3 March 2026 News
To strengthen mutual cooperation and gain a better understanding of one of Europe's most important bell pepper regions, Enza Zaden traveled to Almería together with eleven Dutch screening companies. The southern Spanish region has been an important center for bell pepper cultivation for many years, making it an ideal place to learn together, exchange ideas, and examine the challenges and opportunities in this market.
From the moment of arrival, it became clear how valuable it is to physically take partners to the region where a large proportion of southern European peppers are produced. The group received a warm welcome at Enza Zaden's facility in Almería, where participants were given a glimpse into local R&D activities and a presentation on Spanish market developments. Not from a theoretical perspective, but in the midst of the reality in which our varieties perform.
What made this trip particularly powerful was exploring the practice together. During visits to a variety of cultivation companies, it became immediately apparent how diverse the conditions in Almería are. Although many crops were thriving, it also became clear what challenges local growers face: rising costs, summer water shortages, and increasing pressure from thrips and other pests. This insight into daily practice led to open discussions about differences between Spain and the Netherlands, but also about valuable parallels.
Visits to Enza Zaden's pepper demonstration and a packaging company also offered new insights. For many participants, it was valuable to see the entire chain: from the trial field to the sorting and export phase. It is precisely this comprehensive insight that creates a greater understanding of what varieties need to be able to do, what the market is sensitive to, and which characteristics will become more important in the future.
For Enza Zaden, the trip had a clear purpose: to connect, share information, and provide insight. By actively involving screening partners in international market developments, we not only gain more knowledge, but also a stronger shared understanding of where opportunities lie and what support our partners need. This interaction is an important part of how Enza Zaden shapes long-term partnerships.
Enza Zaden looks back on a successful trip and would like to thank all participating screening companies for their commitment, openness, and enthusiasm. Together, we will continue to build the future of bell peppers in the Netherlands, Spain, and far beyond.
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