Voices from the field: Ipatioaie Costel reflects on 16 years with Hazera
Posted on Oct 29, 2024
Hazera held its International Open Days from September 24th to 26th, welcoming hundreds of customers from all over the world. During the event, visitors had the opportunity to “connect their senses” by touching and tasting a wide range of Hazera varieties at the fields and on displays, while also hearing insights from our crop experts about key highlights.
We had the pleasure of speaking with one of our customers attending the event, Ipatioaie Costel, the sales representative for Adri Prodcom in eastern Romania. With over 16 years of experience working with Hazera, Ipatioaie primarily focuses on tomatoes and cabbage, while also dealing with radishes, peppers, and watermelons.
The conversation began with a discussion of the challenges currently facing the agricultural industry. According to Ipatioaie, the biggest hurdle is adapting to the rapidly shifting market demands. He emphasized the importance of understanding growers’ needs, developing strategies to meet them, and introducing innovative products while maintaining a competitive edge. “None of this is possible,” he noted, “without quality seeds, high-yielding varieties, fair pricing, and strong grower support.”
When asked about Hazera’s ability to respond to these market changes, Ipatioaie highlighted the strong collaboration between his team and Hazera. “This partnership allows us to take the necessary steps to overcome challenges. We work together to identify what is important—finding new, quality varieties for the market. It is a step-by-step process. First, we assess the market and competition, then work with Hazera to conduct trials, evaluate the results, and decide if a variety is suitable. This takes time—patience is key, especially since some varieties respond to market needs faster than others.”
Reflecting on his long-standing partnership with us, Ipatioaie expressed pride in the company’s consistent delivery of high-quality products, particularly tomatoes. “Hazera tomatoes are known for their taste, color, and quality,” he said. “Consumers first look for good taste, then color, and now they also want quality and high yield.” He described the balance between taste, resistance, and transportability as like a chess game, where you must prioritize traits based on market demand.
Ipatioaie thought that Hazera’s slogan, “Growing Together,” is both meaningful and fitting. “It is a powerful message,” he remarked. “Working together is essential for success, and this slogan perfectly reflects the shared commitment in the whole industry.”
For Ipatioaie, the most rewarding part of his job is engaging with growers, understanding their challenges, and providing solutions that truly make a difference. “That’s the best part—offering quality solutions after listening to their needs. To do this successfully, you need strong collaboration skills. Without being close to the growers and understanding the markets, success is impossible.”
From November 12 to 15, Hazera once again made its mark at Expo Agroalimentaria Irapuato 2024, one of the most prominent agricultural events in Mexico and Latin America.
This annual gathering brings together producers, companies, and innovators in the agri-food sector, serving as a key platform for exchanging knowledge and showcasing the latest innovations in agriculture.
This year, Hazera stood out with a dynamic booth and a highly skilled team dedicated to providing quality solutions for the challenges faced by growers. During the event, the team interacted with growers, distributors, and technicians, sharing experiences, personalized advice, and in-depth knowledge about the varieties best suited to specific growing conditions. It was also a privilege to welcome Hazera’s new CEO, Ofer Peleg, at the expo.
Hazera’s portfolio for this year included an impressive selection of varieties that have demonstrated outstanding performance in different agricultural regions. Some of the most notable were Canelo, Mago, Pendragon, Windsor, Fénix and Galoper.
Furthermore, Hazera introduced two new additions in its portfolio this year: Heredero and Indomable, which sparked significant interest among attendees. These varieties were developed to provide innovative solutions to meet current agricultural market needs, standing out for their resistance, productivity, and high quality.
The Hazera Mexico team extends its gratitude to all the visitors, partners who made this experience a resounding success. Their participation serves as a reminder of the positive impact that can be achieved by uniting efforts for the benefit of the agricultural sector.
