17 July 2026 News
Every pumpkin market has its own rhythm. Growing conditions differ from region to region. Consumer preferences vary by country, and every supply chain has its own expectations for quality, consistency and availability. For growers, choosing the right variety is never just a local decision. A variety needs to perform in the field and meet the standards of the market it is grown for.
With Pumpkin Matters, we look at pumpkin breeding from the perspective of the entire chain. What do growers need in the field? What do traders and retailers expect? And how do we bring those needs together in varieties that deliver reliable performance and market quality?
Pumpkin breeding starts close to the grower. In some markets, strong field performance and yield are the priority. In others, fruit shape, internal quality, or shelf life matter most. Each region presents unique challenges, including climate conditions, disease pressure, harvest timing, and storage needs. While strong field performance and high yield are essential, internal quality and shelf life must not be compromised.
By listening to growers and working closely with our local teams, we learn which traits make the biggest difference. That local knowledge helps us develop pumpkin varieties that perform in the field and meet market expectations.
“By bringing together insights from growers, traders, and retailers across different markets, we can translate local needs into breeding priorities. While growers depend on reliable yield, strong resistance and varieties that perform under local conditions, traders and retailers need consistent quality, uniformity and a reliable supply throughout the season. Connecting those needs helps us develop varieties that deliver value throughout the supply chain.” states Alejandro Quezada, Global Portfolio Manager for pumpkins.
He continues: “Those needs are not the same everywhere. While yield is the foundation for growers in every market, regional priorities can differ significantly. In some regions, resistance to local virus pressure is critical. In others, longer storability is essential so pumpkins can be supplied months after harvest or exported to other markets. As production and trade become increasingly connected across regions, breeding has to support both local performance and global market requirements.
Pumpkin production is becoming more connected across regions. Insights gained in one market can benefit growers elsewhere. By combining local knowledge with our global breeding expertise, we build a broader understanding of the category and respond more quickly to changing needs”.
For retailers and traders, consistency is key. They increasingly expect pumpkins with reliable quality, uniform fruit and year-round availability. That is why evaluating varieties is key not only for field performance, but also for traits such as storability, transportability and market consistency.
“This exchange of knowledge helps us develop varieties that are adapted to local conditions while meeting the requirements of traders, retailers and consumers. By helping customers see challenges and opportunities from different perspectives, we can support better decision-making throughout the value chain,” says Alejandro.
"Grown locally, ready for the global market" means bringing field performance and market quality together. A pumpkin variety should help growers handle challenges such as virus pressure, heat, drought and storage, while delivering the consistency and quality the market expects.
“Mechanical harvesting, for example, is becoming increasingly important in several markets as labour availability continues to decline. That is why we also evaluate our varieties under mechanical harvesting conditions. Traits such as fruit shape and plant adaptability play an important role in ensuring an efficient harvest while maintaining product quality. By combining these practical insights with our breeding expertise, we help growers prepare for the challenges of today and tomorrow,” continues Quezada.
Want to know more about our pumpkin portfolio? Contact your local sales representative.
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