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Global Tomato Congress 2019

On 26 November 2019 the Global Tomato Congress took place in Rotterdam, for everyone interested in the tomato chain. A tomato quiz was started.
On 26 November 2019 the Global Tomato Congress took place in Rotterdam, for everyone interested in the tomato chain. A tomato quiz was started.
Joe Shaw-Roberts of Kantar Worldpanel kicked off the substantive part. Among other things, he called for even better consumer involvement in the entire, diverse tomato range by, for example, communicating better health benefits on packaging.
Joe Shaw-Roberts of Kantar Worldpanel kicked off the substantive part. Among other things, he called for even better consumer involvement in the entire, diverse tomato range by, for example, communicating better health benefits on packaging.
Arend Schot of Syngenta sees a 'romantic retro' trend, i.e. the consumer's desire to cook with tomatoes in the same way as grandmother did in the past. Breeding companies are responding to this with new, 'old' varieties.
Arend Schot of Syngenta sees a 'romantic retro' trend, i.e. the consumer's desire to cook with tomatoes in the same way as grandmother did in the past. Breeding companies are responding to this with new, 'old' varieties.
In between the presentations and occasionally during the presentations, there was enough space for networking. In the photo Gert-Jan Van Geest of Eminent Food and Niels Koolstra of Eminent Seeds.
In between the presentations and occasionally during the presentations, there was enough space for networking. In the photo Gert-Jan Van Geest of Eminent Food and Niels Koolstra of Eminent Seeds.
Jessica Mulder of Sunset of Holland, the collaboration between Sunset and Soho Produce launched this year. On the picture with Johan Knoll of TNI Holland
Jessica Mulder of Sunset of Holland, the collaboration between Sunset and Soho Produce launched this year. On the picture with Johan Knoll of TNI Holland
Peter Klapwijk (2Harvest) and Henk van Tuijl (KUBO)
Peter Klapwijk (2Harvest) and Henk van Tuijl (KUBO)
Fabio Andres of Yuksel on the photo with Dean Taylor of Mastronardi Produce
Fabio Andres of Yuksel on the photo with Dean Taylor of Mastronardi Produce
Martijn Kesteloo (Through Partners) and Anne Jancic (BASF Vegetable Seeds)
Martijn Kesteloo (Through Partners) and Anne Jancic (BASF Vegetable Seeds)
Robert van den Berg (Bakker Barendrecht), Suzanne van der Werff (Bakker Barendrecht) and Corné van Winsen (ZON Fruit and Vegetables)
Robert van den Berg (Bakker Barendrecht), Suzanne van der Werff (Bakker Barendrecht) and Corné van Winsen (ZON Fruit and Vegetables)
Stefan den Hollander (Harvest House), Mark Versluis (Harvest House), Stephan Schneider (Cre8tives) and Gert-Jan Tamerus (Harvest House)
Stefan den Hollander (Harvest House), Mark Versluis (Harvest House), Stephan Schneider (Cre8tives) and Gert-Jan Tamerus (Harvest House)
Petra Veldman and Paul Stoffels with Stoffels Tomatoes
Petra Veldman and Paul Stoffels with Stoffels Tomatoes
Jorge Molina Martin & Ignazio Manca, Azienda Privata 
Jorge Molina Martin & Ignazio Manca, Azienda Privata
 
Team Axia Vegetable Seeds present - not only for the tomato event but also to celebrate the birthday of Cees Kortekaas!
Team Axia Vegetable Seeds present - not only for the tomato event but also to celebrate the birthday of Cees Kortekaas!
Andrew Burke & Emma Burke from APS Salads with Michael Barker from Fresh Produce in the middle.
Andrew Burke & Emma Burke from APS Salads with Michael Barker from Fresh Produce in the middle.
Robert Malinowsky of Lenzing, Josef Prinz of Joro Verde & Jeremy Geay (Azura)
Robert Malinowsky of Lenzing, Josef Prinz of Joro Verde & Jeremy Geay (Azura)
Harm-Jan Eikelenboom from The Greenery, Hans Verwegen from Enza Zaden & Paco Borras, consultant
Harm-Jan Eikelenboom from The Greenery, Hans Verwegen from Enza Zaden & Paco Borras, consultant
Marc Beckmann, Landgard, Carsten Knodt, Gemüsebau Carsten Knodt, Jurgen Werner of Rijk Zwaan, Dennis de Wit of Priva and Jeroen Driessen of Greenyard.
Marc Beckmann, Landgard, Carsten Knodt, Gemüsebau Carsten Knodt, Jurgen Werner of Rijk Zwaan, Dennis de Wit of Priva and Jeroen Driessen of Greenyard.
Kris Goen & Jermie Chabanis, Syngenta 
Kris Goen & Jermie Chabanis, Syngenta
 
