Harvesting Success: Southern Block Farming and Hazera South Africa Growing Together
Posted on Dec 17, 2024
Established in 2019, Southern Block Farming is nestled in the hot and humid sub-tropical climate of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa on Blair Moore farm. Since its inception, the farm has been committed to cultivating high-quality produce while navigating the unique challenges presented by its environment. Central to this success story has been the strong partnership between Southern Block Farming and Hazera South Africa. Hazera, inspired by nature, brought their expertise to Southern Block Farming from the very start.
The collaboration began with James Kelly, Blair Moore farm’s founder, adopting Hazera’s Ferrara variety for cauliflower and broccoli. Despite the difficulties of growing brassicas during the summer season, the high cut percentage and excellent quality of Ferrara provided James with the perfect foundation for success. With Hazera’s guidance, even the challenging KwaZulu-Natal conditions became manageable.
By supplying varieties that promote healthy lifestyles and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices, Hazera supports not just farms but the communities they feed. This commitment extends globally, but Hazera’s local team—part of a diverse network spanning over 130 countries—demonstrates a deep understanding of regional challenges, delivering tailored solutions to meet Southern Block Farming’s specific needs.
As Southern Block Farming grew, so did their crop diversity. Hazera worked closely with James to phase rotations into his programme, conducting trials on carrots and other crops. These trials exemplified Hazera’s extensive research and their drive to improve yield, quality, and disease resistance. The technical advice provided by Hazera allowed James to identify the best carrot varieties for year-round supply, bolstering his farm’s reputation with buyers.
Events such as Hazera’s Carrot Day further strengthened this collaboration, introducing James to new industry knowledge and the opportunity to expanding his professional network.
Reflecting on the partnership, James stated that he appreciates the strong relationship built on mutual trust and respect. “Hazera’s team has always been by our side, offering advice and support whenever needed. Their commitment to growing together aligns perfectly with our mission,” James says. This trust epitomises Hazera’s promise, ensuring that farmers like James can fully unlock the potential of their seeds.
Drawing inspiration from our growers’ community spirit, nature, and the drive to succeed together, Hazera continues its efforts to support its loyal customers from seed to harvest.
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!
From November 12 to 15, Hazera once again made its mark at Expo Agroalimentaria Irapuato 2024, one of the most prominent agricultural events in Mexico and Latin America.
This annual gathering brings together producers, companies, and innovators in the agri-food sector, serving as a key platform for exchanging knowledge and showcasing the latest innovations in agriculture.
This year, Hazera stood out with a dynamic booth and a highly skilled team dedicated to providing quality solutions for the challenges faced by growers. During the event, the team interacted with growers, distributors, and technicians, sharing experiences, personalized advice, and in-depth knowledge about the varieties best suited to specific growing conditions. It was also a privilege to welcome Hazera’s new CEO, Ofer Peleg, at the expo.
Hazera’s portfolio for this year included an impressive selection of varieties that have demonstrated outstanding performance in different agricultural regions. Some of the most notable were Canelo, Mago, Pendragon, Windsor, Fénix and Galoper.
Furthermore, Hazera introduced two new additions in its portfolio this year: Heredero and Indomable, which sparked significant interest among attendees. These varieties were developed to provide innovative solutions to meet current agricultural market needs, standing out for their resistance, productivity, and high quality.
The Hazera Mexico team extends its gratitude to all the visitors, partners who made this experience a resounding success. Their participation serves as a reminder of the positive impact that can be achieved by uniting efforts for the benefit of the agricultural sector.
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
Hazera’s newly appointed CEO reflects on Growing in the seed industry
Posted on Nov 13, 2024
A conversation with Hazera’s new CEO, Ofer Peleg
In his two and half years as Deputy CEO, and in leadership roles at dynamic global companies, Ofer Peleg has gained significant experience in business and agriculture. Now, as he steps into the CEO-role at Hazera, Ofer reflects on lessons learned and looks ahead to what the future holds.
“It’s been a fascinating 2.5 years, in which we’ve worked to optimize our efficiencies and leverage our capabilities”, Ofer begins. “I find the most valuable lessons to be this industry’s innovative nature and strong focus on sustainability. That is what is leading us to find better solutions every day. I’m proud to be a part of it.”
Growing Together “For me, the customer is front and center,” Ofer explains his priorities and his plans to strengthen Hazera’s focus on growing together with customers worldwide, and with the growers in a diverse global community in more than 130 countries.
“We’re putting great effort into adding value for them with our solutions, such as improving our loyalty programs, service level agreements and seed products to meet the needs of clients in different markets.”
“There’s a strong sense of partnership, professionalism and community within the organization. It is evident that our employees enjoy what they do and go above and beyond.” Ofer highly values the input he receives from employees. “It’s important to me to always be listening to what they have to say. I’ll admit that I can be demanding as a manager, but the greatest demands I make, are for myself.” To continue moving forward, Ofer says, Hazera as an organization needs to be flexible, agile and strongly focused on product quality. “By fostering a strong sense of ownership in everything we do, we can push our organization to excellence.”
Building on a century of growth With Hazera celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025, Ofer takes a look at the future. “I’m honored that we’re part of the Limagrain Group, , together with our sister companies Vilmorin.Mikado and HM.Clause: the number one vegetable seed company in the world. Together, I see us continuing to play a huge role in the successes of the vegetable seed industry. And, most importantly, in the successes of the growers that we’ve been serving for nearly a century. We look forward to serving them for the century to come!” #GrowingtogetherAbout Ofer Peleg Ofer joined Hazera in 2022 as deputy CEO after working for four years at Netafim (precision Irrigation global leader) as Vice-President, Global Supply Chain. Ofer had also previously worked 20 years in the pharmaceutical industry, most prominently at Teva Pharmaceuticals.
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
Voices from the field: Ipatioaie Costel reflects on 16 years with Hazera
Posted on Oct 29, 2024
Hazera held its International Open Days from September 24th to 26th, welcoming hundreds of customers from all over the world. During the event, visitors had the opportunity to “connect their senses” by touching and tasting a wide range of Hazera varieties at the fields and on displays, while also hearing insights from our crop experts about key highlights.
We had the pleasure of speaking with one of our customers attending the event, Ipatioaie Costel, the sales representative for Adri Prodcom in eastern Romania. With over 16 years of experience working with Hazera, Ipatioaie primarily focuses on tomatoes and cabbage, while also dealing with radishes, peppers, and watermelons.
The conversation began with a discussion of the challenges currently facing the agricultural industry. According to Ipatioaie, the biggest hurdle is adapting to the rapidly shifting market demands. He emphasized the importance of understanding growers’ needs, developing strategies to meet them, and introducing innovative products while maintaining a competitive edge. “None of this is possible,” he noted, “without quality seeds, high-yielding varieties, fair pricing, and strong grower support.”
When asked about Hazera’s ability to respond to these market changes, Ipatioaie highlighted the strong collaboration between his team and Hazera. “This partnership allows us to take the necessary steps to overcome challenges. We work together to identify what is important—finding new, quality varieties for the market. It is a step-by-step process. First, we assess the market and competition, then work with Hazera to conduct trials, evaluate the results, and decide if a variety is suitable. This takes time—patience is key, especially since some varieties respond to market needs faster than others.”
Reflecting on his long-standing partnership with us, Ipatioaie expressed pride in the company’s consistent delivery of high-quality products, particularly tomatoes. “Hazera tomatoes are known for their taste, color, and quality,” he said. “Consumers first look for good taste, then color, and now they also want quality and high yield.” He described the balance between taste, resistance, and transportability as like a chess game, where you must prioritize traits based on market demand.
