"Information and innovation has been shared between producers from different countries. These programs make it possible for certain melon varieties to be brought to areas where it had so far been impossible to grow them, such as the Honey Dew in Europe or the Branco in the Middle East," explains Diego Maestre, Crop Coordinator for melons and courgettes at Rijk Zwaan. "To do this, we have introduced programs for already commercial new melon and watermelon varieties, as well as varieties that are to be commercially launched soon," he added.
Rijk Zwaan has already completed 11 melon programs with new varieties of Galia, Yellow, Piel de Sapo, Cantaloupe, Charentais, Branco, Ananas or Honey Dew melons, focusing on improving the flavour and shelf life, which are highly demanded characteristics by the sector. Such is the case of new varieties of aromatic Harper, Santa Monica Beach and Manhattan Beach for Brazil and the United States, or the Catherine, the new orange-fleshed Ananas.
The event, held at the Research Centre RZ "El Arquillo" in Cartagena, Murcia, was attended by producers, traders and retailers from around the world, from countries such as Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Russia, Georgia and the United States.
"One of our main goals has been the introduction of varieties adapted to the tastes of the Muslim markets, which is why the event dates coincide with the end of Ramadan. For example, we have introduced some traditional Galia melon varieties with large calibres and a short to medium shelf life. We want to attract more producers and marketers from these countries," pointed out the expert.
Yellow-fleshed, flavourful watermelons, and watermelons suitable for fresh cut
Among the new watermelons that attracted the most attention, we can highlight a new pre-commercial watermelon with black skin and yellow flesh. "This watermelon's main innovative feature is its flavour, pretty much unlike anything seen so far on the yellow-fleshed watermelon market," states Diego Maestre. "We continue working on our search for smaller sizes suitable for export," he added.
Furthermore, some elongated watermelons with seeds, with an intense traditional flavour, very productive and uniform yields and very resistant plants have been introduced for the South American and Moroccan markets. Other innovations worth noting are the black watermelon 62-517 and the seedless striped Kidman for Spain, or the new Crimson watermelons for the United States.
"In the Sandíssima range of watermelons with micro seeds, we have improved the variety Tigrinho with the new variety Gatinho, which provides a smaller size, a more uniform and round shape and a distinctive flavour. It is a new range of watermelons which are somewhat bigger in size than mini watermelons, have seeds and are available with three different types of skin."
Another big innovation has been the pre-commercial watermelon for fresh cut 62-824, with an ultra-firm texture and good flavour, "something which, until now, seemed impossible to achieve," affirms Diego Maestre.
Innovation from the point of sale
The retailers Casa Ametller and Zenalco & Auchan Group presented their business and innovation management models for melon and watermelon in order to close the event. "Thanks to its know-how, Auchan explained how to manage the purchase of melons and watermelons in some countries to be able to bring them to other countries where they are still unknown and have the potential to be highly appreciated."
The Catalan supermarket chain Casa Ametller provided innovative information in the pursuit of quality and taste. The firm, which started as a producer, has created a business model for the sale to retailers of its own production which is earning it the most prestigious industry awards for its quality.
More information:
Elisabeth Expósito
Rijk Zwaan Ibérica S.A.
Ctra Viator-PJ.Mami, S/N
04120 Almeria. Spain
T +34 950 62 61 90 - Ext. 105
e.exposito@rijkzwaan.es
www.rijkzwaan.es