Joost Haenen with Ludvig Svensson, Giama Corbelli with Messe Berlin, Thomas Karl with Fruit Logistica, Andreas Hofland with Hortikey, Martien Penning with Hillenraad & Nele Indevuyst with AHK Debelux & Messe Berlin.
Joost Haenen with Ludvig Svensson, Giama Corbelli with Messe Berlin, Thomas Karl with Fruit Logistica, Andreas Hofland with Hortikey, Martien Penning with Hillenraad & Nele Indevuyst with AHK Debelux & Messe Berlin.
Marcel Groenewegen with Axia Vegetable Seeds with Geert van der Wel & Marcel of Kester of Hazera
Marcel Groenewegen with Axia Vegetable Seeds with Geert van der Wel & Marcel of Kester of Hazera
Pieter Vermeulen of Sakata, Hellen Barnes of Tomatoes NZ, Andrea Disco of HortiServices, Rene Zwinkels of Greenco and Bart Sosef of Biobest.
Pieter Vermeulen of Sakata, Hellen Barnes of Tomatoes NZ, Andrea Disco of HortiServices, Rene Zwinkels of Greenco and Bart Sosef of Biobest.
Victor Folk & Juan Gallego of La Palma show the Adora tomato
Victor Folk & Juan Gallego of La Palma show the Adora tomato
Carton Pack
Carton Pack
Wilfred Scheffers & Eviek van der Arend, Plant Factory & WPK Vegetable Plants.
Wilfred Scheffers & Eviek van der Arend, Plant Factory & WPK Vegetable Plants.
Clive Garrett of ZZ2 from South Africa told about the market in the Southern Hemisphere
Clive Garrett of ZZ2 from South Africa told about the market in the Southern Hemisphere
Peter Orrell, MycoNourish 
Peter Orrell, MycoNourish
 
Nick Hall of Tomra & Jesus Cruz of BBC Technologies
Nick Hall of Tomra & Jesus Cruz of BBC Technologies
Gerrit Tijhof, Sismatec 
Gerrit Tijhof, Sismatec
 
The various tomatoes of Hoogstraten were beautifully displayed
The various tomatoes of Hoogstraten were beautifully displayed
And team Hoogstraten of course also ready to go!
And team Hoogstraten of course also ready to go!
A very international company: Ciacomo Ballandi (Checci e Magli), Arie Verhaas (Bos Brothers/Morrisons), Jesus and Richard Diplock (Eric Wall Ltd).
A very international company: Ciacomo Ballandi (Checci e Magli), Arie Verhaas (Bos Brothers/Morrisons), Jesus and Richard Diplock (Eric Wall Ltd).
Jo Lambrecht (BelOrta) and Tom Lombaerts (Semillas Fitó SA)
Jo Lambrecht (BelOrta) and Tom Lombaerts (Semillas Fitó SA)
Wim Rodenburg (Fresh Produce Center) and Ton Janssen (Tasty Tom)
Wim Rodenburg (Fresh Produce Center) and Ton Janssen (Tasty Tom)
Petra Veldman (Royal Brinkman) and Jean Luc Delcasse (Induser Poniente SL)
Petra Veldman (Royal Brinkman) and Jean Luc Delcasse (Induser Poniente SL)
Johan Knoll (Harvest House) and Wout van Es (Van Nature)
Johan Knoll (Harvest House) and Wout van Es (Van Nature)
Massimiliano Persico (Carton Pack), Pedro Martinez Lazaro (Induser) en Massimo Bellotti (Carton Pack)
Massimiliano Persico (Carton Pack), Pedro Martinez Lazaro (Induser) en Massimo Bellotti (Carton Pack)
Wilco van den Berg (GroentenFruitHuis), Sandra van der Veer (Van Nature) and Frits Verbeek (The Greenery)
Wilco van den Berg (GroentenFruitHuis), Sandra van der Veer (Van Nature) and Frits Verbeek (The Greenery)
Georg Czerny (Al Dahra Baywa), Benedikt Mangold (Baywa AG), Dominik Hartl (Baywa AG)
Georg Czerny (Al Dahra Baywa), Benedikt Mangold (Baywa AG), Dominik Hartl (Baywa AG)
Sharon Van Alphen (Cooperatie Hoogstraten), Chris Dibble (Total Produce) and Luc Bruneel (Cooperatie Hoogstraten)
Sharon Van Alphen (Cooperatie Hoogstraten), Chris Dibble (Total Produce) and Luc Bruneel (Cooperatie Hoogstraten)
Twan Jacobs (Enza Zaden), Maria del Mar Peralta (Enza Zaden), Maarten van den Heuvel (Enza Zaden) and Mari Carmen Manjon Rodriguez (Enza Zaden).
Twan Jacobs (Enza Zaden), Maria del Mar Peralta (Enza Zaden), Maarten van den Heuvel (Enza Zaden) and Mari Carmen Manjon Rodriguez (Enza Zaden).
Jeroen de Weerdt (Incotec), Ofer Ben-Zvi (Tomatech), Klaus Büchel (Klaus Büchel Anstalt), Wilfred Scheffers (Plantfactory) en Brechje Veerman (Incotec)
Jeroen de Weerdt (Incotec), Ofer Ben-Zvi (Tomatech), Klaus Büchel (Klaus Büchel Anstalt), Wilfred Scheffers (Plantfactory) en Brechje Veerman (Incotec)
Alexander Scheufen (Landgard) and Aad van Dijk (The Greenery)
Alexander Scheufen (Landgard) and Aad van Dijk (The Greenery)
Marcel van Kester (Hazera), Marc Groenewegen (Axia Vegetable Seeds) and Geert van der Wel (Hazera)
Marcel van Kester (Hazera), Marc Groenewegen (Axia Vegetable Seeds) and Geert van der Wel (Hazera)
Koen Lauwerysen (Den Berk Délice) & Peter Klapwijk (2Harvest) 
Koen Lauwerysen (Den Berk Délice) & Peter Klapwijk (2Harvest)
 