Ipatioaie thought that Hazera’s slogan, “Growing Together,” is both meaningful and fitting. “It is a powerful message,” he remarked. “Working together is essential for success, and this slogan perfectly reflects the shared commitment in the whole industry.”
For Ipatioaie, the most rewarding part of his job is engaging with growers, understanding their challenges, and providing solutions that truly make a difference. “That’s the best part—offering quality solutions after listening to their needs. To do this successfully, you need strong collaboration skills. Without being close to the growers and understanding the markets, success is impossible.”
Crops and team spirit are growing rapidly at Hazera Warmenhuizen
Posted on Sep 17, 2024
“The demo fields are a great representation of what we have achieved as a team over the past period, and the challenges we have overcome” says Joost Botman, field team leader at Hazera in Warmenhuizen. He shares insights into his work, the crops in the demo fields, and the International Open Days on September 24-25-26.
“It is rewarding to work outside and see actual results of your work at the end of the day” Joost shares. “These results depend on various factors, including weather conditions. It is a proud feeling when we, as a team manage to achieve the desired results, despite these challenges. This year for example, we managed to develop a diverse and healthy demo field, even after a very wet spring.”
Versatility in the field
Joost highlights key features of the demo field for the open days: “Hazera’s diverse cabbage range for all segments will be on display. We also managed to grow radishes on clay soil, which was a unique challenge. We thought: let’s just give it a try. And it worked!” The extensive crop selection, especially for cabbage, makes sense for Joost. “Warmenhuizen is the cabbage hub of the Netherlands. You can see the region’s expertise reflected in our team.” In addition, Hazera is part of a larger organization, Limagrain Group. “That means we work with lots of different crops and varieties as well, adding lots of variation to the job.”
Strong team, strong results
What Joost enjoys most about his job is the strong team spirit. Within the field crew, and within Hazera as a whole. “We are really in it together, working towards a common goal. There’s a lot of expertise among our people, the atmosphere is warm and pleasant, and we work in a great location. The demo field is proof that this combination can lead to excellent results.”
Curious about the work of Joost and his field team? Visit the Open Days in Warmenhuizen on September 24-25-26. For more information, check: www.hazera.com/opendays
Empowering Ethiopian farmers – a successful collaboration between Hazera, JDC and Greenlife
Posted on Sep 12, 2024
Hazera seeds, together with JDC, the global Jewish humanitarian organization, and its local representative Greenlife, has launched a two-year pilot program in Ethiopia. The project is part of TOV (‘Tikkun Olam Ventures’), JDC’s agricultural development project, that implements innovative agricultural technology (AgTech) to support and advance the businesses of smallholder farmers in developing countries, who currently use traditional farming methods.
Building on JCD’s decades-long and worldwide experience in collaborating with partners and companies such as Hazera, this program has been initiated to aid Ethiopia’s millions of smallholder farmers in increasing their crop yield with the help of AgTech.
Providing the foundation for success
The program started with seven demonstration sites, collaborating with local unions, MOAs and agricultural suppliers. Already in its second year, this collaboration has expanded to dozens of demo sites in targeted areas such as SNNPR, Amhara, and North Shewa to support hundreds of farmers growing tomatoes, onions, and peppers with the use of Israeli drip irrigation and fertilization systems. This technical support leads to enhanced productivity and better lives among the farmers, their families, and wider communities.
Local farmers unions and agribusinesses will also help the farmers get fair prices for their produce in previously untapped markets. TOV successfully managed to create a “Revolving Fund” model, which encourages the unions to adopt directed skillset and gives them the ability to purchase the seeds independently.
Hybrid seeds for a better yield
To achieve success, the JDC and Greenlife teams transfer the cultivational practices and knowledge needed to grow modern hybrid vegetables, with Hazera providing the hybrid seeds suited for the local growing conditions in Ethiopia. The goal of the program is to reach thousands of Ethiopian farmers over the next years.
One of these farmers is Mussa Jemal of Gurage. He shared that “Before partnering with the Greenlife and JDC, I planted local OPV vegetable crops, but since joining the project, I have access to Hazera’s hybrid vegetable seeds and seedlings, including Tomato Galilea, Hot Pepper Serenade Explorer and Onion Russet.”
“On top of these hybrid resources, the project also offers regular technical advice and extension services,” Jemal continued, “I’ve gained knowledge and skills to produce better quality yields by following the recommended agronomic practices and production protocols.”
Jemal proudly noted that based on the crop’s performance in the field, he anticipates a better yield this season.
The power of knowledge
Farmer Awgechew Betere, from Menjar Shenkora of Amhara, describes the importance of the knowledge transfer of the program and how it has helped his business.
“I’m getting regular technical support and extension advice on improving agronomic practices,” he said. “This includes irrigation, monitoring diseases and pests, fertigation, the application of pesticides and staking methods.”
Betere added that “all of this has improved my knowledge and skills in vegetable production. Thanks to the program, I’m sure I will get a better yield and income from the production. Furthermore, many of my neighbors have visited my farm and were motivated to produce hybrid vegetable crops as well next season!”
A fruitful collaboration
“As a leading seeds company in Africa and particularly in Ethiopia, we harness our strength and product portfolio for the good of this enterprise,” said Haggai Breslauer, the Sales Manager for Africa at Hazera. “Supported by our vast experience, we strongly believe that the combination of our added value of higher quality yield and the ability to compete with the challenging growing conditions brings significant advantages to the growers and their communities. This collaboration bears fruits of success, and we are proud to be part of this project!”
On September 24–26, Hazera will host its annual International Open Days in Warmenhuizen, where you will have the opportunity to explore our crop varieties up close and also get an inside look at the breeding process behind these varieties directly from Manu Parmar, our Global Breeding Lead for Cabbage.
Manu Parmar has been working with Hazera for the past few months and he is based in Warmenhuizen. He lives in Haarlem with his wife and two daughters. He was born and brought up in New Delhi, India. His father is a soil scientist, which motivated Manu to pursue an education in the field of agricultural sciences. He did his PhD in vegetable crops with a specialization in Breeding from Punjab Agricultural University. He has 18 years of experience in breeding various vegetable crops and back in India, he was a cabbage breeder.
What is a common myth about your job or field of expertise?
“I think a common myth about working as a plant breeder in a seed company is that the job is mostly about working in the fields and greenhouses. While fieldwork is certainly a part of the job, plant breeders often spend a significant amount of time in the office conducting data analysis, planning breeding programs, and managing projects.” Manu thinks for a second then continues saying that “another myth is that plant breeders are solely responsible for all aspects of the breeding process. But in reality, they often work as part of a larger team that includes research associates, lab technicians, and other specialists. This collaborative environment helps to streamline the breeding process and incorporate various expertise.”
In your opinion, what is the most important personality trait someone should have to work in your industry?
“One of the most important strengths for a plant breeder is strong analytical skills. This involves the ability to capture plant traits, interpret complex data and make informed decisions based on genetic, environmental, and experimental data. Collaboration and communication skills are important to be able to work across cross functional teams of genetics and lab scientists to bring innovation, speed and agility to the breeding program.”
Tell us about a project you’re proud of and why.
“I am proud to be part of the brassica breeding team and it is part of the heritage of Hazera. It started with developing varieties for Western Europe, but today we are a global player with a wide assortment of specific varieties. Pointed cabbage is our specialty with varieties like Dutchman, Regency and Marshal, and Berlenga for western Europe and Mediterranean markets.”
What does “Hazera- Growing Together” mean to you?