How ToBRFV varieties changed the Mexican tomato market
Posted on Dec 03, 2024
ToBRFV is a constant threat to growers worldwide as it significantly reduces yields, affects the quality of the fruit, and systematically infects other plants. It is a very transmittable virus that can infect through soil, tools, water, and people’s contact. Hazera has been tackling this threat with its ToBRFV IR varieties- the optimal balance between protection and performance – which provide growers with an effective tool to face the highly infectious virus.
Guillermo Briseno, General Manager in Mexico tells us how the ToBRFV varieties changed the tomato market in Mexico.
Market overview prior to ToBRFV resistant varieties
“The Mexican tomato market before ToBRFV, was a regular market with its challenges on yield, quality, regular diseases for which we had the majority of the resistances and so on.”
How did the new virus impact the market?
“After ToBRFV, the course of tomato producing practices has changed dramatically in Mexico and in the whole world. At the beginning, it was an unknown enemy that was confused many times with TSWV or similar symptoms diseases. ToBRFV is a game changer in the industry. It requires plants to have a strong resistance as that is the main factor for growers to be able to produce tomatoes.”
What are the tomato growers looking for today?
“When the first ToBRFV-resistant varieties were launched by the different companies, there was always a strong doubt from the growers, about whether the resistance was strong enough or not, or how the behavior of the plants would be related to all the rest of the traits such as quality, quantity, vigor, size, fruit coloring etc. As of now, growers are looking for the optimal balance of protection plus performance of the ToBRFV-resistant varieties; So, it is important to supply growers with varieties that can provide on one side resistance and on the other side a good performance that can provide the growers a profitable business.”
Recognition of Hazera’s Efforts
“Hazera has a good position on the ToBRFV tomatoes in particular the indeterminate roma and grape tomatoes slots. We have now two indeterminate tomato varieties Canelo and Pendragon that show good performance and add value to the growers. In addition, we are now adding long shelf life to grape tomato varieties that require a high demand of labor to support growers as well with lower labor needs, resistance, and performance. At Hazera, we will continue working on this desired balance that can assure growers to continue profitable seasons and bring more and more varieties in the different slots that can provide performance and resistance.”
Would you like to learn more about the market in Mexico or have other questions? Contact us!
On September 24–26, Hazera will host its annual International Open Days in Warmenhuizen, where you will have the opportunity to explore our crop varieties up close and also get an inside look at the breeding process behind these varieties directly from Manu Parmar, our Global Breeding Lead for Cabbage.
Manu Parmar has been working with Hazera for the past few months and he is based in Warmenhuizen. He lives in Haarlem with his wife and two daughters. He was born and brought up in New Delhi, India. His father is a soil scientist, which motivated Manu to pursue an education in the field of agricultural sciences. He did his PhD in vegetable crops with a specialization in Breeding from Punjab Agricultural University. He has 18 years of experience in breeding various vegetable crops and back in India, he was a cabbage breeder.
What is a common myth about your job or field of expertise?
“I think a common myth about working as a plant breeder in a seed company is that the job is mostly about working in the fields and greenhouses. While fieldwork is certainly a part of the job, plant breeders often spend a significant amount of time in the office conducting data analysis, planning breeding programs, and managing projects.” Manu thinks for a second then continues saying that “another myth is that plant breeders are solely responsible for all aspects of the breeding process. But in reality, they often work as part of a larger team that includes research associates, lab technicians, and other specialists. This collaborative environment helps to streamline the breeding process and incorporate various expertise.”
In your opinion, what is the most important personality trait someone should have to work in your industry?
“One of the most important strengths for a plant breeder is strong analytical skills. This involves the ability to capture plant traits, interpret complex data and make informed decisions based on genetic, environmental, and experimental data. Collaboration and communication skills are important to be able to work across cross functional teams of genetics and lab scientists to bring innovation, speed and agility to the breeding program.”
Tell us about a project you’re proud of and why.