The team of Syngenta!
The team of Syngenta!
Emma Burke of APS Salads told us that she does not believe in fully automating the cultivation process, although sensors and robots do offer opportunities for further automating the cultivation process.
Emma Burke of APS Salads told us that she does not believe in fully automating the cultivation process, although sensors and robots do offer opportunities for further automating the cultivation process.
David Del Pino (Freshstrategy) opted for 'market integrated breeding' and created several models on screen.
David Del Pino (Freshstrategy) opted for 'market integrated breeding' and created several models on screen.
CASI's Antonio Domene joined Freshstrategy's David Del Pino on the stage. David said that the difficult times the Spanish tomato sector is going through are increasing the willingness to work together. Antonio agreed, while reiterating his concerns about the increasing non-European competition (read: North African tomato cultivation).
CASI's Antonio Domene joined Freshstrategy's David Del Pino on the stage. David said that the difficult times the Spanish tomato sector is going through are increasing the willingness to work together. Antonio agreed, while reiterating his concerns about the increasing non-European competition (read: North African tomato cultivation).
On the Fresh Ideas stage, Eric van der Meer of FoodVentures took the listeners along in the process of setting up cultivation companies in 'unexplored' horticultural countries. One of the tips: "Never pay bribes!"
On the Fresh Ideas stage, Eric van der Meer of FoodVentures took the listeners along in the process of setting up cultivation companies in 'unexplored' horticultural countries. One of the tips: "Never pay bribes!"
Luc Bruneel of Coöperatie Hoogstraten talked about the consumer research that has been done to better anticipate consumer needs, especially those of Generation Z.
Luc Bruneel of Coöperatie Hoogstraten talked about the consumer research that has been done to better anticipate consumer needs, especially those of Generation Z.
Charles Welten of Hazera. The breeding company is very successful with the 27468 and the 48240.
Charles Welten of Hazera. The breeding company is very successful with the 27468 and the 48240.
Chris Panagiotis, Kaasten Reh of Fruchthandel Magazine & Bettina Doehnert with AMI
Chris Panagiotis, Kaasten Reh of Fruchthandel Magazine & Bettina Doehnert with AMI
Breeding companies were well represented at the Global Tomato Congress, but trade and retailers were also present. For example, Stephan Weist of the German REWE Group. He believes that his supermarkets currently have far too many SKUs (stock management units) when it comes to tomatoes. This makes it difficult for consumers to choose on the shelf and also causes headaches for retailers. Of the 870 SKUs that Rewe currently has, Stephan would like to go back to 'just' about 24 SKUs.
Breeding companies were well represented at the Global Tomato Congress, but trade and retailers were also present. For example, Stephan Weist of the German REWE Group. He believes that his supermarkets currently have far too many SKUs (stock management units) when it comes to tomatoes. This makes it difficult for consumers to choose on the shelf and also causes headaches for retailers. Of the 870 SKUs that Rewe currently has, Stephan would like to go back to 'just' about 24 SKUs.
Hans Christoph Behr (AMI) discussed a country and the state of tomato cultivation and trade there in ten minutes each time during the day.
Hans Christoph Behr (AMI) discussed a country and the state of tomato cultivation and trade there in ten minutes each time during the day.
Mike Knowles with organizer Fruitnet, opened the full day event.
Mike Knowles with organizer Fruitnet, opened the full day event.
Next to the main stage there were two other, smaller stages. On the Launchpad stage is Massimo Bellotti of Carton Pack speaking.
Next to the main stage there were two other, smaller stages. On the Launchpad stage is Massimo Bellotti of Carton Pack speaking.
Jos Looije spoke almost simultaneously on the Fresh Ideas stage about the path that Looye Kwekers follows building brands in the tomato world. "Ninety percent of a tomato is water, so as a cultivation company you have to sell emotion."
Jos Looije spoke almost simultaneously on the Fresh Ideas stage about the path that Looye Kwekers follows building brands in the tomato world. "Ninety percent of a tomato is water, so as a cultivation company you have to sell emotion."
At noon on the main stage it was time for a panel discussion with four breeding companies, represented by Jörg Werner (Rijk Zwaan), Pilar Checa (Syngenta), Cees Kortekaas (Axia Vegetable Seeds) and Hans Verwegen (Enza Zaden). Among other things, it was about communicating when selling a product. "We, as breeding companies, can prepare that piece of communication as well as possible, but we are not the party that has to carry it out. This is a task for the retail sector, where we can help."
At noon on the main stage it was time for a panel discussion with four breeding companies, represented by Jörg Werner (Rijk Zwaan), Pilar Checa (Syngenta), Cees Kortekaas (Axia Vegetable Seeds) and Hans Verwegen (Enza Zaden). Among other things, it was about communicating when selling a product. "We, as breeding companies, can prepare that piece of communication as well as possible, but we are not the party that has to carry it out. This is a task for the retail sector, where we can help."
Dean Taylor explained about Mastronardi Produce and all the brands under the Sunset Produce umbrella. "We're not afraid to be replaced by retail when it comes to brands. Retail wants to work with us, because we have the strength to build brands as a full package: including materials and knowledge, that we have."
Dean Taylor explained about Mastronardi Produce and all the brands under the Sunset Produce umbrella. "We're not afraid to be replaced by retail when it comes to brands. Retail wants to work with us, because we have the strength to build brands as a full package: including materials and knowledge, that we have."
Jan Doldersum of Rijk Zwaan talked about the developments in the Chinese and Asian markets.
Jan Doldersum of Rijk Zwaan talked about the developments in the Chinese and Asian markets.
Tom Beyens with Den Berk and Yvo Lens van Gautier.
Tom Beyens with Den Berk and Yvo Lens van Gautier.
Nico van Vliet, De Ruiter and Jo Lambrecht (BelOrta) 
Nico van Vliet, De Ruiter and Jo Lambrecht (BelOrta)
 
