Did you know pepper Maccabi is one of Hazera’s most well-known varieties worldwide? This pepper is one of the first pepper varieties in the world, which- thanks to its long shelf life- is sold truly red for the fresh market, which was innovative at the time. Launched in the 1970’s in the USA and Mexico, Maccabi is still a main player and is being sold to this day.
Today, Hazera’s pepper portfolio is the result of years of intensive research and development to create sweet pepper varieties of all types.
We are inspired by nature. We want our crops to be as healthy as possible. In our development process we focus on new solutions, breeding disease free crops to strengthen the global food system.
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 Alvaro Andrino (45), Sales Manager for Central America from Guatemala City, Central America.
Alvaro Andrino (45) has always wanted to study and work in agriculture. Even though his family had been involved in the industry, it was his childhood friends, who made him want to go into this field. “When I was young, I spent a lot of time at my friends’ cattle farm to look at the animals and to be a “cowboy.” He smiled. “I was always surrounded by agriculture, so it is not surprising that I fell in love with this industry. After graduation, I started my professional career working with plants. It has been about 24 years now.”
In your opinion, what is the most important personality trait someone would need to have to work in your industry?
“Patience.” Alvaro said right away with confidence. “You must be very patient. I have a history of working with chemicals you apply to the crops. That was my first job and I quickly learnt, that when working with chemicals you can do trials and within 24 – 48 hours, you can see the results. With seeds, it is different, it is slow. Developing a good variety can take years.” Alvaro continued. “So, patience is very important, but so is understanding the crops from the beginning. In this job, you need to be on the fields to truly understand the crop and to see the characteristics that would make a variety successful.”
Tell us about a project you’re proud of and why.
“I am quite proud of the Exceed project we are working on for the Fresh Chain. As part of it, with our mini seedless watermelon variety, Exceed, we got ranked quite high at the innovation award at Fruit Logistica in Berlin. I am happy about it because it is a project, we started around three years ago when developing this variety. I was confident in Exceed, but what positively surprised me was how efficiently and professionally the team worked to achieve this. We needed to arrange samples for the event, we needed to do the promotions, and talk to the clients at the fair etc… There was trust, which is very important.” He says with a smile. “Especially because we are still just at the beginning of this project.”
What does “Hazera- Growing Together” mean to you?
“For me, growing together means understanding that event though everything begins with the seed, we need to work together with breeders, growers, portfolio managers and so on to develop the right seeds that can grow into a strong plant and later can prove a nice dining experience to people. We need to develop new technologies, have to listen to growers, and be on the fields to see and learn. Learning is also a form of growing.”
Can you please explain how one of Hazera’s pillars affects you daily?
“All four pillars, inspired by nature, good for people, global diversity, and Invested expertise are very connected and are important to me.” Alvaro was thinking hard. “But if I had to choose one, I would say inspired by nature. I consider myself a lucky person for having to work in in this field for a long time. I love going to the field early in the morning when the sun has not even come out yet, but when it does, you see the whole crop in a different light, it is like as if the sun is giving them life. It is beautiful. But I also understand how much work it is to create such a beauty. Just think of how much effort and time are put into one seed. But it is all worth it because we are doing good for people, providing them with food.”
Tell us something about yourself that most people do not know.
“I have a wonderful family. I am happily married to my wife, Luisa and we have an amazing cat, Dalí. I love sports. Any kind, let it be rowing, tennis, football, rugby. I try to do sports every day, even at four in the morning or ten at night. I am very passionate about it. I think that your mind and body have to be on the same level. You cannot be a balanced person if you are not taking care of yourself. I am also very passionate about the industry and my work. Also, because I love doing what I do, but also because of my mother, who passed away two years ago.” Alvaro continued with a sad voice. “She and my two older brothers were and still are a great inspiration for me in everything I do. She was a truly amazing woman who motivated me a lot to continue study and to do a good work.
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The drive for high-quality foods that contribute to a healthy lifestyle is stronger than ever. Vegetables are gaining a more prominent role in our diets. At the same time, events such as inflation, the energy and climate crisis and the pandemic have contributed to the strong urge to save money and energy. Even when preparing our meals. The result? Culinary creativity.
Preparing meals that are healthy for your lifestyle, the planet and your wallet: how do you do it? We take a look at the main trends.