“For me Growing together means that the Hazera team believes in working through challenges, just like increasing world population, pandemics, regional conflicts, reduction of arable land, and climate change, and is determined to develop superior varieties and achieve food security.”
Tell us something about you that most people don’t know.
“In India, we drive on the left side, so it was quite an adjustment for me to learn how to drive on the right side when I came to the Netherlands.”
Do you want to stay connected with our Hazera people?
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Last week, Hazera USA hosted its annual Hall Field Days in New York, drawing over a hundred customers, growers, and distributors from across the United States. The event offered a unique opportunity for the attendees to explore Hazera’s latest varieties and innovative new concepts, like ‘Tomatoes that Work for You’ shaping the future of agriculture.
The event kicked off with an introduction and launch of Hazera’s new concept of ‘Tomatoes that Work for You,’ presented by Hazera’s Tomato Expert and Regional Manager, Arno Van Staden. This forward-thinking initiative addresses some of the most pressing challenges in the tomato industry today, including rising production costs, labor shortages, and the need for sustainable farming practices. Arno’s presentation underscored Hazera’s commitment to leading the way in agricultural innovation.
Another key highlight was the showcase of Hazera’s ToBRFV resistant tomato varieties. These breakthroughs represent a significant advancement in crop protection, offering enhanced resistance to ToBRFV. This innovation is crucial for maintaining crop health and ensuring consistent productivity despite the growing threat of diseases.
Attendees were also introduced to Hazera’s latest watermelon, cabbage, and sunflower breeds. These new varieties have been developed with a focus on improved yield, superior taste, and greater resilience. The excitement among the participants was palpable as they explored the potential of these crops.
One of the most cherished aspects of the Hall Field Days was the opportunity for face-to-face interactions. Meeting customers, growers, and distributors in person allowed for meaningful exchanges, strengthening relationships and collaboration. The passion and commitment of the participants were truly inspiring, reinforcing Hazera’s dedication to supporting its partners in every possible way.
We look forward to many more opportunities to connect, learn, and grow together.
Meet the people behind the crops: Giannis Grammatikakis
Posted on Aug 20, 2024
At Hazera, we are proud of our dedicated team, which works passionately to provide our growers with the best products. While we tend to put our products in the headlines, it is the Hazera team who are behind our success. Let’s shine the spotlight on Giannis Grammatikakis, Product Development Manager from Heraklion, Greece.
Giannis Grammatikakis (51) lives in Heraklion, Greece with his wife and two children. His professional journey began at a local agricultural shop in the Tympaki area of Crete, then he joined the distribution team at Bayer Chemicals in Crete. For several years, he worked with a seed company that served as the distributor for Syngenta Seeds, Fito Seeds, and Gautier Seeds in Greece. His experience primarily revolves around fieldwork, including both open-field and greenhouse cultivation (without heating). Giannis joined the Hazera Greece team five years, and he has been covering the entire country as a Product Development Manager. Based on his experience, he specializes in the cultivation of Tomato, Cucumber, Peppers, Eggplants, and Melon varieties.
In your opinion, what is the most important personality trait someone should have to work in your industry?
“In my industry, the key personality strength for success is having a specific goal and persistence. Achieving business goals, especially in competitive areas like seed businesses, often requires years of dedication. If you want to be successful in our industry, you need to be able to identify your product’s unique advantages and secure market shares.”
Tell us about a project you’re proud of and why.
“One project that stands out for me is the development and introduction of the new ToBRFV hybrids, Thireos (in 2023) and Lollipop (in 2024), to the Greek market.” Says Giannis with a proud face. “ToBRFV, a novel tomato virus, poses significant challenges for greenhouse tomato producers. Hazera’s research program provided me with the opportunity to discover and introduce Thireos, the beef tomato hybrid, and Lollipop, the mini plum tomato. Improving greenhouse tomato yield while maintaining cultivation satisfaction made this project truly rewarding!”
What does “Hazera- Growing Together” mean to you?
“For me, Hazera- Growing Together embodies the spirit of collaboration, progress, and shared success. It’s about working together to innovate, build partnerships, and grow. We work together, stay dedicated, and keep learning to create an environment, where everyone can contribute. For example, to get a successful hybrid, breeders, product developers, product managers, marcom employees, and salespeople must work together.”
Tell us something about you the most people don’t know.
“After a tough and demanding workweek, going fishing on my boat calms me down and I find peace in the quietness of the sea.”
Do you want to stay connected with our Hazera people?
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At Hazera, we are proud of our dedicated team, which works passionately to provide our growers with the best products. While we tend to put our products in the headlines, it is the Hazera team who are behind our success. Let’s shine the spotlight on Federico Puyo (52), Product Manager for Long Cucumbers and Blocky Peppers from Almeria, Spain.
Federico Puyo, Product Manager for Long Cucumbers and Blocky Peppers, lives in Almeria with his wife and two kids. He studied agronomy and has been working in the agricultural industry since 1994. He began his career as an advisor in crop management for local companies in the fertilizers and fruit trees business. After 25 years, Federico decided to return to his roots and work with vegetables. He joined Hazera five years ago and with his empathy, expertise, and curiosity he has been a valuable team member since.
What is a common myth about your field of expertise?
“A common misconception about the seed industry in general, which I also had myself, is that creating and breeding new hybrids is not a complicated process. But since I started working as a product manager, I learnt that I couldn’t have been more wrong about it.” Admits Federico. “Turns out, producing seeds is quite complex. Especially nowadays, as there is a need to develop global varieties that can thrive in various conditions and markets.”
In your opinion, what is the most important strength someone needs to be successful in your job?
“I think empathy and willingness to help others are very essential skills a product manager should have. At the end of the day, it’s not just the company that matters, but the people within. In my position, it is important to have empathy because you need to understand the challenges and needs of different departments and people like breeders, sales, and marketing. You need to be able to combine the various perspectives and work together towards a common goal. And of course, to do this, you also need to be curious, need to be engaged with different departments within and outside the company to learn and understand what they do. Then you have the full picture, and you are of better help.”
Tell us about a project you’re proud of and why.
“I can highlight two things I’m proud of. One is the mini seedless watermelon project I’m involved in with some colleagues from Marketing and Fresh Chain. I’m very proud of being part of this project because, despite all the difficulties the team is facing, we are taking a position in the market step by step. The other thing to highlight is related to my crop, long cucumber. I take pride in transforming the perception of Hazera in the Spanish market. At first, Hazera was viewed as a tomato company, but the reputation of our long cucumbers is growing more and more, and growers are curious about our varieties.”
What does “Hazera- Growing Together” mean to you?
“As I see it, Growing Together has two parts. One part is Growing Together internally, as I mentioned, being empathetic and curious and working as a team with colleagues. I might not be so knowledgeable in other crops, but I keep an open mind and try to connect with my colleagues and learn from them.” Federico smiles. “In the end, we are one team, and we need to have the same mission. Growing together externally means that we need to collaborate with our external partners and customers, understand their challenges and try to find solutions to help them. So, growing together is not only a benefit for Hazera but also a global benefit.”
Tell us something about yourself that most people do not know.
“Not many people know, but I would like to set up a tapas bar when I retire. My wife is not convinced yet of this idea.” Federico laughs. “But I’d love to own a tapas bar, where I can talk with the people who come in. And of course, drink a beer or two with them.”
Do you want to stay connected with our Hazera people?
Follow us 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!
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.
Hazera’s Long Cucumber breeding program, initiated around ten years ago, is still relatively new. This makes it even more impressive that at such an early stage of the program, our team was able to breed ZiMMan, a variety that responds exceptionally well to new environmental stress factors like climate change, water salinization, and new plant viruses.