Randor Cena and Nico van der Spek with HSI and Bart Sosef of Biobest in the middle.
Randor Cena and Nico van der Spek with HSI and Bart Sosef of Biobest in the middle.
Massimo Bellotti of Carton Pack told about trends in packaging
Massimo Bellotti of Carton Pack told about trends in packaging
The ladies of Looye Kwekers: Katja Kamp, Fleur van Ravensteijn, Marjolijn Put and Marinka van der Ark
The ladies of Looye Kwekers: Katja Kamp, Fleur van Ravensteijn, Marjolijn Put and Marinka van der Ark
German tomato grower Carsten Knodt on the photo with Landgard-colleague Alexander Scheufen
German tomato grower Carsten Knodt on the photo with Landgard-colleague Alexander Scheufen
A well-attended lecture by Jos Looije
A well-attended lecture by Jos Looije
Danny Mucci & Joe Spano by Mucci Farms with in the middle Cees Kortekaas, Axia Vegetable Seeds.
Danny Mucci & Joe Spano by Mucci Farms with in the middle Cees Kortekaas, Axia Vegetable Seeds.
Czander Dubbeld & Nathalie van den Ende, KUBO greenhouse projects
Czander Dubbeld & Nathalie van den Ende, KUBO greenhouse projects
Peter Colbers, Ruud Kaagman & Pieter Stijnen with Syngenta accomponied by Joost Haenen with Svensson. 
Peter Colbers, Ruud Kaagman & Pieter Stijnen with Syngenta accomponied by Joost Haenen with Svensson.
 
