Tomato Archives

How ToBRFV varieties changed the Mexican tomato market

Posted on Dec 03, 2024

ToBRFV is a constant threat to growers worldwide as it significantly reduces yields, affects the quality of the fruit, and systematically infects other plants. It is a very transmittable virus that can infect through soil, tools, water, and people’s contact. Hazera has been tackling this threat with its ToBRFV IR varieties- the optimal balance between protection and performance – which provide growers with an effective tool to face the highly infectious virus.

Guillermo Briseno, General Manager in Mexico tells us how the ToBRFV varieties changed the tomato market in Mexico.

Market overview prior to ToBRFV resistant varieties
“The Mexican tomato market before ToBRFV, was a regular market with its challenges on yield, quality, regular diseases for which we had the majority of the resistances and so on.”

How did the new virus impact the market?
“After ToBRFV, the course of tomato producing practices has changed dramatically in Mexico and in the whole world. At the beginning, it was an unknown enemy that was confused many times with TSWV or similar symptoms diseases. ToBRFV is a game changer in the industry. It requires plants to have a strong resistance as that is the main factor for growers to be able to produce tomatoes.”

What are the tomato growers looking for today?
“When the first ToBRFV-resistant varieties were launched by the different companies, there was always a strong doubt from the growers, about whether the resistance was strong enough or not, or how the behavior of the plants would be related to all the rest of the traits such as quality, quantity, vigor, size, fruit coloring etc. As of now, growers are looking for the optimal balance of protection plus performance of the ToBRFV-resistant varieties; So, it is important to supply growers with varieties that can provide on one side resistance and on the other side a good performance that can provide the growers a profitable business.”

Recognition of Hazera’s Efforts
“Hazera has a good position on the ToBRFV tomatoes in particular the indeterminate roma and grape tomatoes slots. We have now two indeterminate tomato varieties Canelo and Pendragon that show good performance and add value to the growers. In addition, we are now adding long shelf life to grape tomato varieties that require a high demand of labor to support growers as well with lower labor needs, resistance, and performance. At Hazera, we will continue working on this desired balance that can assure growers to continue profitable seasons and bring more and more varieties in the different slots that can provide performance and resistance.”

Would you like to learn more about the market in Mexico or have other questions? Contact us!

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Hazera opens new high-tech R&D tomato greenhouse

Posted on Nov 25, 2024

Hazera’s new high-tech R&D greenhouse, unveiled last week in Made, the Netherlands, marks a significant milestone in the company’s ambition to become a leader in the high-tech tomato industry. The nearly 5-hectare facility, located next to Hazera’s headquarters, will serve as a cutting-edge hub for research and development.

This investment, supported by Limagrain’s vegetable seed division, aims to enhance Hazera’s research capabilities, focusing on developing tomato varieties with strong disease resistance (particularly to ToBRFV), high yield and excellent taste.

The official opening was done by the Mayor of Made-Drimmelen. From left to right Elad Shalit (Hazera), Gilles Gay (Limagrain), Mayor of Made-Drimmelen Mr. Scholtze, Milena Vulcheva (Deputy CEO Hazera) and Mary van Laar (Hazera)

The greenhouse is repurposed from an existing commercial operation, which aligns with Hazera’s commitment to sustainability. This facility will also allow Hazera to refine its breeding techniques and accelerate the development of innovative tomato varieties that meet evolving market needs. By leveraging advanced technology and expertise in breeding, Hazera aims to help growers overcome challenges and improve the quality of their crops.

The Netherlands, as a hub for high-tech tomato production, provides the ideal setting for this initiative, and Hazera envisions its new greenhouse as a vital tool for driving innovation and growth in the global high-tech tomato market.

Big thanks to the team
After the presentations and a tour of the greenhouse, we had the opportunity to discuss the future of tomato breeding in person with our partners. We also took the time to express our heartfelt thanks to the dedicated team of employees and contractors who worked on the construction of the new greenhouse.

Ready for the future
“This new greenhouse demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and efficiency, as well as extension of business operations”, says the new appointed Deputy CEO Milena Vulcheva. “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to this intensive period. This is a key milestone in our drive for innovation and ambition to become a leader in the high-tech tomato industry. Together with our partners worldwide we will build a sustainable future.”

A fresh boost for the region of Made
“The acquisition and renovation of André van Zeijl’s greenhouse by Hazera provides a fresh boost to Plukmade” according to Mayor Scholtze of Made-Drimmelen. “Since 1999, Hazera has had its operations in Made, and this expansion further stimulates local employment and commercial activity. It is something we, as a municipality, are proud of.”

For more information, please contact:
www.hazera.com / or check our social channels

HAZERA: Growing Together
Hazera Seeds is a global company that develops, produces, and commercialize seed varieties and is a global leader in the seed industry. Hazera has headquarters in both the Netherlands and Israel and operates subsidiaries in 11 countries, together with a distribution network serving over 130 markets.
Hazera is part of the Limagrain Group, an international farmers’ cooperative based in France. Limagrain has grown into the largest seed company in Europe, specializing in vegetables, field crops and cereals. The vegetable seed division at Limagrain is the largest in the industry

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Pendragon: a tomato that works for you

Posted on Aug 06, 2024

Pendragon, our mini plum tomato, was developed in Almeria, Spain. With its enhanced shelf life, high yield, uniform shape and ToBRFV resistance, Pendragon is a remarkable advancement in the agricultural sector. Interestingly, ToBRFV began affecting Spain just as our tomato team was developing Pendragon, allowing Hazera to be inspired by nature and to respond swiftly to this new virus.