#1 Vegetables in the lead role
Vegetables are increasingly becoming the main player in our meals. For some this means eating vegan or vegetarian, for others it means trying to cut back on their meat consumption. As a result, the demand for plant-based meals continues to grow.
Meals high in vegetables have a smaller carbon footprint and more nutrients, making them more cost-effective and sustainable. Moreover, this trend leads to culinary creativity: how do we create delicious meals around vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers and cauliflower? Growers love to see their crops become the star of the show!
#2 Vegetables fulfill a high-protein diet
The increasingly conscious approach to our diet also affects what we consider to be “the best source for the protein” we need. Whether for environmental, animal or health reasons, the days when meat was seen as the main source of protein are over. Vegetables such as broccoli are seen as valuable alternatives.
#3 Waste is not on the menu
Perhaps the easiest way to reduce your food costs and footprint: use everything! Food waste is prominent on the agenda of consumers, as well as governments and NGOs. Did you know that according to the UN, about 30% of food produced for human consumption is wasted? This waste of food and money inspires chefs around the world to get creative in using every part of produce. From root to leaf. The more creative you get, the less will end up in the trash – and the more will be left in your wallet.
Contact us!
Clearly, in the quest for a more sustainable and healthier lifestyle, we need to get creative in the kitchen! At Hazera, we keep a close eye on developments in this field and provide our partners with the knowledge, advice and products needed to keep up. Wondering how we can support your business? Then contact us
Introducing the new Global Value Fresh Chain Lead of Hazera: Michal Taraska
Posted on Jun 16, 2023
Growing up on his family farm in Poland, Michal Taraska developed two main interests: agriculture, coming from the family business, and the commercial aspect, stemming from his grandfather who owned the bank in their village. Now, he combines those two passions in his role as Global Fresh Chain Lead for Hazera. In this article, Michal introduces himself and shares his insights on the Global Tomato Congress (GTC) he recently attended in the Netherlands.
“What I like about working in the seeds business is that you are involved right from the beginning of the process. These early stages are crucial for producing quality products,” Michal says. And when it comes to growing fresh produce, he knows what he is talking about. Having grown up surrounded by crops like onions, sugar beans, and wheat grown for seeds, Michal pursued an Agriculture Course at the University of Science and Technology in Bydgoszcz, followed by a series of jobs with leading seed production companies. For the past 8 years, Michal has been further developing his expertise with the Limagrain group, spending the first five years as the Sales and Development Manager in HM. Clause, and the past three years as a Project Manager responsible for partnerships with retailers.
From local to global impact
“One of our main projects there was to promote our Rosamunda Tomato variety in the fresh chain market,” Michal says. “It was a significant challenge since the Fresh Market was considered saturated and standardized. However, thanks to a strong team effort and a lot of hard work, we managed to introduce our innovative variety on the shelves of many major supermarkets and retailers. It’s an achievement that I’m very proud of.” His successful leadership role in this project led Michal to the conclusion: “If we can achieve this in Poland, can we also do it in other markets and on a global scale? It’s a great challenge with a lot of responsibility, but I’m ready to embrace it.”
Professional goals
As the Global Value Fresh Chain Lead of Hazera, Michal wants to continue getting Hazera’s products on the shelves of major retailers worldwide. “We have fantastic products and innovations that I want to introduce to the world. Another important goal of mine is to develop strong relationships with the people within our company and sister companies because achieving our goals will always be a team effort and lead to team victories. My new position combines the three things I love most about our field of work: the inspiring people, a healthy product that can have a positive impact on people’s lives, and the challenging projects we undertake.”
Inspiration all around
To find solutions for the challenges that come his way, Michal draws inspiration from two main sources; other people and the world at large. “I believe that listening to others, especially those with different perspectives, is an essential resource for generating new ideas on how we approach our business. But inspiration also comes from the world around you. I draw a lot from my hobby, kitesurfing. The interaction with wind and water allows me to recharge my batteries and enter a creative state of mind where my best ideas emerge.”