Henk van Tuyl of KUBO told more about sustainable cultivation using techniques.
Henk van Tuyl of KUBO told more about sustainable cultivation using techniques.
Ofer Ben Zvi of Tomatech with Dean Taylor of Mastronardi Produce
Ofer Ben Zvi of Tomatech with Dean Taylor of Mastronardi Produce
Discussion about the role of new varieties with Pilar Checa of Syngenta, Cees Kortekaas of Axia Vegetable Seeds, Hans Verwegen of Enza Zaden and Jorg Werner of Rijk Zwaan Germany.
Discussion about the role of new varieties with Pilar Checa of Syngenta, Cees Kortekaas of Axia Vegetable Seeds, Hans Verwegen of Enza Zaden and Jorg Werner of Rijk Zwaan Germany.
Chris Groot and Marc Mens with Enza Zaden with in the middle Ton Janssen with Tasty Tom, who may have sold the nursery but hasn't exactly had a quiet year yet.
Chris Groot and Marc Mens with Enza Zaden with in the middle Ton Janssen with Tasty Tom, who may have sold the nursery but hasn't exactly had a quiet year yet.
Asmund Bjertnæs of Bjertnæs & Hoel talks about new sales methods in Norway.
Asmund Bjertnæs of Bjertnæs & Hoel talks about new sales methods in Norway.
Jurnjan van den Bremer with MJ Tech 
Jurnjan van den Bremer with MJ Tech
 
Jasper Verhoeven with Royal Brinkman talks about how to eliminate ToBRFV
Jasper Verhoeven with Royal Brinkman talks about how to eliminate ToBRFV
Alberto Cuadrado Salmeron of Rijk Zwaan Spain on the tomato chain and adding value
Alberto Cuadrado Salmeron of Rijk Zwaan Spain on the tomato chain and adding value
In between, Hans-Christoph Behr fluffed out all the developments in the tomato markets.
In between, Hans-Christoph Behr fluffed out all the developments in the tomato markets.
Niek Finaut (Reo Veiling), Leen Matthe (Cooperatie Hoogstraten), Philiep Willems (Reo Veiling) and Loes van der Velden, Den Berk 
Niek Finaut (Reo Veiling), Leen Matthe (Cooperatie Hoogstraten), Philiep Willems (Reo Veiling) and Loes van der Velden, Den Berk
 
The day was organized by Fruitnet. In the picture Artur Wiselka.
The day was organized by Fruitnet. In the picture Artur Wiselka.
Stephan Schneider from Cre8tives talked about different ways to increase market size and add value.
Stephan Schneider from Cre8tives talked about different ways to increase market size and add value.
Joost Haenen by Ludvig Svensson on the effects of diffuse light and how screens can help you achieve these.
Joost Haenen by Ludvig Svensson on the effects of diffuse light and how screens can help you achieve these.
Roberto della Casa by Agroter on the available tests to improve the quality in the value chain.
Roberto della Casa by Agroter on the available tests to improve the quality in the value chain.
Ruud Kaagman of Syngenta on the importance of better varieties for the entire chain.
Ruud Kaagman of Syngenta on the importance of better varieties for the entire chain.
Wilco van den Berg with the Groentenfruit Huis 
Wilco van den Berg with the Groentenfruit Huis
 
Piet Hein van Baar of Signify shows how much LED has been installed by now.
Piet Hein van Baar of Signify shows how much LED has been installed by now.
Theo Tekstra & Leo Lansbergen, Fluence  
Theo Tekstra & Leo Lansbergen, Fluence 
 
A discussion on light in horticulture with Peter Klapwijk (2Harvest), Piet Hein van Baar (Signify), Theo Tekstra and Leo Lansbergen (Signify).
A discussion on light in horticulture with Peter Klapwijk (2Harvest), Piet Hein van Baar (Signify), Theo Tekstra and Leo Lansbergen (Signify).
Luc Bruneel, Cooperatie Hoogstraten 
Luc Bruneel, Cooperatie Hoogstraten
 
And last but not least, the launch of Prominent / Door Partners' new campaign: a challenge for the entire chain to get consumers to eat more valuable tomatoes at more times.
And last but not least, the launch of Prominent / Door Partners' new campaign: a challenge for the entire chain to get consumers to eat more valuable tomatoes at more times.