Pendragon offers several advantages such as its resistance to diseases, high yield potential, reduced labor, extended shelf life, minimal waste, and consistent high quality throughout the year, even in overwinter conditions. These benefits made Pendragon a promising choice for growers.

However, introducing Pendragon to the market was not without challenges. At that time, growers were accustomed to harvesting mini plum fruits at an early, green stage due to their limited post-harvest shelf life. The packing houses even had their machinery calibrated to sort greenish fruits, rejecting, and downgrading the quality of the more mature ones. These practices were a significant hurdle for Pendragon.

To address these challenges, the Hazera tomato team engaged directly with growers, teaching them how to harvest the variety. The team demonstrated the superior shelf-life capabilities of Pendragon both on the plant and post-harvest. These visits changed the growers’ perceptions, leading them to harvest the fruits at their ideal color. This also decreased the number of complaints growers made about losing quality quickly, having soft fruits with low shelf-life and cracking.

Once the growers were confident in Pendragons’ shelf life and the harvesting practices, extensive efforts were made to adjust the sourcing machinery in packing houses, ensuring mature fruits were correctly processed and not prematurely rejected. This collaborative approach and knowledge sharing let us grow together with our growers and ultimately led to a significant reduction in complaints from customers in Northern Europe.

“The growers adopted Pendragon on their farms very fast and within only two years of sales, it became one of the most grown varieties in Almeria. This is due to the Pendragon’s huge agronomical advantages over competition and its positive reception at both retail and consumer levels.” ~Alfredo Mesa, Tomato Product Manager at Hazera Spain.

Pendragon has made an impact on the industry, delivering benefits at every stage of the supply chain. The growers benefit from higher yields and reduced labor costs. Retailers benefit from waste reduction, thanks to the long post-harvest life and resistance to cracking. And consumers can enjoy high-quality fruits with excellent taste and crunchiness, as the fruit matures naturally on the plant rather than during transportation.

Would you like to learn more about Pendragon? Don’t hesitate to contact us.

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How ToBRFV varieties changed the tomato market in Greece

Posted on Oct 20, 2024

Greece is recognized for its substantial consumption and production of tomatoes, both fresh and processed. This brief explores the transformative impact of Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) resistant varieties on the tomato market, focusing on the pre-existing conditions, the emergence of dominant varieties, their characteristics, benefits, and the broader implications for tomato cultivation.

Let’s see what Petros Karkatselis, General Manager can tell us how the ToBRFV varieties changed the tomato market in Greece.

Market overview prior to ToBRFV resistant varieties
“Before the introduction of the ToBRFV resistant beef tomato varieties, the virus significantly affected the tomato cultivation in Greece. It caused a reduction of approximately 15% in tomato greenhouses cultivation area. This decline was attributed to the virus’s detrimental effects on both yield and fruit quality, prompting growers to shift to alternative crops, such as cucumbers and tomato mini plums, that we saw an increase in the last two years in cultivation area by over 15%.”

Which ones are the dominant varieties in the Greek market?
“Hazera introduced Thireos F1, the first ToBRFV resistant beef tomato variety in Greece, with initial plantings in spring and expanded cultivation into autumn/overwinter periods. The variety has shown promising results, with excellent yield and fruit quality, encouraging repeated cultivation among growers. Similarly, the mini plum tomato variety Lollipop has gained traction for its resistance to ToBRFV, bolstering grower confidence in tomato production free from the virus’s threats.”

What are the main benefits of these varieties?
“Thireos is characterized by a robust and vigorous plant producing large, shiny red beef tomatoes with outstanding taste and quality.
Lollipop is known for its strong plant and high yield, Lollipop produces fruits with exceptional taste and extended shelf life.
These varieties not only outperform older varieties in yield but also offer a resistance package that allows for the cultivation of non-grafted plants, reducing costs significantly.”

What tomato the growers are looking for today?
“The challenges of pest infestations (Tuta Absoluta), labor costs, and ToBRFV have contributed to a declined tomato cultivation in Greece. Growers are searching for resistant varieties that offer ease of cultivation and high performance to mitigate these threats. The demand for ToBRFV resistant varieties is a testament to the industry’s need for solutions that effectively address both the virus threat and cultivation costs.”

How are the Hazera ToBRFV-resistant varieties perceived in Greece?
“Hazera’s introduction of ToBRFV resistant varieties has been well-received in the market, providing growers with the means to produce high-quality tomatoes while alleviating concerns over virus-related losses. Hazera’s proactive support and knowledge sharing have been instrumental in assisting growers to optimize their cultivation practices and achieve superior results.”

How are Hazera’s efforts recognized?
“Hazera has been breeding resilient and resistant varieties to overcome the challenges in the market for a long time. With its ToBRFV varieties Hazera tackled new challenges and showed its commitment to support growers in difficult situations as well.”

How the ToBRFV varieties work for the growers?
“The introduction of ToBRFV resistant varieties, such as Pendragon, Giubilo, Windsor, Canelo, Lollipop and Thireos, aligns with the concept of “Tomato That Works for You,” emphasizing the synergy between innovative breeding techniques and the practical needs of tomato growers. This approach highlights the industry’s shift towards sustainable and resilient agricultural practices in the face of emerging threats.

