How does the future look for bell peppers?

On June 14th, the second edition, after a successful first edition, of the Syngenta Bell Pepper Event, took place: "How does the future of the bell pepper look?"

Four speakers brought a varied program about international cooperation, innovation, value creation, and digital (r)evolution, with intent to bring the sector together and to inspire for success in the future.

The backdrop to the event was the Ado Den Haag Cars Jeans Stadium where the guests were treated to four informative, inspiring presentations.

The afternoon was opened by Arend Schot, Head EAME Vegetable Seeds Syngenta. He stressed the importance of meeting and cooperating as a sector and zoomed in on the Syngenta Bell Pepper team. 

Before a public of about 50 spectators Portfolio Manager Rik Lootens kicked off with a very interesting follow-up to the presentation of the last edition. What are the opportunities and threats for the various bell pepper markets? Difference between Spain, Israel, and the Netherlands were talked about. The technical growth aspects were discussed, but also the sales possibilities.

Then SVP International Retail Patrick van der Zee (IRI) gave a solid view of the supermarket landscape. What fruit and vegetables does the consumer eat? Which areas in The Netherlands offer opportunities? Which innovations are effective? Patrick: "Not all innovations are new products. The most successful innovations are a new version of an existing product, which meets a need of the customer."

After a break with a bite, the visitors were immersed in a veritable flavor experience. Caroline Labrie, Researcher quality greenhouse vegetables at the WUR, told about the many possibilities of taste research and told what the consumer looked for when choosing a bell pepper. Caroline: "If you look at the top three factors on which the consumer bases his choice, you see that taste is very important. But at the moment nothing about this is being communicated to the customer."

Michiel Meekels, Design Director at Today Is... , took the visitors back to prehistory, to end in the present, a present that stunned many visitors. "The artificial intelligence already used in an AmazonGo shop for example is amazing. A system in which all the customer has to do is take the product and walk out the shop. Products are automatically charged to an account. It seems like the future, but it already exists."

After the presentations it was time for relaxation. The guests were taken on a tour, in authentic Den Haag fashion, of the ADO stadium. At the end of the tour the visitors entered the field through the players' tunnel to kick a ball around. How often do you get the chance! Accompanied by much cheer and laughter the visitors tried to score a goal with Storky as keeper.

After this sporty relief it was time for a bite and a drink. In a relaxed atmosphere a dinner of small bites was served, and the guests had every opportunity to catch up and talk about all the information of the day.

Kris Goen, Product Manager Solanacea Syngenta: "We want to thank everybody for coming, it has been a successful day. The speakers were very interesting, the interaction magnificent, and the tour through the stadium, including penalties, was a welcome change to the program."

 
Everybody took their turn


Stef van Driel, Plantenkwekerij Klugt, went home with a real ADO ball as prize for his efforts during the penalties.