Indonesian grower Sweet Greens is well on the way to reaching its ultimate goal: supplying to Asian and Middle Eastern markets. “We grow the sweetest, softest and juiciest melons for affordable market prices. Thanks to our optimal greenhouse, we can achieve the genetic potential of Rijk Zwaan’s seeds,” states Suhadi Zaini, CEO of the company. He is eager to move ‘freshly forward’, as expressed in Rijk Zwaan’s theme for Fruit Logistica in Berlin.
Three friends with a dream
Sweet Greens and the Dang Sweet Melon brand name were founded by Janto Soetanto, Suhadi Zaini and Bambang Panutomo. The three friends dreamt of growing the best melons in the world. As great melon enthusiasts, they were rarely satisfied by the taste and consistency of most melons they found.
Suhadi: “We were driven by the belief that we could achieve the genetic potential of Rijk Zwaan’s seeds with an optimally running high-tech greenhouse – and we succeeded. Together with our disciplined and dedicated workforce, we created an extremely clean environment and a well-organised operation. We have managed to grow premium melons that are the sweetest in the market.”
Outstanding Brix level
At the heart of this success are three Rijk Zwaan melon varieties from the Asian Jewels collection: the Golden Emerald Inthanon RZ with green flesh and dense netting, the green-fleshed Silver Coral variety Sagami RZ, and the orange-fleshed Silver Coral variety Fujisawa RZ. They are all grown on coco peat that is washed thoroughly to ensure the desired values.
“In our market, sweetness is the most important quality that sets us apart from others. We have proved that we can achieve – and even surpass – the Brix level specified by Rijk Zwaan. This is testament to our team’s ability to work closely together with the Rijk Zwaan representative, Novianto,” adds Suhadi.
Moving freshly forward
Thanks to this sweetness and appealing flavour, supermarkets are very enthusiastic. Suhadi is somewhat surprised that no other growers have exploited this market before. “Our melons are setting the new standard for quality. Supermarkets have so much confidence in our company that they are interested in our other crops too, like chilies. In fact, some supermarkets have placed orders before we even start the chili planting season. This helps our company to move freshly forward.”
Good relationship is key for the future
With the help of Rijk Zwaan, Suhadi, Janto and Bambang are well on the way to fulfilling their international dreams. “First of all, we will keep on expanding our greenhouses both in Jakarta and beyond to grow melons, chilies and – as of next year – watermelons and cherry tomatoes. Secondly, we will need the support of Rijk Zwaan’s supply chain network in order to tap into the international market. Our good relationship is a key component of our success. No matter how excellent and complete our equipment is, Rijk Zwaan’s seeds are the most critical factor. They are what allow us to produce premium fruits and vegetables.”
For more information:
Rijk Zwaan
Burgemeester Crezéelaan 40
2678 ZG, De Lier
www.rijkzwaan.com