In summary, the introduction of Hazera ToBRFV resistant tomato varieties has significantly influenced the Greek tomato market, offering new opportunities for growth, stability, and sustainability in the middle of challenges. Hazera’s contributions, through the development and support of these varieties, have been critical in revitalizing tomato cultivation in Greece, reflecting a commitment to innovation and sustainability in agriculture.”

Would you like to learn more about the market in Greece or have other questions? Contact us!

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Tomatoes that work for you: “These varieties benefit growers, retailers and consumers.”

Posted on Apr 18, 2024

Hazera introduces ‘Tomatoes that work for you’, a new umbrella concept of tomato varieties that turn the main issues that growers, retail chains and consumers face into advantages. Alfredo Mesa, Tomato Product Manager for Hazera, talks us through the concept’s benefits in resistance, quality, less labor, and sustainability. Grower Jerónimo Maldonado Estevez from the Granada area in Spain shares his experiences with the concept’s varieties.

“The varieties included in ‘Tomatoes that work for you’ are Camelot, Pendragon, and Windsor, all of them Tomato Miniplum type. They all harbor special qualities that benefit the growers”, Alfredo says. “Camelot was the first variety in the Spanish market to provide those special qualities: a perfect combination of high yield, exceptional fruit quality and long shelf life.

Recently, thanks to years of advanced research and substantial resources invested by the R&D department of Hazera, led by breeder José Antionio Zorrilla two new varieties, Pendragon and Windsor, holding ToBRFV IR resistance where developed and released to the market, adding the ToBRFV resistance while keeping the high yield, exceptional fruit quality and long shelf life.

Consistent quality = less waste

According to Alfredo, the reason this concept is called ‘Tomatoes that work for you’ is that “these varieties make the production of tomatoes easier, more efficient, and profitable for growers. Firstly, they have a very high yield potential, due to their great uniformity and consistency. There are almost no unmarketable fruits.” Jeronimo, whose specialty is growing cherry tomato types, confirms this claim. “With Camelot, 98% of the harvest was first category in quality, and nearly 100% of the harvest made it to the supermarket. There is almost no fruit waste. The variety maintains a very consistent quality throughout the year.” Alfredo: “The resistance to the main viruses, including ToBRFV for Pendragon and Windsor, definitely helps in maintaining this consistency and reducing fruit waste.”

Less labor, more profitability

“Another main advantage is the amount of labor, manpower and time that growers save in production and harvest”, Alfredo adds. According to Jeronimo, harvesting is only required every 10 to 15 days, instead of twice a week. “The fruits are bigger than in other varieties. So, there are fewer harvest moments, but I produce more fruit. The labor that is saved here is a very important argument for me to improve profitability, as it is the principal cost of growing cherry crops.”

“Additionally,”, he continues, “it’s easier and more efficient to manage as I can schedule harvest when it suits me the best, thanks to the extensive shelf-life of the tomatoes.” Alfredo confirms and strengthens that the varieties’ long shelf-life also contributes to profitability and helps to make the harvest itself easier. “You can harvest the entire cluster at once, instead of picking a few fruits from a few clusters. We estimate that savings can be up to a potential of 30% on manual labor thanks to the fast and efficient harvest.”

Win-win-win tomatoes

“The long shelf-life and outstanding firmness are great advantages for retail as well”, Alfredo says. “In internal tests we have conducted, post harvest results were very impressive and high results of the indices were recorded even after many days. For retailers, this means less food waste and better profits.” Last but not least, consumers also benefit from ‘Tomatoes that work for you’. “When people buy mini plum tomatoes, they expect exceptional taste. And that’s exactly what they get with Camelot, Pendragon, and Windsor fruits”, Alfredo says proudly. “And of course, the longer shelf-life also applies to the consumer’s kitchen. When we say these tomatoes work for you, we mean for growers, retailers, and consumers. A win-win-win situation for everyone.”

For more information about ‘Tomatoes that work for you’ click here

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Introducing ‘Tomatoes that Work for You’: transforming challenges into advantages

Posted on Mar 28, 2024

Hazera proudly presents ‘Tomatoes that Work for You’, a new umbrella concept encompassing a range of tomato varieties designed to address the key challenges faced through the entire chain.
Challenges such as a significant increase in production costs, labor shortage and sustainable agriculture. This innovative concept offers numerous qualities, including resistance to diseases, reduced labor, enhanced quality, extended shelf life, and minimized food waste.

Less labor, greater quality

Under the ‘Tomatoes that Work for You’ concept, growers experience a significant reduction in labor, as observed in Spain during 2020-2023.
“The Savings of manual labor can potentially be up to 30%, thanks to the low maintenance production processes and efficient harvesting of varieties such as Camelot, Pendragon and Windsor”, says Alejandro Szechtman, Tomato Portfolio Marketing Director at Hazera.

“These varieties ripen on the plant, offering not only benefits for efficient and fast picking, but also a harvest-flexibility of up to every 14 days on average.” With their outstanding uniformity and consistency, growers can achieve a higher yield potential whilst minimizing unmarketable fruits.

Moreover, the incorporation of ToBRFV IR resistance in varieties like Pendragon and Windsor ensures enhanced disease resistance, further contributing to consistent yield and fruit quality.

