Daniel Gleeson
“Open field days are an opportunity to provide growers an insight into the direction that our company is taking,” explained Daniel Gleeson of HM.CLAUSE. “These field days provide an opportunity for feedback from the supply chain including growers, shippers or retailers about what they consider key to the success of our end goal: long term profitability.” The event which was held on August 11th and August 12th drew attendees from Europe, the Middle East, Turkey, Central America, Mexico and South America. The varieties featured on those days offer a glimpse into the emerging trends in the fresh produce industry.
“The melon market, in particular, has changed significantly within the USA especially as long shelf life (LSL) material begins to emerge in orange flesh,” said Mr. Gleeson. “The advantages of shelf life, harvest concentration and yield are significant for growers, shippers and retailers. However, HM.CLAUSE has addressed the original challenge of flavor with these types through our varieties, such as Fiji, which deliver outstanding, color, brix and flavor to ensure repeat purchases by the consumer,” he added. In addition to Fiji, HM.CLAUSE says it’s developing a full portfolio of products to cover the entire growing season including HMX5609 for main season SJV and Arizona, and HMX5590 for counter-season export market out of Central America. “The industry leading field holding ability at maturity contributes to better flavor and will help continue the trend of increased consumption, which is positive for all,” added Mr. Gleeson.
Dr. Kent Bradford of the Seed Biotechnology Center at UC Davis, who gave a talk on Technology to Shape Agriculture in 2025.
In the watermelon category, HM.CLAUSE showed off its newest release in Traveler, a 36/45 count watermelon, which features vigorous plant growth and the ability to set fruit under high temperatures. “Its ability to perform across a high range of environments whilst delivering excellent eating quality has many customers excited for the future,” Mr. Gleeson noted.
“In the jalapeno fresh market, we have a new release in Dante,” said Mr. Gleeson who explained that Dante is a high quality, extra-large jalapeno that has high resistance to BLS 1,2,3. “Its claim to fame is high, early fruit set, which continues further up the plant whilst maintaining high fresh market quality peppers,” he added. This gives the growers versatility to receive high early market prices and mid-season spikes, offering a much higher overall profitability. “We have also seen that it has withstood phytophthora pressure in fields better than other market standards,” said Mr. Gleeson, who believes the introduction of Dante to the market will be swift following excellent trials in recent months and a good seed supply.
HM.CLAUSE says its introduction of Currier sweet pepper to open field production has set new standards for fruit quality in the market. Its adaptability for both green and red harvest, and setting ability in early season has made this a very versatile product for growers globally, according to Mr. Gleeson. “The variability of early season conditions is a challenge for many growers and this product ticks the box for providing consistent quality during this period,” he said.
“We also continue to have a significant impact in the processing tomato segment following the launch of several new products in 2015,” said Mr. Gleeson. The new varieties, HM1892, HM9905 and HM3887, deliver a combination of high yields and brix to maximize both profitability and efficiency for growers and processors. “These products also offer the critical trait of field holding, which is extremely valuable in a market where harvesting dates can fluctuate quite significantly,” said Gleeson, adding that he believes this puts HM.CLAUSE in a very strong position for the future.
To read all info in the brochure, which has been handed out at the field days: click here
For more information: www.hmclause.com