In the ever-evolving field of agriculture, with increased environmental challenges, Hazera needs to produce versatile varieties. ZiMMan is the first variety developed with this in mind. It is a notable addition to the Hazera cucumber portfolio, designed to tackle these challenges, with a main focus on fighting against the new plant viruses, especially CGMMV.
ZiMMan was launched in Spain, a key market for Long Cucumbers. But its adaptability to thrive under hot conditions, high yield, and comprehensive set of resistances (CYSDV, CVYV, CGMMV, Px) make ZiMMan a resilient and reliable choice for growers worldwide.
“The team started to develop ZiMMan around four years ago and within its first commercial year, ZiMMan achieved a 10% market share of the Spanish market in seed quantity. I’m impressed and proud of the team that they were able to achieve this level of success in such a short time with our cucumber breeding.” – Federico Puyo, Product Manager for Long Cucumber.
Moreover, ZiMMan showcases Hazera’s commitment to innovation and excellence, offering several key characteristics that ensure its adaptability to diverse growing conditions and environmental stresses: Strong Root System: Ensures the plant’s resilience and ability to withstand stress. Dark Fruit Colour: Indicates a healthy and visually appealing crop. Plant Structure: Promotes optimal growth and productivity.
With investing the expertise of its team, Hazera is on a journey towards cultivating stronger and more resilient cucumber varieties.
Would you like to learn more about ZiMMan or our cucumber breeding program? Feel free to contact us.
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!
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
Did you know pepper Maccabi is one of Hazera’s most well-known varieties worldwide? This pepper is one of the first pepper varieties in the world, which- thanks to its long shelf life- is sold truly red for the fresh market, which was innovative at the time. Launched in the 1970’s in the USA and Mexico, Maccabi is still a main player and is being sold to this day.
Today, Hazera’s pepper portfolio is the result of years of intensive research and development to create sweet pepper varieties of all types.
We are inspired by nature. We want our crops to be as healthy as possible. In our development process we focus on new solutions, breeding disease free crops to strengthen the global food system.
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!
At Hazera, we are proud of our dedicated team, which works passionately to provide our growers with the best products. While our products often grab the headlines, it is the Hazera team who are behind our success. Let’s shine the spotlight on Yossi Kuttin (49), a Sales and Commercial Manager from Gedera, Israel.
Yossi Kuttin is 49 years old and happily married to his wife, Rona. They have three daughters (18, 14, and 11) and they live in Gedera, which is conveniently just a 10-minute drive from Brurim. Yossi has been with Hazera for four years. “Next month, I will celebrate my fifth year as the Commercial Manager of Israel, overseeing sales and product development in the Israeli market.”
What is a common myth about your job or field of expertise?
“I’m an agronomist, an expert in the science of soil management and crop production. When my friends hear that, they usually assume that I know everything about agriculture and plants, regardless of where I work—whether it’s related to ornamental trees or their mother’s garden.”
In your opinion, what is the most important personality trait someone would need to work in your industry?
“I believe that the key skill lies in managing multidimensional relationships. In my position, I am responsible for overseeing the local market team and maintaining fruitful relationships with customers, suppliers, colleagues from sister companies, and various internal departments such as marketing, R&D, S&OP, MarCom, finance, legal, and human resources (HR). Each of these entities has its perspectives, objectives, and intentions, and my challenge is to effectively be working with all of them while also achieving my targets and goals.”
Can you name a project you are proud of and why?
On October 7th, when the war broke out, many of our customers were dramatically affected all over Israel, especially in the region close to Gaza. Firstly, their families had to evacuate the region, leaving them to manage their farms from home, right next to the war zone. Secondly, many foreign employees left due to fear of the conflict, leaving the growers without sufficient labour. In response, my team and I, next to many Israeli citizens, volunteered and assisted the growers. For several weeks, we visited different growers and plant raisers once a week, providing labour support in the fields and greenhouses. Additionally, we extended support by delaying payments for customers who lived close to Gaza and were hit the hardest. I take pride in reaching out to these growers in the name of Hazera and remaining committed to supporting Israeli agriculture in every way possible.
Which books/movies would you recommend and why?
I recommend the book titled “A Tale of Love and Darkness” by Amos Oz, one of Israel’s renowned authors. In this autobiography, Amos Oz vividly portrays the roots of his family, including the tragic lives of himself and his parents in Jerusalem, as well as his experience in the kibbutz and Tel Aviv. These personal events are interwoven with an epic account of Israel’s establishment as a nation, alongside other significant historical events. It’s a compelling read for everyone, especially those interested in delving deeper into the history of Israel.”
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At Hazera, we are proud of our dedicated team, which works passionately to provide our growers with the best products. While our products often grab the headlines, it is the Hazera team who are behind our success. Let’s shine the spotlight on Dirk-Jan Polak (57), a Commercial Crop Specialist from Poortugaal, Netherlands, who plays a vital role in our organization.
Dirk-Jan has agriculture running in his veins. He shares with a smile. “My family history is quite interesting. We are a real food family. We are growers, fishermen, butchers, and bakers. In fact, just near our head office in Oosteind, you can find a bakery, the Bakery Polak, a legacy of my family.” For eight years, Dirk-Jan was a game dealer and built the Hollands Wild brand together with Jo Kloet. “We were the odd ones in the meat world.” Dirk-Jan laughed. “Because Jo had been a marketing director at Rijk Zwaan and I had had my vegetable-cutting company.” He joined Hazera two years ago as a Commercial Crop Specialist for radishes, corn salad, and baby carrots. His dedication to his work and crops is shown in the success of various projects. A recent example is the radish mix, where Dirk-Jan’s contributions played an important part and helped the project earn the prestigious title of Best Product of the Year in the Dutch Consumer Election.
What is a common myth about your job or field of expertise?
When asked about a misconception in his field, Dirk-Jan responds: “Most people who are no longer connected to our agriculture and horticulture hardly realize how professional and efficient we have become, but also how dependent we still are on nature and have to deal with it and every day.’’
In your opinion, what is the most important personality trait someone would need to work in your industry?
Dirk-Jan believes effective communication is crucial in his role as a Commercial Crop Specialist. “I act as the bridge between growers and Hazera, facilitating the flow of needs and solutions. It’s not just about delivering products; it’s about understanding the growers’ challenges, market demands, and regulatory landscapes,” he explains. “So, we can provide them a solution for the right varieties, the right calibers at the right time, in the right place.”
Which project are you proud of and why?
Dirk-Jan said immediately with a smile: “The radish mix was a nice project. It was the idea of a grower at Ortolanda to put three different colored radishes (purple, red, and white) in one box. It kind of looks like a rainbow radish box. This radish mix opened a new, so-called “snack radish” market, which is attractive for a new target group of consumers, the younger generation.” Continues Dirk-Jan with excitement. “It even caught the attention of Albert Heijn, a major Dutch supermarket, positioning radishes in a new, health-focused spotlight. It is also good and healthy for the people because, with the radish mix box, they eat three kinds of radish at once.”
What does “Hazera – Growing Together” mean to you?
“I like this slogan, because we as Hazera, as a breeder, are at the beginning of the whole food chain and this position comes with a great responsibility. That is why it is important to grow together with our growers, and our customers by listening to them and creating varieties that are needed for the markets to be able to feed the world sustainably in the future. This slogan also refers to the great team we have at Hazera that works together.”
Can you tell us something about yourself that most people do not know?