Maintaining commercial value

According to Alejandro, the advantages for retailers are equally compelling.

“Qualities like extensive shelf life, exceptional firmness, shiny skin and high brix levels allow these varieties to maintain commercial quality for a very long period post-harvest, significantly reducing food waste.”

The varieties also maintain uniform fruit size, shape and weight during the season and are being grown in many different markets. “This constant supply of quality products offers retailers a reliable solution to boost profitability.”

Exceptional Taste and Shelf life

“These varieties provide important benefits for the consumer as well”, Alejandro adds. “With an emphasis on tasty and crunchy tomatoes with extended shelf life, Camelot, Pendragon, and Windsor deliver a premium culinary experience and extended storage possibilities.

Whether used in salads, sauces, or simply enjoyed fresh, these tomatoes promise an exceptional taste experience full of flavor and freshness.”

In conclusion, ‘Tomatoes that Work for You’ epitomizes a win-win-win solution for growers, retailers, and consumers alike.

With its innovative approach, Hazera addresses industry challenges and delivers quality solutions worldwide.

For more information about ‘Tomatoes that work for you’ click here

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Successful Hazera Field Days: Innovation and Networking

Posted on Mar 20, 2024

During the open days on March 6-7 in Sinaloa, Mexico, Hazera opened the doors of its fields for a two-day event full of innovation, knowledge exchange and exciting discoveries in the world of agriculture. Starting in the morning, farmers, researchers, and sector enthusiasts gathered to explore the latest trends and technologies in the field.

With a focus on research and development of new seed varieties, Hazera field days provided the perfect opportunity for participants to immerse themselves in an interactive learning environment. Attendees had the opportunity to check out Hazera’s experimental field, where the latest innovations in vegetable seeds, including new varieties of vegetables adapted to the demands of the current market, were presented.

The days were not only highlighted by the networking sessions and guided tours, but also by the moments shared around the table. Hazera made sure the experience was also a gastronomic pleasure, offering a variety of foods that allowed attendees to enjoy meals together on the same experimental field. This culinary offering created a more relaxed environment where dialogues and relationship buildings happened.

The combination of a relaxed atmosphere, the opportunity to closely observe innovations in the field, and the interaction with such an attentive and prepared team greatly enriched the experience. Attendees not only took away valuable technical knowledge, but also a deep appreciation for the warmth and effort of the Hazera team in making these field days a memorable event.

The Hazera field days proved to be a platform for innovation and learning in the agricultural industry. This focus on collaboration, knowledge sharing, and, above all, hospitality, continues to position these events as an indispensable reference for all those involved in the world of agriculture.

Do you want to learn more about or get advice on tomato production? Contact us today!

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Meet the people behind the crops: Netta Doitch

Posted on Mar 15, 2023

In Hazera, we tend to put the spotlight on our successful products, yet their success starts with the People of Hazera: the truly committed and passionate experts who make it all happen on a daily basis. Meet Netta Doitch (43), our Global Lead Tomato Breeding from Mefalsim, a small Kibbutz in the southern part of Israel. It seems as though it was meant to be- the daughter of a flower and strawberry farmer, Netta (meaning “a young plant” in Hebrew), was destined for a life in agriculture.

Figure 1- Netta Doitch, Global Lead Tomato Breeding Hazera

When she was young, she gladly helped her dad around the farm and without knowing it performed “cuttings” from a very young age, removing a small part of the plant’s stem, and replanting it together with a “rooting hormone”, to receive a genetically identical plant. “I always enjoyed agronomy and loved visiting agricultural events. When I was in high school, I recall reading in the newspaper about a successful “breeding” of red and blue bananas and decided, even though I did not know what “breeding” was, that this is what I wanted to do for a living. Netta went on to get her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with specialization in Genetic Breeding and Biotechnology and later fulfilled her dream to become a breeder, doing so with a true feeling of love and chosen destiny.

Netta has been with Hazera since 2009, when she started out as Tomato Breeder Assistant. Two years later she became an Associate breeder and led the determinate heat set tomatoes and indeterminate round open field tomato projects. Approximately 12 years later, she is now, the Global Lead Tomato Breeding; and amongst her many projects she also leads the breeding projects of the Indeterminate Round Open Field (IROF) tomatoes.

“What is a common myth or preconception about your job or field of expertise?”

“It seems as though everybody believes that breeding ruins the taste in vegetables”. Nowadays she just explains to whoever asks that she works in Tomato Genetics without transgenic interference.

Figure 2- Simply working in “Tomato Genetics”

“In your opinion, what is the most important personality trait/strength someone would need to work in your industry/be successful in your job?”

According to Netta, being a good breeder requires super focus on the goal, you have to ‘breathe’ breeding every day, the plant dictates your work and not vice versa. Netta also highlights the constant change of environments in a breeder’s life: “You can say that I wear two hats: “In winter, you can find me all neat and dressed up in office clothing, whereas in summer you could hardly recognize me, as I’m all covered in plant parts, soil, and remains of tomatoes.” In other words, you have to be highly adaptable and “passionate” about your field of work.

Figure 3- A day in the life of a breeder

“Tell us about a project you’re really proud of and why”

“I’m really proud of our Giga tomato, part of the IROF project in Brazil. When examining where we started and where we are at today, it is truly amazing!”. In the beginning of the project, we started out with zero resistance but very strong and vegetative plant genetics. The genetic change and adding the required disease we achieved was truly significant. The variety Giga in Brazil has excellent firmness, size, and unique array of resistances.