“I am proud to be part of the brassica breeding team and it is part of the heritage of Hazera. It started with developing varieties for Western Europe, but today we are a global player with a wide assortment of specific varieties. Pointed cabbage is our specialty with varieties like Dutchman, Regency and Marshal, and Berlenga for western Europe and Mediterranean markets.”
What does “Hazera- Growing Together” mean to you?
“For me Growing together means that the Hazera team believes in working through challenges, just like increasing world population, pandemics, regional conflicts, reduction of arable land, and climate change, and is determined to develop superior varieties and achieve food security.”
Tell us something about you that most people don’t know.
“In India, we drive on the left side, so it was quite an adjustment for me to learn how to write on the right side when I came to the Netherlands.”
Do you want to stay connected with our Hazera people?
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Last week, Hazera USA hosted its annual Hall Field Days in New York, drawing over a hundred customers, growers, and distributors from across the United States. The event offered a unique opportunity for the attendees to explore Hazera’s latest varieties and innovative concepts shaping the future of agriculture.
The event kicked off with an introduction to Hazera’s new concept of ‘Tomatoes that Work for You,’ presented by Hazera’s Tomato Expert and Regional Manager, Arno Van Staden. This forward-thinking initiative addresses some of the most pressing challenges in the tomato industry today, including rising production costs, labor shortages, and the need for sustainable farming practices. Arno’s presentation underscored Hazera’s commitment to leading the way in agricultural innovation.
Another key highlight was the showcase of Hazera’s ToBRFV resistant tomato varieties. These breakthroughs represent a significant advancement in crop protection, offering enhanced resistance to ToBRFV. This innovation is crucial for maintaining crop health and ensuring consistent productivity despite the growing threat of diseases.
Attendees were also introduced to Hazera’s latest watermelon, cabbage, and sunflower breeds. These new varieties have been developed with a focus on improved yield, superior taste, and greater resilience. The excitement among the participants was palpable as they explored the potential of these crops.
One of the most cherished aspects of the Hall Field Days was the opportunity for face-to-face interactions. Meeting customers, growers, and distributors in person allowed for meaningful exchanges, strengthening relationships and collaboration. The passion and commitment of the participants were truly inspiring, reinforcing Hazera’s dedication to supporting its partners in every possible way.
We look forward to many more opportunities to connect, learn, and grow together.
Five years ago, Hazera introduced Fenix pepper, a blocky yellow variety, to greenhouse cultivation across Mexico, revolutionizing the pepper industry with its superior qualities.
Before the arrival of Fenix, Mexican growers faced a significant need for reliable pepper varieties that could deliver continuous yields from September to May. Growers often experienced a production gap with traditional varieties, especially during the cold months. At the same time, shifting consumer preferences increased the demand for peppers with good fruit shape and an attractive yellow color.
These market demands resulted in several competitor varieties entering the market. Fenix emerged after years of dedicated breeding that prioritized the development of a disease-resistant and strong crop that thrives even in stressed conditions and challenging latitudes where radiation is a limiting factor.
Fenix’s exceptional attributes, such as high yield, quality fruit in terms of color, shape, and uniformity, and a strong plant balance between vegetative and generative growth, make it the preferred choice for growers. Today, it holds approximately 40% of the market share in Mexico, particularly in the Sinaloa area.
“Fenix is a variety with very strong plant, that helps to have a healthy plant that can be grown on high radiation condition during summer when we start the harvest. During season, fruits continue with good sizes and thick wall. It’s an excellent variety for us with its flexibility to be packed in boxes and bags. On this segment of yellow blocky pepper, Fenix is the best variety for our growing conditions like salty soils and high radiation during big part of the season. During and after winter, Fenix keeps its uniform sizes and good fruit weight.” ~ Gerardo Gonzales Perez, grower at Horticola Jehersa S.P.R de R.L. farm in Yurecuaro, Michoacan.
