After four successful years of partnership, Pacific Trellis Fruit / Dulcinea Farms LLC have entered into a ten year extension to the current supply agreement with Syngenta Seeds, LLC. The agreement extends exclusivity on certain current and future generations of Syngenta genetics to 2027.
“The extension of our agreement with Syngenta ensures Dulcinea Farms will continue to offer our customers exclusive access to the best quality melons,” explains Josh Leichter, General Manager. “In addition, it enables us to bring new and exciting varieties to the market which is something Dulcinea has been known for since our inception.”
The two companies collaborate throughout the extensive research and development process, from ideating and selecting which new melon varieties will move forward to feedback over years of testing, iterating and perfecting each melon at Syngenta’s state-of-the-art Woodland, CA facility, as well as multiple other evaluation sites throughout US, Mexico and Central America.
“As a leader in breeding innovative crop varieties, we look forward to continuing to support Pacific Trellis and Dulcinea in developing melons that meet consumer demands for taste and overall quality,” said Sean Knapp Head of Syngenta’s North America Vegetable Seeds business.
This deal will enable the next generation of innovation in the melon category to be packed under the coveted Dulcinea® label. “There will be an increased focus on organics in response to consumer demand driving growth in the organic space in Produce,” reports Leichter. Disease resistance is now being built into the varieties removing the need for seed treatments in organic production operations as well providing broader plant disease resistance in the field.
In addition, new varieties of the Dulcinea® PureHeart® Mini Seedless Watermelon and Dulcinea® Tuscan-Style® Extra Sweet Cantaloupe are being integrated into the production program throughout 2017 with several new varieties currently in the final stages of field research and development now. Dulcinea® SunnyGold® Yellow Flesh Mini Seedless Watermelons complete the brand’s premium portfolio.
“We currently grow melons 52 weeks of the year but these new developments will enable us to extend our geographic suitability for our variety portfolio without compromising brix level, texture and the outstanding taste consumers ask for by name,” confirms Leichter. “These new varieties improve the consistency in quality of the Dulcinea® melons grown south of the United States border while expanding our logistical footprint.”
“There is a consumer perception in the market that melons are not as sweet and flavorful in the winter months in recent years with the development of the Long Shelf Life (LSL) varieties”, explains Micki Dirtzu, Director of Marketing. “The innovation that we are bringing to the melon category has the potential to overcome and reshape those perceptions by providing the most consistent quality, texture and flavor that Dulcinea has become famous for than has previously been possible all year round. That is exciting!”
Contact:
Micki Dirtzu
Dulcinea
Tel: 323-859-9621