The company is strengthening its future strategy through the creation of cross-functional teams with internal representation from key regions and departments.
To learn more, Fruit Today magazine spoke with Diego Pérez, Global Pepper and Eggplant Coordinator.
What are the latest innovations in pepper seeds from Fitó?
For protected cultivation, using low and medium technology, we’ve introduced a new range of materials with resistance to powdery mildew, enhancing the level of resistance in our varieties. We’ve also implemented nematode resistance. This enables growers to work with varieties less vulnerable to this pest, which is one of the major issues in pepper cultivation. It also provides a new tool for organic-certified growers.
For open-field peppers, we are one of the few companies worldwide with specific breeding programs for agro-industrial use. Currently, we are developing the HarBest brand, focused on varieties that simplify harvesting. We’re collaborating with machinery companies to adapt both the varieties and the equipment to this change, similar to what happened with processing tomatoes years ago.
Do you already have commercial varieties featuring this innovation?
Yes, we have Lobón, our first variety adapted to mechanical harvesting. Additionally, this year we’re introducing a second variety named Lobezno, which is currently in the registration process.
What are the biggest challenges facing the sector?
The top three challenges are: reducing dependency on manual labor by promoting varieties suitable for mechanization or requiring less labor; achieving a lower water footprint; and increasing resistance to pests and diseases.
How many successful pepper varieties do you introduce each year?
We launch between 15 and 16 varieties annually, many of which remain on the market for more than five years. Currently, we have over 80 commercial varieties with this level of longevity, which is a significant achievement considering the sector’s rapid evolution.
How are you addressing the Parvispinus thrips pest and its impact on pepper quality?
This pest primarily affects autumn crops in Almería, where a 20–25% reduction in planted area is expected next season. In some cases, up to 50% of the harvest has been downgraded to second-class due to damage from this pest.
RELATED NEWS: Semillas Fitó in Fruit Logistica 2025: New approaches
The strategy must focus on prevention and biological control, avoiding excessive planting density to reduce insect refuge. Research is also being conducted to determine whether semi-open plant types with less foliage may offer advantages over denser leaf varieties.
What is your outlook for the future of peppers at the company?
We maintain a strong presence in the main markets and expect to continue growing, although we anticipate a decline in planted area in Almería.
The company also has dedicated breeding programs for California, Lamuyo, Capia, and Italian peppers, as well as local types like Charly, Demre, and Dolma in Turkey, hot peppers for India, jalapeños, anchos, and serranos for Mexico, and subtropical Lamuyo types for Brazil, South America, and Central America.