“I am an enthusiastic person, who always thinks of solutions. I think there is a solution to all the problems, but it is very important to communicate with your colleagues and customers. For many years I used to work primarily in Dutch and the transition to work mainly in English has been a bit difficult.” Dirk-Jan admits with a candid smile. “But it is getting better, and I try to be the ambassador and communicator for my crops and role.”
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Staay Food Group and Hazera Seeds present new watermelon
Exceed mini watermelon nominated for Fruit Logistica Innovation Award 2024
The Exceed mini watermelon has been nominated for the 2024 Fruit Logistica Innovation Award, marking a proud moment in the long-standing partnership between Staay Food Group and Hazera. The winner will be announced at Fruit Logistica in Berlin (7-9 February), where Staay will be present to premier the Exceed watermelon.
Mark Loojenga, Marketing Manager at Staay Food Group, and Michal Taraska, Global Value Chain Lead at Hazera, discuss the product, the partnership and what to expect at the Food Logistica.
Exceeding expectations
According to Mark and Michal, the Exceed watermelon has earned its nomination through a unique combination of qualities that benefits growers, retailers and consumers. “The Exceed watermelon is a durable and eco-friendly variety, with strong resistance to diseases like powdery mildew and has plants that provide multiple harvests. Not only does this make life easier for the grower, but it also requires less fungicides and significantly less water than the production of traditional watermelons”, Mark says. Michal adds that this also helps reduce food waste: “Exceed makes it possible to reduce losses in production and during transport.”
“And due to the variety’s extended shelf-life of over 5-10 days longer than traditional watermelons, this variety displays a long-lasting freshness in both supermarkets and consumer’s homes”, he continues. With its compact, uniform size the Exceed watermelon answers a strongly growing call in the (Northern) European and American markets for smaller watermelons. “The size is suitable for ever smaller households and easy to keep in the fridge. And they’re seedless, which is both a major convenience for consumers and a waste-saver.” Mark adds. “But it’s the taste and color they come back for.” Michal: “The Exceed mini watermelon has a really sweet and crispy taste, as is shown by its above average Brix level.”
Team effort
The Exceed mini watermelon is the latest success in a long-standing collaboration between Staay Food Group and Hazera. “Staay is a strong and dynamic partner, which is key for successfully introducing a new product to the market”, Michal says. He underlines the importance of such a partnership for Hazera. “We can provide the best Formula One car, but we still need a top-class driver to win the race. In Staay Food Group, we’ve found that driver.”
An analogy Mark wholeheartedly agrees with. “Hazera provides top-quality seeds that are perfectly suited for our fields in Costa Rica. And with this newly developed variety, we perfectly reflect the demands of the market; we’re able to grow the right products. The Exceed mini watermelon is another step in our close and fruitful cooperation.”
Premier release at Fruit Logistica Berlin
The premier release of the Exceed mini watermelon for the European market will take place at Fruit Logistica, where Staay Food Group will be present at stand B45 in hall 3.2. “Here, we will also display a selection of other products we grow and offer ourselves,” Mark elaborates. “For the first time we can show our three club varieties of colored pears together: The Red Conference, Early Desire and Dazzling Gold are all exclusively available through Staay Food Group. Secondly, we show our hydroponic lettuces, and finally our wide range of available vine tomatoes. In addition, we will bring special attention to our branch in Venlo, which focusses on the food service industry. This location provides a quite unique service for the German market, where customers can buy products per box instead of per pallet and can combine different products on one pallet. This is ideal for restaurants, who usually don’t need entire pallets of one product.”
The prize-giving ceremony for the innovation award will take place on 9 February 2024, 2.30 p.m. at the FLIA Technology special exhibition area between Halls 1.1 and 2.1. Mark and Michal agree this nomination “shows we are on the right track in our team effort to successfully align the development, cultivation, sales and marketing of excellent and innovative products.”
Staay Food Group is an international cultivation, sales and marketing organization in fresh fruit and vegetables with a global network; The World is our Garden. Staay Food Group is a family business, founded in 1946. It delivers tailor-made products to customers in retail, wholesale, foodservice and processing.
HAZERA: Growing Together
Hazera’s headquarters are situated in Israel and The Netherlands, with subsidiaries in twelve countries and an extensive distribution network providing services in over 100 additional markets. This worldwide presence enables us to be close to our customers.
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.
“We must strive for quality and excellence in all aspects, to truly make the difference”. Tom Antens returned to Hazera on 1st July 2023 as Head of the Commercial Department. “Even though Hazera is a strong brand in many markets, there’s still a lot of room to grow and new markets to explore. I see a lot of potential”, said Tom.
Tom is 47 years old and lives in Baarle-Nassau, the Netherlands, with his wife and two children. He previously as Sales Manager for the Middle East, North-Africa and Oceania. He later joined HM Clause as Business Manager. “I was in charge of leading and structuring all business activities in Turkey, a fast-growing subsidiary, as well as the commercial activities in the Middle East and North-Africa”.
During the past four years, Tom has worked for HM Clause as Commercial Director for Turkey, Algeria, EMEA Export and Africa, overseeing sales for these high-growth markets. “In this period, I also fulfilled the role of board member of a joint venture that HM Clause had with Seed Co. in Africa. We worked to combine their established brand awareness on the continent and our products to cater for the rising needs of African growers for hybrid vegetable seeds.”
Team effort
Now, returning with significant experience, Tom is excited to be back at Hazera. “I’m looking forward to working with both new and familiar faces. My goal is to form a close-knit team and bring stability to the Commercial Department as I have done in previous roles. From there, we can explore new markets for our Hi tech and ToBRFV resistant tomatoes and strengthen existing ones, realizing our growth potential along the way.”
Strong potential
“I strongly believe that, within Hazera, we have the people, knowledge, ambition, and commitment to get the company to the place that I believe we can get to. In my opinion, Hazera has a big growth potential and I’m looking forward to taking on the challenge to achieve it with the team.”
Game changer
“The question I ask myself is: how do we make the difference?”. According to Tom, the answer is quality and reliability. “Hazera’s products are widely regarded to be innovative. But, to really understand why clients choose us, we must place them at the centre point; not just in the Commercial Department, but in all departments within Hazera. We can excel by listening carefully to our growers and translating their input in our innovations. By combining this with operational excellence, we can grow together and truly stand out from the competition.”
Continuous improvement keeps Hazera Seeds in the global top
Posted on Apr 10, 2023
Hazera is committed to developing high-quality seeds that allow communities to flourish. To do that, Hazera focuses on continually improving its operational excellence in research, production, processing and quality for both customers and employees. “We deliver the best to our customers, and we want to keep it that way”, says Tyrrel Chisenga, Seed technologist. “We put in a lot of effort, but there is always room for improvement.”
“We breed for new varieties, and multiply seeds for growers and farmers alike”, Tyrrel explains. “After production, we perform extensive quality control tests to confirm that our seeds meet the commercial quality standards. Based on the various tests that we execute, we initiate processing activities to ensure that we deliver quality. We also take care of physiological enhancement to ensure seedling vigour and establishment even under sub-optimal conditions. Our efforts are to make sure the seeds that our farmers sow and nurture into a crop, grow and eventually end up as delicious vegetables in supermarkets across the world.”
Quality control and Seed technology Quality control and Seed technology are an indispensable component for Hazera when it comes to making sure we deliver the best quality. “Nature comes with its challenges and when we encounter challenges that may compromise the final product quality after production we initiate research into the causes and solutions”, says Tyrrel. “Such research may encompass physiological, physical, health, genetic aspects of the seeds or efficiency of processes. Everything we do is to ensure optimum quality for our customers.”