Figure 4- Project start: totally burned plants in Brazil

We went from totally “burned” plants, changed the selection method and started doing selections in the region, which was a major change in the way we work.

Figure 5- One of many hybrid evaluation field trials. Brazil 2012

For more than ten years, together with Arno Van Staden, Tomato Regional Product manager in Marketing, we studied the Brazilian market and trends ,we built a breeding platform in Brazil from scratch which gave us the boost for high level of Xct-resistant plant without compromising all other quality traits.

Figure 6- Climbing each and every obstacle together. With Arno Van Staden

This success story of Giga is a remarkable example of great cooperation between R&D and Marketing”, Netta goes on to say: “We walked it hand in hand, with top synchronization that greatly contributed to the success of the project”. On top of everything, we have succeeded in creating excellent genetic material for other markets as well.

Figure 7- GIGA variety “Has Quality” launch 2022

“Tell us something about you that most people don’t know”

I like to cook but I don’t like fresh tomatoes- I prefer cucumbers. Also, I recently got my kibbutz’s “annual entrepreneur for the community” award for the farm work I do at my home village/

Figure 8- Volunteer work farming for her community with the next generation

This short glimpse into Netta’s life and daily work truly showcase that breeding does run in one’s DNA.

Want to know more about our people?

Follow us on our social media channels to stay connected with our Hazera people! If you have any questions left, don’t hesitate to ask them via our contact page!

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Hazera launches ToBRFV resistant varieties in Mexico

Posted on Nov 08, 2022

Hazera launches ToBRFV resistant varieties in Mexico

After having announced the pipeline of its ToBRFV resistant varieties, Hazera is proud to launch its first resistant varieties for the Mexican market and showcase them at the most important event for agriculture in Latin America- EXPO AgroAlimentaria Guanajuato® 2022 in Mexico.

ToBRFV launch

ToBRFV is very noticeable in Mexico and growers have been faced with diminished yields and battered fruit. ToBRFV is a huge problem for tomato production, affecting the yield and fruit quality with coloring issues and brown spots on fruits impacting directly on the marketable yield.

Since ToBRFV hit tomato growers worldwide, Hazera’s R&D team has been working tirelessly, for several years, to find varieties capable of giving an effective level of ToBRFV resistance without compromising the yield and fruit quality. “These efforts included in-depth trials in many locations, under different conditions in a global scale, to confirm that we are able to provide solutions, with the right balance between performance and ToBRFV protection”, according to Alejandro Szechtman, Hazera’s Portfolio Marketing Director.

With the optimal balance between protection and performance, Canelo, one of Hazera’s tomato varieties with resistance to ToBRFV, is an indeterminate Roma type with a vigorous plant, which maintains a balanced yield under adverse environmental conditions, due to its wide array of resistances. “Through vast trialing of Canelo in most regions of Mexico, including San Luis Potosi, Baja California, Michoacan, Sinaloa, and Coahuila, Canelo provides high yield, excellent fruit quality, good maturation with an intense red color, as well as excellent firmness, maintaining L and XL sizes with average weights of 150 to 160 grams throughout the production cycle”, according to Javier Angulo- Product Development Manager, Mexico.

“Canelo”

Canelo is a very productive variety, ideal for growing in a net house or greenhouse. Additionally, with its ToBRFV resistance, Canelo is able to serve the Mexican grower as an effective tool to face the highly infectious virus, which is supported by local growers, who claim that “Canelo is a very strong and healthy plant with outstanding high fruit quality.”

Looking forward, “Hazera is continuing its efforts to provide effective varieties to better cope with ToBRFV on a global scale and, in Mexico, will launch several new varieties, including the up and coming, new Indeterminate Grape Tomato, ‘Pendragon’, a variety that combines ToBRFV IR resistance with high yield, long shelf life, and good taste, following our commitment to provide growers varieties with the optimal balance between protection and performance,” says Alejandro Szechtman.

ToBRFV range / “Pendragon”

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Spotlight on tomatoes: Opportunities and challenges in store

Posted on Oct 13, 2022

Did you know that tomatoes are among the world’s most popular vegetable crops? EU farmers alone produce around 17 million metric tons every year. COVID-19 has been an important driver of this thriving market: global retail sales of fresh tomatoes rose 17.6% in 2020, as people were forced to eat at home. At Hazera, tomatoes have a special place in our heart, and we offer hundreds of different varieties to farmers worldwide. Below, Alejandro Szechtman, Portfolio Marketing Director Tomato, sheds light on the challenges and opportunities facing the tomato sector today.

Alejandro Szechtman

Changing consumer tastes
Key to the popularity of tomatoes is the range of options available. Right now, we see rising demand for convenient snack tomatoes. Smaller tomatoes require more harvesting labor, which can be a challenge given today’s tough economic climate and tight labor market.

Meanwhile, consumers are increasingly ‘buying local’ to help the environment. But growing Mediterranean-quality fruits in northern Europe, for example, hasn’t always been easy. Now, thanks to Hazera’s experience and in-depth R&D, tastier tomatoes are available for more of the year. In parallel, we’re working with exporters to develop varieties with a longer transport life.