Global Tomato Conference
“My first attendance at the GTC left a strong impression on me,” Michal says. “It was inspiring to meet numerous experts from the seed industry and affiliated businesses all in one place. However, I was somewhat surprised by the relatively low number of growers and retailers in attendance. I believe events like this play a crucial role in knowledge sharing and collaboration, ultimately contributing to our collective goal of helping growers address the challenges they face. But I see opportunities to enhance the value of a conference like this by expanding its scope and involving more retailers and growers.”
“I was impressed by the consistent quality of Hazera’s products on display and the positive reception they received,” Michal continues. “The combination of firmness, extended shelf life, visually appealing characteristics, and delightful taste make Hazera’s tomato varieties a compelling choice for both retailers and consumers.” Michal concludes with a final lesson learned from the GTC and advice for growers: “Striking a right balance between providing resistance to viruses and maintaining delicious taste will enhance the overall desirability and marketability of the tomatoes produced, benefiting both producers and consumers.”
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Growing Together: an international event of collaboration and connection
Posted on Jun 05, 2023
The Growing Together international open days will take place in Israel on June 5-7. “It’s a unique opportunity to bring everybody together” says Veronica Derby, MarCom Manager at Hazera, and Haggai Breslauer, Sales Manager for Hazera Africa, who walk us through the event, sharing some exciting insights and highlights.
“It basically is the biggest event we held in recent years”, Veronica says about the Growing Together International open days. “It will bring over 85 customers, partners, and distributors of Hazera together, coming all the way to Israel from Africa, the Balkan region, the Americas, and the CIS-region. But there’s also a part for local Israeli growers”. According to Haggai, the goal is “to display our latest products, strengthen our bonds with clients and partners, and exchange knowledge and priorities between all parties involved. And of course: to have fun!”
What is the main purpose of the event?
Haggai emphasizes that, as the title ‘Growing Together’ suggests, the event will not be one-sided. “It is just as important for our clients to meet us, as it is for us to meet them. Our goal is to improve and grow together. This means not just explaining what we are doing, but also why and how.” To achieve this target, everybody must be looking in the same direction. Veronica: “By coming together we can connect, exchange knowledge about different products and markets, and align our priorities.”
Haggai says this transfer of knowledge is especially relevant for upcoming markets like Africa. “We see ourselves as having a responsibility in developing the agricultural market, not just to sell our products”. Another important goal to Haggai is for clients to meet the people behind the crops. “We want to bring our researchers forward. There’s two sides to that coin: On one side, our researchers can hear from clients first-hand what their needs are. And on the other side, we get to show our clients the hard work our teams deliver and what it takes to breed a good variety.”
What can visitors expect?
“We want our customers to get to know us, just as much as we want to get to know them, therefore we will start off with a few presentations on topics like our R&D and process innovations, ToBRFV-project, and production challenges. Then there’s the touristic part, in which we travel to Jerusalem and show everyone our beautiful country. “The third part is our field day, in which some groups visit a local nursery, a commercial union plot and our tomato greenhouse”, Haggai continues.
“And finally, on the last day of the event we will visit the main exhibition field where we display our products and come back to our Israeli HQ. This will include tours of our phytosanitary lab, our quality control germination and health labs,- as well as our in-house nursery”. For local growers, the Growing Together open days also form a great opportunity. Veronica: “For them, the event lasts 8 to 10 days, in which they can visit our development plot next to the exhibition where we present exciting new material that will soon be commercialized. However, from June 5-7 they have an extra nice opportunity, as they can be exposed to global activity.”
What excites you the most about the Open Days?
“To finally see all of our clients and partners face-to-face together again”, Haggai says. “It’s not often that we can get everybody from across the globe together for a professional event, for some clients it will even be the first time. So, this is a big deal for us. It gives us a chance to get everybody on the same page, strengthen relationships, share new products and developments, and learn from each other”. Haggai says he knows the visitors are very excited about the open days. “But believe me, so are we!”
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Hazera at AgroExpo 2023: “Growers know we have the solution to ToBRFV”
Posted on Jun 02, 2023
Hazera was present at the AgroExpo 2023 on Crete, Greece, from 26-28 May. Dimitris Karanikolos, Financial Administration Manager and Marcom Business Partner for the Greek subsidiary, explains the importance of this event. “Since last November, the Crete area has seen an increase in problems with the ToBRFV-virus. That’s why we had two main goals at the exhibition: to introduce and promote our ToBRFV-resistant varieties, and to spread information and increase awareness amongst local growers.”