On top of the game
Even though Hazera adheres to the commercial quality standards and guarantees quality, there is always room for improvement, Tyrrel finds. Hazera invests in continually improving seed quality. “These investments include machinery for seed enhancement, automation of processes and the use of imaging systems for better inline decision making. Additionally, there are improved protocols with reduced lead times. We introduced the Lean management system in our processing plants. We created a work environment that allows the smooth and fast flow of processes and at the same time reduces work load. This allows us to cater to the needs of our customers in a brief period.”
For Hazera, its employees are on the same pedestal as the customers. Tyrrel: “The most important thing for the welfare of our employees is to make sure that their work remains interesting and safe. That is why we made a new tomato pelleting formulation that is safer for our employees to apply. It also results in improved sowability and seedling performance.”
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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.
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One-Pot Cooking: The growing consumer trend that’s healthy, simple, and sustainable
Posted on Dec 19, 2022
Gathering for a home-cooked meal is one of life’s great pleasures, a proven boost to mental and physical health, and an integral part of cultures all over the world. Approaches and ingredients may differ, but there’s one dish whose variations can be found almost everywhere – the one-pot meal.
Whether it’s biryani in India, paella in Spain, or tagine in North Africa, there’s no shortage of mouth-watering recipes that require just a single pot to prepare. And the benefits of cooking meals this way go far beyond their sumptuous taste…
It’s more sustainable
Eating at home is good for the planet, with a commercial kitchen using five times more energy per square foot than a home kitchen. One-pot cooking is even better: preparing everything together means only using one heat source – and much less water is needed for washing up. Preparing food is the fourth most energy-intensive activity in a household, so one-pot meals help to keep fuel consumption low.
It works wonders for wellbeing
As flavors combine in the pot, it doesn’t just enhance the taste – it also fortifies the ingredients’ nutritional value. It’s little surprise, then, that researchers have discovered so many physical and mental benefits to this type of cooking. A 2017 study found that consumers who ate five home-cooked meals a week were more likely to have a healthy BMI, as well as lower cholesterol and reduced hypertension. And people who attended a seven-week healthy cooking course – featuring plenty of one-pot recipes – saw significant improvements in their physical and mental health. There’s also evidence that it helps with childhood development: with every ingredient in the same dish, it’s harder to become a picky eater!
It’s an easy way to cook
One-pot cooking takes significant stress out of meal planning. For most recipes, cooks just need to keep adding ingredients and then leave everything burbling for a few hours. Slow cookers are a great tool for this: the tenderness is worth the wait, plus they’re more environmentally friendly than low-temperature ovens. It’s also possible to cook a big batch in advance and freeze some portions for a later date, or simply eat the leftovers for lunch the next day. This is much more economical than preparing every meal from scratch, as any parent who cooks will attest!
Let’s get cooking!
Fruit and vegetables from Hazera seeds end up in many wonderful dishes – the onions in a curry, the peppers in a paella, the carrots in a tagine. Putting them all in one pot can help end consumers get the most of this amazing produce!
Visit our website to learn more about the latest consumer trends in your sector.
“As a seed company working on the frontlines of the environmental crisis,” says Michal Efrat, Quality Assurance Manager Environment & Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), “Hazera knows we need to take better care of our planet, so it can continue to nourish people everywhere. That’s why the environment is key to our CSR strategy.” Launched in 2020, ‘Growing the future together’ aims to embed social and environmental responsibility and a sustainable, ethical mindset into everything we do.
“We want to be the best seed company in the world – and for the world,” Michal continues. “By producing seeds and contributing to plant growth, we’re off to a good start. But we want to grow our positive impact even further.”
Reducing emissions & cutting back on waste and materials
We’re exploring various ways to reduce Hazera’s carbon footprint. “Our Netherlands bike leasing program is very popular with colleagues and also takes cars off the road,” Michal says. “Plus, we’re looking into electric/hybrid company vehicles and carbon offsetting for plane travel, along with installing solar panels at our offices.” Meanwhile, in Israel and the Netherlands, single-use items like disposable cups are gone from Hazera offices. In the USA, we recycle seed pallets, and in our Sderot plant we even upcycle some into furniture.
Protecting our planet’s biodiversity
Seeds are what we do best at Hazera – and our colleagues in the Netherlands and Israel have been planting flowers around their homes and offices. “Bee populations are suffering,” explains Michal, “and wildflowers are crucial for healthy, biodiverse ecosystems. This way we protect our biodiversity and the local bees love their new habitats!”
Plogging
In March 2021, a devastating oil spill reached the Israeli coastline. “We had to act,” Michal says. “A group of colleagues helped clean up the tar residue on local beaches. That was the inspiration for our company-wide ‘plogging’ initiative, where participants collect litter while walking or running.”
No Planet B
We only have one planet, and we need to protect its ecosystems to feed the growing global population. At Hazera, we’re committed to helping preserve our environment, so we can continue growing a healthy, flourishing future together.
Fresh from the field: Three key trends in crop farming
Posted on Nov 08, 2022
Humans have been farming crops for millennia – but the goal remains the same: to feed people. Of course, farming practices have advanced dramatically in the past few centuries, and global pressures continue to drive rapid change in the industry. Reinout de Heer, Portfolio Marketing Director Allium & Crucifers, explores three key trends shaping crop farming and discusses how Hazera’s expertise is paving the way for a more sustainable industry future.
1. Mechanization momentum
Higher labor costs and decreasing labor availability are leading many farmers to consider mechanical harvesting and other new technologies. We’re seeing mechanization trends take hold in places like the Netherlands, the UK, and California, in relation to a wide range of produce. However, with crops such as onions, it’s clear that hand-harvesting means a higher quality product with less damage.This is what makes research into developing new varieties so important. At Hazera, we’re working to test new crop varieties to ensure farmers can invest in the technologies they need, knowing their harvest won’t suffer.
2. Chemical control compliance
With tightening environmental regulation, many growers are looking for alternatives to traditional pesticides and fungicides. Biostimulants are a popular option for Hazera’s customers, being applied to seeds to make plants stronger and more resistant to disease. Product quality can also be boosted through seed pelleting, which creates more rounded seeds, and priming, which means up to five days’ less germination time in the field.
3. Local logic
Harvested crops have long been shipped around the world; however, increases in container transport costs are putting pressure on global food systems. Environmental awareness is meanwhile on the rise, as ‘buy local’ or ‘eat seasonal’ become important consumer trends. At Hazera, we help farmers achieve year-round production with varieties that have good storability and shelf-life properties. Developments in leeks, for instance, which traditionally deteriorate quickly once harvested, are making a big difference. More flexible crop varieties can help customers reduce transport costs, carbon emissions, and food waste, all at once.
Support from the ground up
Around the world, Hazera works in close cooperation with farmers of all kinds of crops to respond effectively to emerging trends. Through trials and other research, we address the industry’s most pressing challenges and develop seed solutions to help agriculturalists – and their plants – thrive.
Want to learn more? Contact us today to see how we can support you.
In 2022, plant-based eating is here to stay. According to Bloomberg Group, global retail sales of plant-based foods are on track to reach $160 billion by 2030, up from $29 billion in 2020. Meanwhile, research by The NPD Group has found that 19% of consumers are looking to add more plant-based foods to their diet.
However, the plant-based market is more fragmented and complex than it often appears – and it’s evolving month by month. We look at some of the current trends shaping the market and what they mean for growers.
1. Flexitarianism flexes its muscles
The biggest sources of demand for plant-based products aren’t vegetarians or vegans, but rather people choosing to eat less meat. According to one study, 89% of plant-based users don’t consider themselves vegan or vegetarian. This is good news for crop farmers: “flexitarians” who still consume animal proteins may be less hungry for so-called “meat alternatives”, and more likely to stick to traditional plant-based foods such as vegetables, grains and pulses.
