Seed companies working on the needs of retailers

Flavor, aroma and shelf life

Jean-Francois Thomin, Marketing Manager for Enza Zaden in the U.S. and Canada was interviewed bij Produce Retail about the developments in breeding.

Seed companies continue to work to meet the needs of their customers’ customers — retailers.

Growers still need varieties that resist disease, develop great color and yield well, but interest in shelf life and flavor is also high.

“As we see more direct relationships building between retail and foodservice, and a more active interest in variety development from retail, we’re seeing a stronger demand for characteristics such as flavor, aroma and shelf life,” said Alicia Suits, communications and public relations manager for Sakata Seed America.

Jean-Francois Thomin, marketing manager for Enza Zaden in the U.S. and Canada, described flavor as one of the major opportunities for companies developing varieties.

“This is the right time for the fresh produce industry to capitalize on the demand for delicious fruits and vegetables,” Thomin said. “Because it is so difficult to quantify, flavor assessments have been historically missing from fresh produce conversations and quality evaluations.

“However, we are in a culinary transition with younger generations asking for flavorful, natural and healthy food," Thomin said.

As much as growers aim to prioritize what matters to retailers and consumers, they still need seeds that give them the best possible situation in the fields.