“By now, around the 30% of the tomato cultivation in Greece has been affected by ToBRFV”, says Dimitris, further highlighting the vital importance of a strong and efficient policy against the virus. A policy that includes tomato varieties that are strong both in fruit quality and resistance. To get the main message on ToBRFV varieties across at the exhibition, Hazera created three main pillars: A fancy booth to spread awareness and display the products, meetings with small teams of agronomists to spread knowledge and a special demo field where growers could see the ToBRFV resistant varieties in the field.
Providing the right tools
“It is very important for us to build a stronger relationship with growers, but also with local agronomists, because they go into many different greenhouses and support the cultivation”, Dimitris says. “We noticed that the agronomists were very happy both with the complete knowledge we provided and the products that we offered. Our tomatoes are very tasteful and cover all the needs and standards of the Greek market, and besides that they also have ToBRFV IR resistance. This, combined with the information and awareness we spread, gives both growers and agronomists the tools they need to create healthy products of great quality.”
Knowledge is key.
When asked about his highlights of the AgroExpo, Dimitris answers that he noticed visitors came to the Hazera booth with knowledge and a clear purpose. “They knew we had a descent solution to the ToBRFV-virus, which means we successfully created awareness and knowledge about the variety with our campaigns. Another highlight was the feedback we got from growers that had already tested our varieties and told us that they are tasteful with very good shelf life”.
Dimitris is very happy to hear that growers are very satisfied with the sellable products they can now produce again, as he knows this hasn’t always been the case since the virus hit. “The last 3 years we have seen a dramatic increase of ToBRFV inflation in many areas. This led to the growers changing their habits: they either stopped growing tomatoes or growing smaller quantities to spread production, alternatively replaced them with other crops. This led to a decrease in tomato production, whilst the demand increased. Especially from May to October, when our population nearly doubles due to tourism.”
Product innovator to market leader
“So, the need for ToBRFV resistant varieties was urgent”, Dimitris continues. “We knew our varieties had good resistance, but we needed to ensure that our plants delivered both quality and quantity of fruits. After testing on a small scale, we moved to larger trials all over Greece last year. And with success, as growers can now produce high quality tomatoes again that are sellable in our market. Our competitors had good varieties as well, but they weren’t suitable for the Greek market. Thus, we have the advantage of being the first to have that optimal balance between production and protection”. Because of this, Dimitris is very optimistic about staying market leader for at least the next year or two. “And we expect to have the seeds and added value to cover all the needs of the market.”
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In Hazera, we tend to put the spotlight on our successful products, yet their success starts with the People of Hazera: the truly committed and passionate experts who make it all happen on a daily basis. Meet Avi Gabai (65), our Production Research Manager from Herzliya, a city in central Israel. Avi spent more than three decades at Hazera in different roles, directly reflecting the progress and the growth Hazera has achieved during these years.
Avi has been with Hazera since 1990 in different roles in R&D and the Production departments, and from 2010 he has been managing the research in Production, improving the methods and tools of seed production, bringing innovation and solutions as continuous improvement processes. With his work, Avi helps the production teams improve their production performance for all of the Hazera crops.
“What is a common myth or preconception about your job or field of expertise?”
“If you will ask the people of Hazera, they would say I’m only dealing with Onions” he says while grinning (which isn’t the case). “When I am talking with people outside Hazera, it always come to this one question: ‘What happened to the taste of tomatoes? Bring it back please’.” Apparently, it’s the most painful subject people relate to.
“In your opinion, what is the most important personality trait/strength someone would need to work in your industry/be successful in your job?”
“In my field at Hazera, I work in collaboration with different groups in production, and it became evident that the most important trait is the ability to ‘recruit’ people to join your cause, and together achieve the goal of improving the production process and consequently- the results. Getting them involved, making them feel this project is really theirs, and beyond. Continuous improvement is a team effort.”
“Tell us about a project you are really proud of and why”
“I am really proud of our joint activity in the start-up incubator with ‘South Up’. Together, we created an accelerator, enabling AG-Tech start-ups to receive help from us, in terms of mentoring, facilities and funds, and in return these start-ups are giving the benefit of new and innovative technologies we can embed into Hazera. Also, their culture of fast and agile work processes can contribute to our culture in Hazera. This is a win-win situation: Hazera can enforce its growth engines with the new technology and they can develop it into something that could be shared with the world and become commercial and profitable.”