2. When two trends converge
Clean/organic eating and plant-based consumption were once considered separate movements, but we’re now seeing signs of convergence. In other words, health-conscious consumers seem to be moving away from more complex, processed plant-based products toward simpler, healthier alternatives. Rather than fake-meat burgers, think more cauliflower steak. There’s data to support this, with global avoidance of plant-based protein estimated to have doubled between 2019 and 2021, according to Hartman’s ‘Health + Wellness’ report.
3. Sustainability matters
And it’s not just about health. Growing environmental awareness at consumer level is also driving the trend toward more wholesome local produce. Going forward, Western markets may see increased demand for “low-carbon” vegetable categories (like brassicas, onions and leeks) in place of mostly imported crops such as avocados and soybeans.
4. Innovation, innovation, innovation
Though simple is often best, there’s no shortage of innovation in the plant-based sector. A particularly interesting trend is that of “hybrid foods” – burgers and nuggets, for instance, that include a blend of meat and vegetable products. This may also favor growers, as hybrid foods open up new paths to increased vegetable consumption.
As you can see, things change quickly in the plant-based world. At Hazera, we keep our finger on the pulse and provide solutions to help our customers navigate today’s fast-evolving consumer landscape. Contact us today to see how we can support your business.
The food industry isn’t short of challenges right now. Growers face rising fertilizer prices and the effects of climate change, while food providers are dealing with increased transportation costs and low consumer sentiment.
Thankfully, innovators have developed a range of solutions to combat these difficulties and bring agriculture into the 21st century. These four are firmly on our radar …
The annual International Open Days in September are a long and well-known tradition. For many years we have presenting our full product range to international customers in the famous week 39. But times are changing. That’s why we decided to have a more focused scope on our Brassica portfolio this year. So the International Open Days will become the International Brassica Days, which can be visited upon appointment.
Local conditions and customers’ needs vary. The new approach this year to have a more focussed scope will help us to even better understand your needs and wishes. It will give us the opportunity to have more in-depth talks with you on our Brassica portfolio, the challenges you encounter, to give more technical advice for your area and to share the latest market trends and insights.
Brassica in the spotlight
The Brassica Days will take place from 27th until 29th of September in our breeding station in Warmenhuizen, The Netherlands and can be visited upon appointment. The event will focus on Western and Eastern Europe, Balkans and USA. During this event we will present our varieties on our demo field and visit our trial fields. We will talk about challenges in labour and present mechanical harvest solutions. The preparations for this event are in full swing. We are happy to keep you posted on the exact details of the program!
New Deputy CEO of Hazera: “It is like a Marathon run, and we want to finish first!”
Posted on Aug 09, 2022
August 2022
Since 19th May 2022, Ofer Peleg has been the new Deputy CEO of Hazera. He leads Sales, Supply Chain, IT and Production. Ofer says: “We have great DNA in Hazera, but also opportunities and potential to become a well-integrated company and realise solid and robust processes”.
Ofer, fifty years old, lives near Tel Aviv, with his wife and three children, aged 21, 18 and 13. He used to work for several leading companies in multicultural and dynamic environments. “I started as an Industrial Engineer in the Pharmaceutical Industry where I stayed for about twenty years. At Teva Pharmaceuticals, the Israeli global generic leader, I served in various positions in both R&D and Operations, where my last role was to manage three large facilities in Europe. For that role, I moved with my family to Amsterdam for two years. After that I became Vice-President of the Global supply chain at Sun Pharmaceuticals, a global Indian Pharmaceutical company. In the last four years I was the vice-president of the Global supply chain at Netafim, a global leader in precision irrigation. At Netafim, I focused on the same customers and ambition as Hazera; helping farmers to get the best out of their crops for both quantity and quality.”
Go the extra mile “I was given a very warm welcome, both at Hazera and Limagrain. There is a strong sense of partnership and the people I have met enjoy their profession and are very enthusiastic, willing to go above and beyond to serve our customers. They know that by doing so, they are making the world a better place. Shortly after I started at Hazera, I was lucky to meet many of my colleagues at the annual Limagrain conference in Prague.
Marathon run
“I have started to learn that there is a huge know-how and great professionalism here”, says Ofer, “but our competitors are not waiting for us, and we have to be agile, flexible and focused on quality. We can’t stop, not even for a minute; we are running a marathon and we want to finish first. There is also an opportunity for becoming a well-integrated company and realising solid and robust processes.”
Way of working
“We produce seeds all over the world. How can we do this as efficiently as possible? What is our optimal footprint? How do we optimize our inventory? How can we leverage our capabilities? In my former positions I have helped answering similar kinds of questions. I’m looking forward to sharing my experience and contributing to Hazera.”
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.
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 enthusiasticpartners along the chain; the tomato thatputs 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 togethergood 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.
Primed seeds: the next step in top quality onion growing
Posted on Jan 20, 2022
Hazera has been developing and selling primed onion seeds since 2009. This experience translates into the market as the share of primed seeds is increasing. Many growers are discovering the benefits. Primed seeds can ensure faster crop development after sowing, more uniformity in the crop and final product and better quality onions. That is why it is also interesting for you.
New watermelon varieties offering solutions for the chain
Posted on Jan 20, 2022
In recent years we have witnessed various trends in the consumption of vegetables and fruits.
One of the most notable trends is in the watermelon category.
Not inconvenient anymore
Watermelon was long perceived as inconvenient. Especially with decreasing households, watermelons were found too big, giving too much waste and too heavy to carry. Also the lack of good taste and quality was a reason for people to buy other fruits. With the introduction of the high quality, high tasting seedless mini and midi watermelons, consumption is increasing rapidly, in some countries over 10% in the last 5 years. Watermelons are used as a healthy snack, during dinner or lunch or as refreshing drink.
3rd choice of consumers
Watermelon is gaining popularity worldwide staying in the top 5 of fresh consumed fruits globally. In the European Union watermelon is the 3rd choice of consumers as refreshment after apples and oranges. In USA watermelon is 3rd choice after bananas and apples. With the COVID pandemic people started to focus even more on health. Another push forward for watermelon consumption.
Yearround offering
Hazera’s global experience in the watermelon industry provides solutions that fit the needs of all partners in the fresh chain now and in the future through close collaboration. Due to our intensive breeding efforts we are able to offer year round, high quality, high tasting watermelons.
New launches in Spain
Hazera launched 3 new seedless watermelon varieties in Murcia, Spain targeted for the South European watermelon producers:
• Margay, a uniform, crunchy, great tasting midi watermelon with great feedback from Spanish retailers targeting 2 categories at the same time: fresh cut & fresh.
In the mini seedless category 2 novelties were highlighted for the Spanish production:
• 50037 a mini of 1.3-2.1 kg featuring excellent crunch and taste which was very well appreciated by retailers.
• Latest newcomer 50041 a nice, red round watermelon with excellent shelf life capacity is showing good results in both indoor in Almeria as well as the open field in Murcia.
Looking for more insights? Or curious on the solutions we can offer?
Contact us. We are happy to meet.
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”.
High quality and high yield, the golden combination for Hazera onions
Posted on Nov 13, 2021
Hazera, part of Limagrain Group, is a specialist in the development, production and marketing of onion seed. The breeders have been working on strong varieties of excellent quality since the 1950s. The distribution of new, improved onion varieties is a slow process that can sometimes take more than 25 years. It is therefore important to have a good vision of what the market needs. What are the trends?