With devotion to sustainability, we continuously seek ways to enhance our varieties. With Fenix, we implemented sustainable growth methods that minimize fruit waste and optimize the use of water and fertilizers. This approach reflects our dedication to creating a positive impact across the entire supply chain, from growers to consumers.
The success of Fenix is a testament to our commitment to innovation and people. The high performance and fruit quality of Fenix ensure that growers produce healthy, delicious vegetables that strengthen communities and promote healthy living. Our global diversity and invested expertise allow us to understand and adapt to the unique needs of various markets, ensuring that Fenix continues to be a valuable crop.
Would you like to learn more about Felix? Contact us!
At Hazera, we are proud of our dedicated team, which works passionately to provide our growers with the best products. While we tend to put our products in the headlines, it is the Hazera team who are behind our success. Let’s shine the spotlight on Federico Puyo (52), Product Manager for Long Cucumbers and Blocky Peppers from Almeria, Spain.
Federico Puyo, Product Manager for Long Cucumbers and Blocky Peppers, lives in Almeria with his wife and two kids. He studied agronomy and has been working in the agricultural industry since 1994. He began his career as an advisor in crop management for local companies in the fertilizers and fruit trees business. After 25 years, Federico decided to return to his roots and work with vegetables. He joined Hazera five years ago and with his empathy, expertise, and curiosity he has been a valuable team member since.
What is a common myth about your field of expertise?
“A common misconception about the seed industry in general, which I also had myself, is that creating and breeding new hybrids is not a complicated process. But since I started working as a product manager, I learnt that I couldn’t have been more wrong about it.” Admits Federico. “Turns out, producing seeds is quite complex. Especially nowadays, as there is a need to develop global varieties that can thrive in various conditions and markets.”
In your opinion, what is the most important strength someone needs to be successful in your job?
“I think empathy and willingness to help others are very essential skills a product manager should have. At the end of the day, it’s not just the company that matters, but the people within. In my position, it is important to have empathy because you need to understand the challenges and needs of different departments and people like breeders, sales, and marketing. You need to be able to combine the various perspectives and work together towards a common goal. And of course, to do this, you also need to be curious, need to be engaged with different departments within and outside the company to learn and understand what they do. Then you have the full picture, and you are of better help.”
Tell us about a project you’re proud of and why.
“I can highlight two things I’m proud of. One is the mini seedless watermelon project I’m involved in with some colleagues from Marketing and Fresh Chain. I’m very proud of being part of this project because, despite all the difficulties the team is facing, we are taking a position in the market step by step. The other thing to highlight is related to my crop, long cucumber. I take pride in transforming the perception of Hazera in the Spanish market. At first, Hazera was viewed as a tomato company, but the reputation of our long cucumbers is growing more and more, and growers are curious about our varieties.”
What does “Hazera- Growing Together” mean to you?
“As I see it, Growing Together has two parts. One part is Growing Together internally, as I mentioned, being empathetic and curious and working as a team with colleagues. I might not be so knowledgeable in other crops, but I keep an open mind and try to connect with my colleagues and learn from them.” Federico smiles. “In the end, we are one team, and we need to have the same mission. Growing together externally means that we need to collaborate with our external partners and customers, understand their challenges and try to find solutions to help them. So, growing together is not only a benefit for Hazera but also a global benefit.”
Tell us something about yourself that most people do not know.
“Not many people know, but I would like to set up a tapas bar when I retire. My wife is not convinced yet of this idea.” Federico laughs. “But I’d love to own a tapas bar, where I can talk with the people who come in. And of course, drink a beer or two with them.”
Do you want to stay connected with our Hazera people?
Follow us our social media channels to stay connected with our Hazera people! If you have any questions left, don’t hesitate to ask them via our contact page!
How ToBRFV varieties changed the tomato market in Greece
Posted on Oct 20, 2024
Greece is recognized for its substantial consumption and production of tomatoes, both fresh and processed. This brief explores the transformative impact of Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) resistant varieties on the tomato market, focusing on the pre-existing conditions, the emergence of dominant varieties, their characteristics, benefits, and the broader implications for tomato cultivation.