“What book or movie you would recommend us and why?”
“Setting all politics aside, I want to recommend a book that I am reading now. It’s called “Who’s Michael?”, written by Eliezer Shkedy, former chief commander of the Israeli Air Force, and former CEO of El Al. The book contains short stories from his past, showcasing his positive and humane approach to life. He tried to understand the other side above all, although he had some of the most demanding and stressing positions in the army- also true for him as a civilian. The way he followed and listened to his heart, thought about others and not just himself is really impressive and inspirational to me and I try to incorporate this attitude on a daily basis.”
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Continuous improvement keeps Hazera Seeds in the global top
Posted on Apr 10, 2023
Hazera is committed to developing high-quality seeds that allow communities to flourish. To do that, Hazera focuses on continually improving its operational excellence in research, production, processing and quality for both customers and employees. “We deliver the best to our customers, and we want to keep it that way”, says Tyrrel Chisenga, Seed technologist. “We put in a lot of effort, but there is always room for improvement.”
“We breed for new varieties, and multiply seeds for growers and farmers alike”, Tyrrel explains. “After production, we perform extensive quality control tests to confirm that our seeds meet the commercial quality standards. Based on the various tests that we execute, we initiate processing activities to ensure that we deliver quality. We also take care of physiological enhancement to ensure seedling vigour and establishment even under sub-optimal conditions. Our efforts are to make sure the seeds that our farmers sow and nurture into a crop, grow and eventually end up as delicious vegetables in supermarkets across the world.”
Quality control and Seed technology Quality control and Seed technology are an indispensable component for Hazera when it comes to making sure we deliver the best quality. “Nature comes with its challenges and when we encounter challenges that may compromise the final product quality after production we initiate research into the causes and solutions”, says Tyrrel. “Such research may encompass physiological, physical, health, genetic aspects of the seeds or efficiency of processes. Everything we do is to ensure optimum quality for our customers.”
On top of the game
Even though Hazera adheres to the commercial quality standards and guarantees quality, there is always room for improvement, Tyrrel finds. Hazera invests in continually improving seed quality. “These investments include machinery for seed enhancement, automation of processes and the use of imaging systems for better inline decision making. Additionally, there are improved protocols with reduced lead times. We introduced the Lean management system in our processing plants. We created a work environment that allows the smooth and fast flow of processes and at the same time reduces work load. This allows us to cater to the needs of our customers in a brief period.”
For Hazera, its employees are on the same pedestal as the customers. Tyrrel: “The most important thing for the welfare of our employees is to make sure that their work remains interesting and safe. That is why we made a new tomato pelleting formulation that is safer for our employees to apply. It also results in improved sowability and seedling performance.”
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In Hazera, we tend to put the spotlight on our successful products, yet their success starts with the People of Hazera: the truly committed and passionate experts who make it all happen on a daily basis. Meet Netta Doitch (43), our Global Lead Tomato Breeding from Mefalsim, a small Kibbutz in the southern part of Israel. It seems as though it was meant to be- the daughter of a flower and strawberry farmer, Netta (meaning “a young plant” in Hebrew), was destined for a life in agriculture.
Figure 1- Netta Doitch, Global Lead Tomato Breeding Hazera
When she was young, she gladly helped her dad around the farm and without knowing it performed “cuttings” from a very young age, removing a small part of the plant’s stem, and replanting it together with a “rooting hormone”, to receive a genetically identical plant. “I always enjoyed agronomy and loved visiting agricultural events. When I was in high school, I recall reading in the newspaper about a successful “breeding” of red and blue bananas and decided, even though I did not know what “breeding” was, that this is what I wanted to do for a living. Netta went on to get her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with specialization in Genetic Breeding and Biotechnology and later fulfilled her dream to become a breeder, doing so with a true feeling of love and chosen destiny.
