Pepper growers to chose between discount market or higher segment

Bell peppers remain an intriguing topic, it turned out at Rijk Zwaan's Pepper Event. The Dutch vegetable breeder opened its doors to more than 50 growers recently. Together, they discussed the developments in peppers. Apart from various presentations, there was a tour around Rijk Zwaan's seed technology center and an introduction of the latest pepper varieties. The goal was to inspire companies to make future-proof decisions.

Presentations during the event mainly highlighted the opportunities for growers in a changing market. Crop coordinator Rudy van den Berg: "We showed acreage evolutions by segment, as well as the increasing diversification in peppers. The block peppers for bulk will remain, but more and more retailers are enriching their assortment with specialties and innovative concepts, like pointed and snack peppers."

The consequences of the pepper diversification are felt by individual companies. "The cultivation of standard block peppers differs from pointed pepper cultivation, for instance. Policies regarding labor, cultivation and internal logistics are completely different. We advise growers to take a clear-cut decision: you either continue to the discount market with your company, or you aim for the higher segment. Only then can we keep up the competition with countries like Spain."

The Pepper Event provided growers an accessible opportunity to consult with chain managers and cultivation advisors. Of course the regular and new varieties were discussed as well, with Rijk Zwaan introducing the Keessie RZ and Hein RZ peppers.

For more information:
Rijk Zwaan
Burgemeester Crezéelaan 40
2678 KX De Lier
Netherlands
T +31 174 532 300
rijkzwaannederland@rijkzwaan.nl
www.rijkzwaan.nl