Let’s see what Petros Karkatselis, General Manager can tell us how the ToBRFV varieties changed the tomato market in Greece.
Market overview prior to ToBRFV resistant varieties
“Before the introduction of the ToBRFV resistant beef tomato varieties, the virus significantly affected the tomato cultivation in Greece. It caused a reduction of approximately 15% in tomato greenhouses cultivation area. This decline was attributed to the virus’s detrimental effects on both yield and fruit quality, prompting growers to shift to alternative crops, such as cucumbers and tomato mini plums, that we saw an increase in the last two years in cultivation area by over 15%.”
Which ones are the dominant varieties in the Greek market?
“Hazera introduced Thireos F1, the first ToBRFV resistant beef tomato variety in Greece, with initial plantings in spring and expanded cultivation into autumn/overwinter periods. The variety has shown promising results, with excellent yield and fruit quality, encouraging repeated cultivation among growers. Similarly, the mini plum tomato variety Lollipop has gained traction for its resistance to ToBRFV, bolstering grower confidence in tomato production free from the virus’s threats.”
What are the main benefits of these varieties?
“Thireos is characterized by a robust and vigorous plant producing large, shiny red beef tomatoes with outstanding taste and quality.
Lollipop is known for its strong plant and high yield, Lollipop produces fruits with exceptional taste and extended shelf life.
These varieties not only outperform older varieties in yield but also offer a resistance package that allows for the cultivation of non-grafted plants, reducing costs significantly.”
What tomato the growers are looking for today?
“The challenges of pest infestations (Tuta Absoluta), labor costs, and ToBRFV have contributed to a declined tomato cultivation in Greece. Growers are searching for resistant varieties that offer ease of cultivation and high performance to mitigate these threats. The demand for ToBRFV resistant varieties is a testament to the industry’s need for solutions that effectively address both the virus threat and cultivation costs.”
How are the Hazera ToBRFV-resistant varieties perceived in Greece?
“Hazera’s introduction of ToBRFV resistant varieties has been well-received in the market, providing growers with the means to produce high-quality tomatoes while alleviating concerns over virus-related losses. Hazera’s proactive support and knowledge sharing have been instrumental in assisting growers to optimize their cultivation practices and achieve superior results.”
How are Hazera’s efforts recognized?
“Hazera has been breeding resilient and resistant varieties to overcome the challenges in the market for a long time. With its ToBRFV varieties Hazera tackled new challenges and showed its commitment to support growers in difficult situations as well.”
How the ToBRFV varieties work for the growers?
“The introduction of ToBRFV resistant varieties, such as Pendragon, Giubilo, Windsor, Canelo, Lollipop and Thireos, aligns with the concept of “Tomato That Works for You,” emphasizing the synergy between innovative breeding techniques and the practical needs of tomato growers. This approach highlights the industry’s shift towards sustainable and resilient agricultural practices in the face of emerging threats.
In summary, the introduction of Hazera ToBRFV resistant tomato varieties has significantly influenced the Greek tomato market, offering new opportunities for growth, stability, and sustainability in the middle of challenges. Hazera’s contributions, through the development and support of these varieties, have been critical in revitalizing tomato cultivation in Greece, reflecting a commitment to innovation and sustainability in agriculture.”
Would you like to learn more about the market in Greece or have other questions? Contact us!
How the ToBRFV varieties changed the tomato market in Spain
Posted on Jul 18, 2024
ToBRFV, Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus, is a constant threat to growers worldwide as it significantly reduces yields, affects the quality of the fruit, and systematically infects other plants. It is a very transmittable virus that can infect through soil, tools, water, and people’s contact. Hazera has been tackling this threat with its ToBRFV IR varieties- the optimal balance between protection and performance– which provide growers with an effective tool to face the highly infectious virus.