Netta has been with Hazera since 2009, when she started out as Tomato Breeder Assistant. Two years later she became an Associate breeder and led the determinate heat set tomatoes and indeterminate round open field tomato projects. Approximately 12 years later, she is now, the Global Lead Tomato Breeding; and amongst her many projects she also leads the breeding projects of the Indeterminate Round Open Field (IROF) tomatoes.
“What is a common myth or preconception about your job or field of expertise?”
“It seems as though everybody believes that breeding ruins the taste in vegetables”. Nowadays she just explains to whoever asks that she works in Tomato Genetics without transgenic interference.
Figure 2- Simply working in “Tomato Genetics”
“In your opinion, what is the most important personality trait/strength someone would need to work in your industry/be successful in your job?”
According to Netta, being a good breeder requires super focus on the goal, you have to ‘breathe’ breeding every day, the plant dictates your work and not vice versa. Netta also highlights the constant change of environments in a breeder’s life: “You can say that I wear two hats: “In winter, you can find me all neat and dressed up in office clothing, whereas in summer you could hardly recognize me, as I’m all covered in plant parts, soil, and remains of tomatoes.” In other words, you have to be highly adaptable and “passionate” about your field of work.
Figure 3- A day in the life of a breeder
“Tell us about a project you’re really proud of and why”
“I’m really proud of our Giga tomato, part of the IROF project in Brazil. When examining where we started and where we are at today, it is truly amazing!”. In the beginning of the project, we started out with zero resistance but very strong and vegetative plant genetics. The genetic change and adding the required disease we achieved was truly significant. The variety Giga in Brazil has excellent firmness, size, and unique array of resistances.
Figure 4- Project start: totally burned plants in Brazil
We went from totally “burned” plants, changed the selection method and started doing selections in the region, which was a major change in the way we work.
Figure 5- One of many hybrid evaluation field trials. Brazil 2012
For more than ten years, together with Arno Van Staden, Tomato Regional Product manager in Marketing, we studied the Brazilian market and trends ,we built a breeding platform in Brazil from scratch which gave us the boost for high level of Xct-resistant plant without compromising all other quality traits.
Figure 6- Climbing each and every obstacle together. With Arno Van Staden
This success story of Giga is a remarkable example of great cooperation between R&D and Marketing”, Netta goes on to say: “We walked it hand in hand, with top synchronization that greatly contributed to the success of the project”. On top of everything, we have succeeded in creating excellent genetic material for other markets as well.
Figure 7- GIGA variety “Has Quality” launch 2022
“Tell us something about you that most people don’t know”
I like to cook but I don’t like fresh tomatoes- I prefer cucumbers. Also, I recently got my kibbutz’s “annual entrepreneur for the community” award for the farm work I do at my home village/
Figure 8- Volunteer work farming for her community with the next generation
This short glimpse into Netta’s life and daily work truly showcase that breeding does run in one’s DNA.
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Hazera center-stage at MOP Arava Israel 2023 annual expo
Posted on Feb 13, 2023
Want to be the first to see the next generation of the Israeli tomato and be impressed by the new variety portfolio of Hazera? Join us for a unique opportunity and meet our team for a deeper understanding of the quality, performance and potential of Hazera’s new varieties.
The exhibition in the Arava is the perfect opportunity to get a glimpse of the future of the Israeli tomato with “Rubicon”/ “Doria” – a new Saladette tomato variety that is suitable for picking in a cluster. The tomato is delicious, firm, has a long shelf life and excellent preservation on the plant, as well as a bright red and attractive fruit.
Rubicon (“Doria”): from the grower to our plate. Photograph: Ofer Hajub
In addition to “Rubicon”, Hazera- a world pioneer in the seed industry, will launch the “Yellow Whitney” – the heart tomato that made Israelis fall in love and is now available in red and yellow. The Yellow Whitney is the first yellow Midi Plum tomato of its kind – it is extremely tasty, has impressive yellow fruit, is very firm and crunchy and has a strong plant and a high yield.
Yellow Whitney. Photograph: Ofer Hajub
Come see and taste! Still young at heart, the queen of flavor, The “Maggie” tomato, is ringing in its first decade with a party! Maggie is known as a high-quality Israeli tomato, with a juicy green gel, which gives it a fine taste and rich aroma. Maggie is grown throughout the year nationwide in Israel among selected farmers only and packaged in a closed and marked package – and now with a new branding in honor of its 10-year celebration.