Automation opportunities
As manual labor declines in the tomato sector, we’re seeing farmers turn to automated, digitalized solutions to make production easier and faster. The resulting energy, cost, and resource efficiencies are extremely welcome in an industry where profits are often unpredictable. Automation is therefore an exciting area for investment, and we at Hazera are always working on R&D to make the dream solutions of the future a reality for the growers who need them.

Addressing the impact of climate change
A hotter climate will negatively affect plant growth and increase the risk of disease, making it harder to meet growing global demand.
Hazera is working on solutions to help farmers prevent and overcome the effects of climate change. Not only are we breeding more adaptable varieties with higher drought and heat tolerance, but we’re also collaborating with growers to design and implement technologies to save water during irrigation.

Meeting your tomato needs
A Hazera, We’re world leaders in tomatoes, with a huge portfolio of varieties available. We draw on our decades of knowledge and experience to support growers around the globe to make their operations sustainable, so consumers can continue to enjoy top-quality tomatoes for many years to come.

Looking for answers or advice about tomato production? Contact us today!

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ToBRFV in Tomato Plants

Posted on Aug 18, 2022

by Dr. Yaniv Rotem – Solanaceae Pathologist, Hazera

General background

The Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus – ToBRFV – is a relatively new viral disease, first appearing in the Middle East in 2014. The disease has since spread rapidly to many other areas in the world, and currently constitutes a major global problem in tomato crop production worldwide.

In Israel, all tomato production areas have been severely affected by ToBRFV, and the effects of the disease are evident both in the tomato greenhouses and fields, and in the quality and appearance of the fruits which are sold.

Symptoms of the disease

As a rule, the symptoms of the disease are similar to the typical symptoms of ToMV, but the severity of the symptoms can differ from that known with ToMV:

In the leaves – a mosaic appears, which is particularly noticeable on young leaves and at the growth vertices. In some cases, there is narrowing of the leaflet blade, and in certain cases the leaves become entirely threadlike (“shoestrings”).
In the fruit – yellow spots develop which become necrotic at a later stage. In some cases, “chocolate spots” appear on the fruit. In cases of severe damage, the fruit becomes wrinkled and distorted. The virus name (“Brown Rugose Fruit”) was given due to the wrinkled appearance together with the brown spots.
Note that in contrast to the characteristic situation when affected by ToMV, in which symptoms generally appear in the fruit only in cases of particularly severe damage to the foliage, in the case of ToBRFV – there is no connection between the severity of damage to the fruit and severity of damage to the foliage: there are situations in which serious damage to the fruit is observed while no symptoms appear on the leaves, or vice versa – cases of severe symptoms in the foliage and lack of symptoms in the fruit.
In certain cases – necrosis develops of the calyx of the fruit, the fruit peduncle, and the central spine of the cluster of fruit.
When a susceptible variety is infected with ToBRFV, the main damage is a significant weakening of the plant and its capability to produce clusters of fruits over a long season.

In the wake of the viral infection, tomato cultivation in Israel has changed entirely: due to the weakening of the plants, growers currently have almost no possibility to grow tomatoes in a long central season of 9-10 months as was customary before the virus’s appearance; instead, shorter growing seasons of 4-5 months are now customary, intended for harvesting a few clusters only.

Symptoms on leaves – severe mosaic and narrowing of some of the leaf lobes, to the point of appearing “thready”

Severe symptoms in the fruits

Symptoms of necrosis in the calyx, fruit peduncle and the spine of the cluster

Weakening of the plant as a result of viral infection in a susceptible variety (on right) compared to a variety that is largely similar to it but is resistant to the virus (on left).

How is the disease transmitted?

ToBRFV is very easily transmitted mechanically – by human contact, by work tools, support wires, or any entity that comes in physical contact with an infected plant or soil that contains the virus and later comes in contact with healthy plants. It is important to remember that particles of this virus are particularly resistant to environmental conditions, and are capable of surviving for long periods in soil or on infected surfaces.
Since the virus is capable of surviving in soil for a long period – the virus is also transferred with infected soil that is moved from one place to another (by sticking to shoes, to work tools that are moved from one plot to another, etc.).
The virus is transmitted in seeds – a seed produced from an infected plant is likely to carry virus particles on its surface.
The virus can also be transmitted by bumble bees, which serve to pollinate during the cultivation process.

Prevention and treatment

Since the outbreak of the disease, Hazera together with Limagrain Group have been working on a comprehensive study of the issue, in which tomato varieties with intermediate levels of resistance to the virus were developed. The first patent in the world for resistance to ToBRFV was registered by Limagrain in 2017. Using these varieties provides an optimal solution for growing tomatoes in conditions of infections with ToBRFV, while maintaining the varieties performance.
Observing phytosanitary rules is key to preventing the disease:
- Making sure to have clean clothes, jackets and gloves for those entering the greenhouses.
- Making sure to sterilize all equipment used.
- Sterilizing shoes in an immersion pit upon entrance to the greenhouse.
- Being strict about the order in which buildings are entered – the workday begins with the buildings housing the young, healthy plants and continues to the buildings housing the more mature plants.
Plants in which infection is discovered should be immediately removed from the greenhouse, being careful to avoid contact with neighboring plants.
Using healthy seeds and seedlings is another key to preventing the disease. Hazera is strict about performing health tests in licensed laboratories, according to international standards and the Plant Protection Services. Checking that seeds are free of ToBRFV is done by the ISHI Protocol, which is the international protocol accepted throughout the world.
Being strict about good sanitization – sterilizing the soil or growth medium and the greenhouse space when cultivation is completed.

