As Product Chain Manager, Chris Groot is always in contact with chain partners to discuss how to introduce product innovations into the international fresh produce chain, from grower to retailer. “At Enza Zaden, we have a close watch on trends and developments in the market and our breeding activities are always attuned to that. Naturally, tailored to the wishes of the chain partners,” says Chris. Today, post-harvest research contributes to help customers and chain partners to serve and please their customers even better.
As post-harvest researcher, Anne Marie is continuously working on collecting data. Anne Marie: “Post-harvest research literally means ‘research after harvesting’. So this means, we analyse and test the full grown product. This data gives us good insights in the characteristics of our products. We use this information for the positioning and improvement of our varieties. It also helps customers to choose the right variety for their market. With the information we get from post-harvest research we can even better attune our products to the end-consumer's needs.”
As it is for Chris, following trends is also very important for a post-harvest researcher, because these trends tell you what consumers are looking for. “Convenience is one of these trends. Consumers are more and more looking for an easy and convenient way of eating healthy. Think about ready to eat salads and mini-vegetables in the supermarkets. Or, for example, on-the-go products that you can eat without using a napkin.” Products used for these convenience trend need specific characteristics. “We select our products on fresh-cut quality: no discoloration and no leaking. And our mini-vegetables are selected on shelf-life, texture and taste,” explains Anne Marie.
Chris will also be present at the Enza Zaden booth at the Asia Fruit Logistica: booth number 5-T27. At the booth you can see, feel and taste a wide range of conventional and organic vegetable varieties.