Agronomic practices to improve crop management and increase yield
Posted on Aug 30, 2021
The production of greenhouse cucumbers has expanded rapidly over the last years. Greenhouse cucumbers can be one of the most productive crops. However, this productivity relies on precise control of irrigation, plant nutrition, and the growing environment, in addition to the effective management of pests and diseases. Greenhouse cultivation of cucumbers has many advantages over regular, open-field cultivation. In this article, we will discuss some of these advantages and the need to prioritize cucumber production under greenhouse cultivation. (more…)
How to minimize crop loss and reduce the financial impact of disease on cucumbers?
Posted on Aug 30, 2021
Discover how to recognize the symptoms of ToLCNDV, a new cucumber crop virus spreading rapidly across the Middle East and Mediterranean region and how to control its spread. (more…)
Technological and Agronomical Tools for Optimum Growth (Part 1)
Posted on Aug 30, 2021
“The work in the greenhouses, the experiments, and responding to the needs of the Breeders are among the most complex phases in the process of breeding our varieties.”
Interview with Elad Shalit, Global R&D Operations Director, Hazera
In Hazera, a global company which breeds, develops, produces and markets variety of vegetable seeds for growers around the world, the production of seeds for research and development (R&D) is an extremely important part of the process. In order to maintain the continual launch of new, improved vegetable varieties, it is necessary to ensure that the seeds, of the desired quantity and required quality, will arrive at their testing destinations on time. Fruited vegetable varieties are usually targeted to one of the two seasons, Spring or Autumn. One main challenge is to produce seeds during the “counter-season”, opposite to the season targeted for variety trials, since it is not optimal for variety performance. This is not a simple task, and requires a high level of flexibility, agility and creative innovation.
We met with Elad Shalit to hear about Hazera’s R&D Operations, which is an essential part in the successful development of high-performing vegetable varieties. We learned how complex the process is and how it is integral to the advancement of their varieties in the market. Operations is the platform that facilitates the advancement of new varieties by Breeders and Scientists and Trial Managers from concept and genetic material through different growth processes to execution of performance trials in the target markets.
Elad is Hazera’s Global R&D Operations Director for greenhouses and open fields. He is responsible for 11 R&D sites around the world, with the main Breeding & Research centers in Israel and Holland.
“The work in the greenhouses, the experiments, and responding to the needs of the Breeders are among the most complex phases in the process of breeding our varieties,” says Elad.
The farm in Israel for breeding vegetable varieties covers an area of 24 hectares and has numerous greenhouses and other structures of various sizes, as well as the technological means to provide accurate growing conditions for each variety. “We supply seeds from Operations on time and in the required quantity, facilitating trials according to the climatic conditions of the different destination countries to which we export after the breeding process,” says Elad. Hazera’s advanced technological capabilities enable the company to improve breeding conditions and accelerate development timelines for the introduction of new and innovative traits to the varieties, for improvement of product quality, horticultural performance, resistance to diseases and other pests, and tolerance to stresses.
As part of the Limagrain Group, Hazera benefits from collaborations in Operations and other functions which augment technological capabilities and enable implementation of systems and processes that have already been tested by Limagrain. Limagrain defines high standards for all of its sites worldwide, including environmentally-friendly farming models, reduction of impact on the ecosystem, employment and labor practices, and more. These norms that have been implemented in Hazera operations at all stations, and in accordance with the requirements of each country.
The first phase of the breeding process maps the target market and its needs, and identifies characteristics of successful varieties and key players. In a second phase, the Breeders and Scientists study the genetic material available for that market and compare it to the varieties already in the market, to design and develop the type of product that can have impact. Operations then goes into high gear to help provide the best approaches for the opportunity. It works continuously with the Breeders to prepare and provide the best quality hybrid seeds needed for testing, selection and demonstration: for the target market: choosing optimal growing methods, controlling the process, and sending seeds to the destination country for the performance and demonstration trials.
Adapting the Growing Conditions to Its Genetics
One of the roles of Operation is to adapt the growing conditions to the needs of the crop: greenhouse type and size; ventilation, heating, cooling and irrigation conditions; fertilization; type of medium (soil type or soil-less medium). All these are intertwined, and the process must be closely monitored while ensuring the conditions are adapted optimally to the plants.
Another variable that affects conditions is genetic diversity. For example, one R&D greenhouse may have up to 1,000 different varieties and the genetic diversity may require different conditions for each variety. The processes in this case must accommodate this variability to ensure success in growing the plants.
Operations Team
The large variety of crops and the flexibility required to adapt the varieties to the target markets pose a great challenge for Hazera’s Operations. Success in managing these demanding requirements is very much dependent upon close cooperation between Operations and the Breeding Department, and collaborative support of R&D Laboratories and Quality Assurance Testing throughout the entire process.
“The vast experience of our teams is the foundation for the development of our processes to comply with the breeding requirements. Professional expertise, in-depth knowledge of the genetic materials, and interchange of innovative ideas lead to improved quality and efficiency,” says Elad Shalit.
Seeds Health
“During the production process, it is very important to maintain the genetic material free of any disease, and for that reason the greenhouses are treated like fortresses,” continues Elad. “Since any contact with the plants with our clothes or hands can leave infectious residues for some diseases, which can be transmitted onwards (similar to the current global COVID-19 pandemic), the rules for entering the site are extremely strict. There’s also frequent pest control, as pests can also be vectors that carry disease. We also sample the plants (leaves and seeds), to assess their health status, before seeding, during the growing and after picking. All of these measures enable us to maintain a clean phytosanitary environment that acts as an isolated island or fortress,” he says.
Nursery
“Hazera is not a commercial nursery; however, we want to maintain the genetic material in the company, so almost all seedlings come from our own nursery. During the breeding process, our nursery provides seedlings also to external growers and to the breeding greenhouses, all year round,” says Elad.
The nursery is equipped with all the systems required in a commercial nursery, including automatic irrigation, fertilization, and crop-management systems, and has the ability to grow plants with strong root and shoot systems. All these enable the nursery to produce healthy seedlings for transplanting in greenhouses and fields. Then, due to phytosanitary reasons, once a seedling is moved out of the nursery (transplanting, sampling, etc.), it cannot be returned.
Safety
Last, but not least – Safety is regarded as an integral part of Hazera’s culture. Operations is a very interesting department, as it involves a wide range of activities, automation mechanisms, processes, and infrastructures. “Our scope of operations and work conditions demand that we pay careful attention not only to the plants but also, and in particular, to the people doing the work, our teams,” adds Shalit. “We frequently conduct safety and risk surveys with professionals and our teams, invest in theoretical and hands-on training of our employees, and encourage them to report risks, malfunctions and hazards. We are all committed to the highest work standards. We do not save on expenses and improvements to ensure a safe work environment.”
Stay tuned for the second part of this article to be further focused on the technological breakthroughs implemented, that will be published on Israel Agri.
What Plant Viruses Can Teach Us About Human Viruses – COVID-19
Posted on Aug 30, 2021
Written by: Dr. David Levy,
Plant Pathologist, Hazera
Globalization of our world over the past several decades has driven a huge increase in the global movement of biological material, providing numerous opportunities for the spread of diseases in a relatively short time. (more…)
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…)
Precision agriculture (PA) reportedly has the potential to boost agricultural productivity by 70% by 2050. With a growing global population, PA techniques can deliver much-needed food security in the decades to come. Precision agriculture (PA), is a crop-farming management concept based on identifying and managing the variability of growing conditions on the crop farm.
About Ofer Peleg
Camelot