Hazera announces varieties with intermediate resistance (IR) to ToBRFV in pipeline- read about it here

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Press Release: IR ToBRFV varieties in pipeline

Posted on Aug 07, 2022

Press release
August 2022

Hazera announces varieties with intermediate resistance (IR) to Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) in pipeline

Hazera is proud to announce the launch of our ToBRFV intermediate resistant varieties- the optimal balance between protection and performance– providing the grower an effective tool to face the highly infectious virus, infecting tomato plants, fruit and affecting growers worldwide. The Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus poses a constant threat to growers worldwide, significantly reducing yields, affecting the quality of fruit, and systematically infecting other plants, as it is a very transmittable virus that can infect through soil, tools, water, and people’s contact.

Since ToBRFV hit, Hazera’s R&D team has been working tirelessly to find varieties capable of giving an effective level of ToBRFV resistance without compromising the yield and fruit quality we’ve invested years to perfect. Over the course of several years, Hazera researchers and agronomists invested endless resources to find solutions to address our growers’ needs worldwide. Moreover, according to Alejandro Szechtman, Hazera’s Portfolio Marketing Director, “These efforts included in-depth trials in many locations, under different conditions in a global scale, to confirm that we are able to provide the optimal solutions, with the right balance between performance and ToBRFV protection”.

Hazera is proud to announce a wide ToBRFV resistant variety pipeline worldwide, with which we will be able to tailor-make the optimal solution per market requirement, beginning with Italy, Greece, Spain, Mexico, Turkey, Israel etc’.

Hazera, through Limagrain’s upstream research, contributed to a network of internal and external collaborative discovery projects on ToBRFV using different approaches. This resulted in Limagrain being the first company to file a patent on ToBRFV resistance in tomato in 2017. While the first generation of tomato hybrids resistant to ToBRFV is being commercialized, Limagrain discovery programs continue to work intensively to find resistances against potential emergent more aggressive forms of this devastating virus.

“Our R&D efforts haven’t ended, we’re still investing to achieve higher resistance, and expand our portfolio to the benefit of growers worldwide,” said Szechtman.

Hazera is a global leader in the seed industry. Hazera has headquarters in both the Netherlands and Israel. We operate subsidiaries in 11 countries, together with a distribution network serving over 130 markets. Our partners operate in all kinds of climates, and under diverse growing conditions and market requirements. For over a century, our top priority has been walking alongside them, developing an enormous variety of seeds and providing comprehensive support every step of the way. Hazera’s team of experts works directly with growers to evaluate their needs, assist during variety selection and provide guidance and support throughout the crop cycle.

Hazera is part of the Limagrain Group, an international agri-business based in France. Being a farmers’ cooperative, the Limagrain Group understands the needs of its customers and has grown to become the largest seed company in Europe, specialising in vegetables, field crops and cereal products. Limagrain’s vegetable seed division is the second largest company in the industry.

For more information about ToBRFV, click here

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Check out our yellow cherry tomato Summersun

Posted on Jul 21, 2022

Our crop specialist Karel Welten tells you everything about our yellow cherry tomato Summersun in this video.

Summersun is known as the best tasting yellow cherry tomato and has an average fruit weight of 10 to 12 grams.

This tomato has a range of enthusiastic partners throughout the chain; the tomato that puts a smile on the consumer’s face.

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Wide range of newest tomato varieties in our demo greenhouse

Posted on Mar 04, 2022

Our dedicated High Tech tomato team started the preparations for our tomato demo at the Delphy Improvement Center in Bleiswijk.
The team, consisting of motivated colleagues from R&D to Commercial and Marketing planted a wide range of our newest hybrids in our screening and demo greenhouse. In this demo all important segments of the tomato category are present, like large loose, truss (large & medium) and Cherry (round & plum).

Partnerships
During the season our team is monitoring the new tomato varieties very closely. Based upon all obtained insights and knowledge the best performing varieties, this can be on e.g. taste or yield, are selected. The information that we gather during the season is used to support and inform our partners all along the tomato value chain. Because together we grow the tomatoes of the future.

Highlights
Over the last years Hazera has worked passionately to develop tasty tomatoes with benefits for the full produce chain. We are convinced that this year, again, we have a compartment full of exciting new varieties. This year we decided to expand our ‘high taste’ acreage in our greenhouse by 20%.
On display you will also find some highlights that are monitored for several years and which we are thrilled about. We are happy to present you the following great tasting varieties:

Camelot
Camelot is a cherry plum variety (12-15 gr) which is very succesfull in Spain and Morocco.
This variety is the only variety which ripens to full red on the plant. In our HT demo we are doing agronomy trials to adapt for the High-Tech segment. Camelot has a high yield potential and has an excellent post-harvest quality, even up to 20 days and has very low waste percentages. The flavour, shape and colors are comparable with the benchmark in this segment.

Sensera
A medium, great tasting, truss variety with an average weight of 95-110 grams.
The Sensera truss is best presented as a 6-pack and has a perfect on the shelve performance because of the firm green part which can also act as a natural handle. In consumer evaluations this variety scores very high on perceived freshness and buying intent. Even after 8 – 10 days.

