Successful Enza Zaden House Fair in Italy

Wednesday, 22 April 2009

For the fourth year in a row Enza Zaden organised a House Fair in Sicily in week 15. During this event different members of the supply chain visit modern and innovative horticultural companies in the Ragusa area. In addition to this, new and existing tomato varieties were presented at the Enza Zaden R&D-station . This R&D-station is the only one on the island.

This year it was an exceptional week. Despite the credit crisis Sicilian horticulture exporters have heavily invested in modern horticulture which meet every requirement. For example, the greenhouses are warmed and much attention is given to hygiene procedures. What is most important is that the growers work with export varieties that are grown, harvested and shipped in accordance with the customer. Good examples of this are the two  Sunstream cultivations, that with regards to the plant and product had an overwhelming presence at the House Fair. In addition, the R&D-station in Sicily has started a tasting project to improve the current truss tomatoes produced for the British market and there are also tastings for speciality pepper varieties.

Another interesting development was the increasing growing area for the tomato variety Naram . In particular the German supply chain companies are, because of the deep red colour, the typical plum-shape and the exceptional shelflife, buying ever more of this plum tomato. Moreover, Naram offers the producers, through its diverse sales opportunities, the security that the product will sell. The variety is suitable as red loose and red vine for the export as well as the local market, and as green loose and green vine for the local market.

In the Enza Zaden demo greenhouse there were plenty of products on show. In addition, the visiting horticulture exporters had their products packed and displayed. Kees Jansen from the Greenery said about the House Fair: "Well organised and a good atmosphere in the company. I've seen lots of potential varieties in various segments. They are working hard to gain a good reputation. Here you can choose for the future." All in all a successful House Fair.