Alfredo Mesa, Product Manager for tomatoes tells us how the ToBRFV varieties changed the tomato market in Spain.
Can you give an overview of the market before the presence of the ToBRFV resistant varieties?
“Not all the markets have reacted the same way to the virus. In the first markets with virus-infected tomato crops, growers needed to adapt to the situation without resistant varieties. From doing one long cycle per year, they moved to two cycles. Others were searching for varieties with field tolerance. Growers realized that they needed resistant varieties as their “tolerant” varieties were not strong enough anymore due to the increased level of infection, so the seed companies started to release resistant varieties. These markets needed to be open to change their traditional varieties to new resistant ones because the growers were not willing to try anything without the resistance.”
How did the new virus impact the market?
“All markets were impacted differently, depending on when the virus appeared. It seemed to have affected more greenhouse production than open fields. The more intense the agriculture system was, the more impact the virus had on that market. Another change in the market was the change of susceptible varieties to resistant ones. However, the cultivated tomato area has not decreased yet.”
How did the new virus impact the growers?
“Growers suffered from marketable yield loss. They needed to finish their crops earlier, sometimes even two months earlier than they used to, leading to shorter growing cycles. It was necessary because the virus weakened the plants by reducing the foliar area. If the infection starts in young plants, growers must pull out the plants and start again if possible. If not, they need to move to other crops.”
How did Hazera develop its varieties?
“Hazera has been researching and investing massive resources and working for over ten years side to side with our growers/partners to develop a good resistance level without compromising the performance of the current varieties. Breeders, phytopathologists, and genetics worked together, implementing state-of-the-art tools and technologies to speed up the discovery and implementation stages. Thousands of sources were screened looking for potential sources of resistance against the virus. New phytopathology bioassays were developed to confirm and validate the potential sources found. Then parental lines and further hybrids carrying the resistance against the virus were developed and hybrids were deployed in a vast network of trials in the different markets worldwide to confirm both the resistance against the virus and the agronomical performance. Only varieties combining both Resistance and Performance were promoted to the next stages.
Which ones are the dominant varieties in the Spanish market?
“Depending on the typology. For example, nowadays, the Mini Plum varieties, like Pendragon, and Windsor are the more common ones. They have a high performance in all markets and all seasons. Both are very productive and outyield most of the competition, even more so when ToBRFV is present. They also make the harvest process very efficient as the fruits from two and three clusters could be left in the plant and harvested at once. Shelf-life of the fruits is also very good, which allows the harvest to be very efficient. Growers who didn’t have problems with ToBRFV are still very satisfied with Camelot. In segments where new ToBRFV-resistant varieties are not performing well, such as cluster typologies, growers stick to their traditional varieties. Additionally, some plantings, particularly those in November-December with short cycles and no virus present, serve as opportunities for growers to test new ToBRFV-resistant varieties as a precaution.”
What are the main benefits of these varieties?
“If I had to narrow it down, I would highlight the following characteristics:
– High yield potential with very little waste in the field and retail.
– Good quality fruits if they are harvested at the right time in terms of maturity with extended shelf-life.
– Good resistance to ToBRFV infection.”
What are the tomato growers looking for today?
“They look for resistance and performance, which means that fruits and plants do not show symptoms of infection, and at the same time, the varieties perform over the minimum standards of yield, size, quality, etc. First, of course, they look for resistance, but after testing what the seed companies are presenting with resistance, they request high performance. Hazera will not release inferior varieties.”
How are the Hazera ToBRFV-resistant varieties perceived in Spain?
“Hazera did not only contribute with varieties with good levels of resistance and performance but also with education on dealing with the virus. The Hazera team did their research and communicated their findings to the growers, technicians, and agricultural advisors. The Hazera team had a clear message that the best strategy to prevent the virus infection is to start the crop with a clean and disinfected structure and ground, then use resistant varieties, and finally, use the best practices when working in the greenhouse.”
