Bayer's Crop Science Experience Center in the Netherlands is usually full of tomatoes. But, earlier this week, it was transformed into the Melon Experience Center. Many preferred suppliers in northwestern Europe's retail sector came by and got personalized presentations. They went on to visit the melon market, where they could taste, smell, and see the displayed melons' - 16 varieties in five segments - quality.
Nico van Vliet
There is a good reason this event is organized in mid-December. Bayer wants to use this event to inform the chain about the taste and quality melons can offer even in winter.
"Unfortunately, many consumers think winter melons don't taste as good. Our breeding has responded to that by combining a good shelf life with a high Brix level. We can, thus, offer melons with the same flavor profile even in winter," says Bayer's Nico van Vliet.
That is not only this breeder's opinion. In a variety evaluation held during the recent Floriade, the yellow melon variety Manchester received the first prize from the expert panel, and Orange Candy - the yellow-peeled, orange flesh melon - got the audience prize. Piet Steenbergen presented these awards during the Melon Winter event.
Hans van den Heuvel and Melchior Kater of HillFresh (fourth and fifth clockwise) were part of this group attending a presentation.
Nico says there is still a world to be won with tasty winter melons in stores. "And that won't only help overseas growers. Every year, Spanish growers have to fight their way into the market. When more people eat overseas, tasty winter melons, it benefits summer consumption too."
Amnon Sandman of StePac.
"Flavor and mini are the top melon world trends," says Nico. Since last year, mini watermelons have again been grown in the Benelux. The Belgian greenhouse cultivation company Tomeco was present to share its experiences about growing the Tomélon. "There are many interested parties, but the recession's hampering this novelty. In the United States, large greenhouse growers are getting into melon cultivation. So, I'm sure it's just a current European issue," Nico concludes.
The Tomeco stand
Bayer Crop Science's variety portfolio means it has year-round melons available in every segment. Visitors were presented with a recent consumer survey from the United Kingdom. There was, thus, generally enough for those in the melon chain to discuss regarding various innovations in the sector.
Tive's Paul de Haan.
Peter Vonk of Looije shared laser branding's possible uses.
Stephane Merit of JBT.
There were also ample chances for that. Besides Bayer's own experts, JBT, Looije Group, Stepac, and Tive representatives were also present to talk about the possibilities around laser branding, shelf-life-extending packaging, loggers, and quality.
Bayer's Ryan Henry presented a U.K. consumer study's results.
For more information:
Nico van Vliet
Bayer – Crop Science
52 Leeuwenhoekweg
2661 CZ, Bergschenhoek, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 105 292 222
Mob: +31 (0) 623 034 317
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bayer.com