Goutine
This large specialty tomato is known for its stunning and vintage taste experience.
The variety has an average fruit weight of 90-120 grams and is grown (and already famous) in multiple places around Europe.

Summersun
Summersun is known to be the best tasting yellow cherry tomato in the market and has an average fruit weight of 10-12 grams. This tomato has a big entourage of enthusiastic partners along the chain; the tomato that puts a smile on the consumers face.

Curious?
Curious about our varieties? Or other solutions we can offer?

Your invited to meet the team in our taste experience center @Delphy Improvement Center in Bleiswijk. In our mini supermarket you can taste the highlights and we can discuss our full program. Data performance is available.

Only together good tasting tomatoes and on-the–shelve concepts can grow into lasting partnerships.

We are happy to contact you for an appointment from April onwards. If you can’t wait, please contact our team.

Marcel van Kester: marcelvan.kester@hazera.com
Karel Welten: karel.welten@hazera.com
Arjan van Steekelenburg: arjan.van.steekelenburg@hazera.com
Robbert Biemans: robbert.biemans@hazera.com

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The Perfect Snack Tomatoes? It’s All About Adjusting the Timing

Posted on Feb 01, 2022

An interview with: Arjan van Steekelenburg, Produce Chain Manager / Trade and Retail Account Manager

Juan Jeronimo Montes, Product Development Specialist, Hazera España

Adults and children everywhere are opting more and more for new varieties of fresh produce that don’t require any special effort or preparation. In response to this global trend in healthy veggie snacking, Hazera, a global leader in the seed industry and tomatoes in particular, has developed the Camelot Tomato—a real “Tada” product that changes the game for the whole supply chain.

The Camelot is just like the legendary castle it was named after, a place of harmony and a stronghold. Its unique taste, flawless appearance, sweetness, and extraordinarily long shelf life make it worthy of its noble title.

For about 15 years, growers have been harvesting tomatoes while still green, and letting them ripen and redden during transportation. In this case, however, Arjan van Steekelenburg explained to us that: “Unlike most tomatoes of this kind, the Camelot should not be harvested too early. In order for it to reach full potential, growers must let it ripen on the vine, and pick it only once it has reached its unique shade of red. Nobody can manage the ripening process better than the plant itself. You just need to get the timing right for great results. From the moment the tomatoes are harvested, as they move along the entire supply chain and up to the consumer’s table… or often lunchbox nowadays, they will keep fresh and tasty for up to 20 days.”

And that is an amazing figure by any standards. Growers will fully reap the benefits once they make this shift in their minds. Not only them, but the entire supply chain will be optimized, because from the time they get on the retail shelf, Camelot tomatoes still have between 7-12 days of freshness left. As consumers, we can buy a larger weekly supply for our homes, knowing that if not on this weekend, we can still enjoy them the next one. Chances of that are slim though, because after tasting them, we don’t think anyone can resist eating them for so many days:)

The best part is that everyone gets to benefit from these advantages: growers, distributors, retailers, grocery shoppers, and whoever else consumes food at home.

Juan Jeronimo MONTES says: “We believe Camelot tomatoes represent a revolution in the sector for other reasons too. Even in regions with varying climates like Morocco and Spain, they can be grown and harvested all year round, throughout the seasons. These are highly productive plants that make for very profitable business, while consumers get more value for their money. Our team works closely with growers and distributors in these countries, providing advice, technical support, and assistance, regardless of location, growing method, or external conditions.”

Growers are tempted out of habit to harvest tomatoes green. These pictures illustrate how the fruit develops within 17 days, depending on the stage it was at when harvested:

Day 1 (Harvest)

Too Early	Right on Time	Too Late
Day 17

Too Early	Right on Time	Too Late

It is clear that when Camelot tomatoes are harvested at the right time, red and ripe as shown on the middle column, they remain fresh and with great taste, brix, and no cracking on day 17!

Who Stands Behind the Camelot tomato?

Hazera, part of the French Limagrain Group, has decades of experience with state-of-the-art technology in breeding, developing, producing and marketing varieties and seeds in a wide range of vegetable crops around the world.

The company is headquartered in Israel and The Netherlands, with subsidiaries in twelve countries, and an extensive distribution and technical support network serving over 100 additional markets. This enables the team to anticipate and respond to local needs by creating varieties that fit specific climates, growing conditions, and market requirements.

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Camelot – Long lasting quality for your customer

Posted on Jan 20, 2022

In European supermarkets, the sales of snack tomatoes are increasing rapidly by approx. 20% per year. In The Netherlands, snack tomatoes have a market share of nearly 38%.

“At Hazera we are constantly looking for solutions to tackle the challenges of the supply chain”, says Produce Chain and Business Development Manager, Arjan van Steekelenburg. “We are looking at what’s lacking in the market in order to jump into that space”.

(more…)

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Get inspired: Category Management

Posted on Jan 20, 2022

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Hazera’s Official Training Video: Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV)

Posted on Aug 30, 2021

We are happy to present Hazera’s training video and sanitation guide for dealing with the new ToBRFV virus.

The purpose of this video is to assist growers and farmers to gain a better understanding of the ToBRFV virus, and to share some practical advice and active measures for eradicating the growth of this virus through the use of stringent hygiene and highly effective sanitation. (more…)