How are Hazera’s efforts recognized?
“The growers recognize the effort done by Hazera to help them overcome the new threat/virus. They can see the difference between susceptible and IR-resistant varieties. They know that Hazera varieties are reliable, and they are confident. The proof is the many phone calls we receive requesting information and seeds for our varieties. We are a reference in the fields because we are the ones who talked about the virus to them even before they knew that they have the virus in their greenhouses.”
Would you like to learn more about the market in Spain or have other questions? Contact us!
At Hazera, we are proud of our dedicated team, which works passionately to provide our growers with the best products. While our products often grab the headlines, it is the Hazera team who are behind our success. Let’s shine the spotlight on Dirk-Jan Polak (57), a Commercial Crop Specialist from Poortugaal, Netherlands, who plays a vital role in our organization.
Dirk-Jan has agriculture running in his veins. He shares with a smile. “My family history is quite interesting. We are a real food family. We are growers, fishermen, butchers, and bakers. In fact, just near our head office in Oosteind, you can find a bakery, the Bakery Polak, a legacy of my family.” For eight years, Dirk-Jan was a game dealer and built the Hollands Wild brand together with Jo Kloet. “We were the odd ones in the meat world.” Dirk-Jan laughed. “Because Jo had been a marketing director at Rijk Zwaan and I had had my vegetable-cutting company.” He joined Hazera two years ago as a Commercial Crop Specialist for radishes, corn salad, and baby carrots. His dedication to his work and crops is shown in the success of various projects. A recent example is the radish mix, where Dirk-Jan’s contributions played an important part and helped the project earn the prestigious title of Best Product of the Year in the Dutch Consumer Election.
What is a common myth about your job or field of expertise?
When asked about a misconception in his field, Dirk-Jan responds: “Most people who are no longer connected to our agriculture and horticulture hardly realize how professional and efficient we have become, but also how dependent we still are on nature and have to deal with it and every day.’’
In your opinion, what is the most important personality trait someone would need to work in your industry?
Dirk-Jan believes effective communication is crucial in his role as a Commercial Crop Specialist. “I act as the bridge between growers and Hazera, facilitating the flow of needs and solutions. It’s not just about delivering products; it’s about understanding the growers’ challenges, market demands, and regulatory landscapes,” he explains. “So, we can provide them a solution for the right varieties, the right calibers at the right time, in the right place.”
Which project are you proud of and why?
Dirk-Jan said immediately with a smile: “The radish mix was a nice project. It was the idea of a grower at Ortolanda to put three different colored radishes (purple, red, and white) in one box. It kind of looks like a rainbow radish box. This radish mix opened a new, so-called “snack radish” market, which is attractive for a new target group of consumers, the younger generation.” Continues Dirk-Jan with excitement. “It even caught the attention of Albert Heijn, a major Dutch supermarket, positioning radishes in a new, health-focused spotlight. It is also good and healthy for the people because, with the radish mix box, they eat three kinds of radish at once.”
What does “Hazera – Growing Together” mean to you?
“I like this slogan, because we as Hazera, as a breeder, are at the beginning of the whole food chain and this position comes with a great responsibility. That is why it is important to grow together with our growers, and our customers by listening to them and creating varieties that are needed for the markets to be able to feed the world sustainably in the future. This slogan also refers to the great team we have at Hazera that works together.”
Can you tell us something about yourself that most people do not know?
“I am an enthusiastic person, who always thinks of solutions. I think there is a solution to all the problems, but it is very important to communicate with your colleagues and customers. For many years I used to work primarily in Dutch and the transition to work mainly in English has been a bit difficult.” Dirk-Jan admits with a candid smile. “But it is getting better, and I try to be the ambassador and communicator for my crops and role.”
Do you want to stay connected with our Hazera people?
Follow us our social media channels to stay connected with our Hazera people! If you have any questions left, don’t hesitate to ask them via our contact page!