Maggie “the Taste” Tomato. Photograph: Ofer Hajub
At the exhibition, Hazera will launch new varieties of radishes: “Whitella” in white and “Purpella” in purple: round radishes for growing in open and closed areas, with impressive and strong colors, suitable for growing all year round with a high yield and excellent internal quality.
New radish varieties. Photograph: Hazera
Come and get an impression of a red, curly romaine lettuce: “Purple Heart“. Beyond the nutritional benefits of romaine lettuce, which is 5 times richer in vitamins than other types of lettuce, the variety “Purple Heart” is characterized as crunchy and extremely tasty and has a bright red color that penetrates deep into the leaf.
“Purple Heart”. Photograph: Hazera
Come and meet the team of Hazera at the Araba expo taking place on February 15 and 16 in Ein Hatzeva, Israel and join “Rubicon” /”Doria” on her fresh produce journey from the field, to the retailers, and straight to her kitchen!
The Perfect Snack Tomatoes? It’s All About Adjusting the Timing
Posted on Feb 01, 2022
An interview with: Arjan van Steekelenburg, Produce Chain Manager / Trade and Retail Account Manager
Juan Jeronimo Montes, Product Development Specialist, Hazera España
Adults and children everywhere are opting more and more for new varieties of fresh produce that don’t require any special effort or preparation. In response to this global trend in healthy veggie snacking, Hazera, a global leader in the seed industry and tomatoes in particular, has developed the Camelot Tomato—a real “Tada” product that changes the game for the whole supply chain.
The Camelot is just like the legendary castle it was named after, a place of harmony and a stronghold. Its unique taste, flawless appearance, sweetness, and extraordinarily long shelf life make it worthy of its noble title.
For about 15 years, growers have been harvesting tomatoes while still green, and letting them ripen and redden during transportation. In this case, however, Arjan van Steekelenburg explained to us that: “Unlike most tomatoes of this kind, the Camelot should not be harvested too early. In order for it to reach full potential, growers must let it ripen on the vine, and pick it only once it has reached its unique shade of red. Nobody can manage the ripening process better than the plant itself. You just need to get the timing right for great results. From the moment the tomatoes are harvested, as they move along the entire supply chain and up to the consumer’s table… or often lunchbox nowadays, they will keep fresh and tasty for up to 20 days.”
And that is an amazing figure by any standards. Growers will fully reap the benefits once they make this shift in their minds. Not only them, but the entire supply chain will be optimized, because from the time they get on the retail shelf, Camelot tomatoes still have between 7-12 days of freshness left. As consumers, we can buy a larger weekly supply for our homes, knowing that if not on this weekend, we can still enjoy them the next one. Chances of that are slim though, because after tasting them, we don’t think anyone can resist eating them for so many days:)
The best part is that everyone gets to benefit from these advantages: growers, distributors, retailers, grocery shoppers, and whoever else consumes food at home.
Juan Jeronimo MONTES says: “We believe Camelot tomatoes represent a revolution in the sector for other reasons too. Even in regions with varying climates like Morocco and Spain, they can be grown and harvested all year round, throughout the seasons. These are highly productive plants that make for very profitable business, while consumers get more value for their money. Our team works closely with growers and distributors in these countries, providing advice, technical support, and assistance, regardless of location, growing method, or external conditions.”
Growers are tempted out of habit to harvest tomatoes green. These pictures illustrate how the fruit develops within 17 days, depending on the stage it was at when harvested:
Day 1 (Harvest)
Too Early
Right on Time
Too Late
Day 17
Too Early
Right on Time
Too Late
It is clear that when Camelot tomatoes are harvested at the right time, red and ripe as shown on the middle column, they remain fresh and with great taste, brix, and no cracking on day 17!
Who Stands Behind the Camelot tomato?
Hazera, part of the French Limagrain Group, has decades of experience with state-of-the-art technology in breeding, developing, producing and marketing varieties and seeds in a wide range of vegetable crops around the world.
The company is headquartered in Israel and The Netherlands, with subsidiaries in twelve countries, and an extensive distribution and technical support network serving over 100 additional markets. This enables the team to anticipate and respond to local needs by creating varieties that fit specific climates, growing conditions, and market requirements.
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