes from chocolate to red without turning orange.
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Bonáyar, meanwhile, has an “exceptional” fruit-setting capacity at both high and low temperatures, ensuring steady and uniform production in shape and size. Its G-calibre fruits are ideal for flow packs. Unlike other yellow varieties for the late cycle, which tend to orange at the top, Bonáyar retains its bright canary yellow colour and firmness.
Harmoniz is now working to complete the cycle with new California pepper varieties for mid, mid-late, and extra-late plantings, in line with Bernabel and Bonáyar.
Harmoniz Select
“Consumers are increasingly curious about formats and colours beyond the traditional red California type,” explains Fernández, adding that “this trend opens up opportunities to expand the category with differentiated products” through the development of “unique varieties.”
To achieve this, the company is deepening collaboration across the value chain, focusing on consumer needs. This is another key line of work for Harmoniz, aimed at offering “greater pepper diversity.”
Alongside traditional California types, the seed company is developing varieties that introduce new colours, shapes, and flavours designed to inspire consumers and promote healthy eating habits.
At Harmoniz, the vision is clear: “We want to stimulate growing demand for healthy, tasty, high-quality food, providing agronomic security for growers, consistent supply for marketers, and differentiation on the shelf.” And that remains their mission.
