Nunhems hosts first International Watermelon Conference
Nunhems hosts first International Watermelon Conference
Nunhems, the vegetable seed business of Bayer CropScience, brought together experts from different parts of the watermelon supply chain at its first International Watermelon Conference Oct. 2 in Valencia, Spain.
The symposium served to exchange experiences, establish contacts and learn about new trends and developments in the watermelon industry. Presentations by external speakers covered multiple aspects ranging from global trade and consumption statistics over business cases to innovative marketing models, offering unique insights into what will determine tomorrow's watermelon production, processing and retailing business.
As one of the world's leading providers of watermelon seeds and related concepts and services, Nunhems said that it excels in all fruit types and maintains close relationships to watermelon specialists in all major production areas.
Douwe Zijp, Nunhems' chief executive officer, welcomed some 200 guests from 12 countries to the event at Valencia's City of Arts & Sciences. He emphasized the importance of sharing knowledge across disciplines.
"Nunhems is proud to offer this information exchange platform," he said in a statement. The days when farmers, processors, exporters, importers and foodservice providers worked independently and focused exclusively on their own specific needs are over. The future of the watermelon business lies with the global integration of the supply chain. In this respect, our conference is an important step towards connecting the different parts of the chain -- to explore joint business opportunities and to deliver high-quality products to our customers and to consumers."
Vicente Riera, regional secretary for agriculture, fish and food, emphasized the economic significance of the agricultural sector and the importance of innovation for the region of Valencia.
The presentations addressed a variety of key aspects of the present and future watermelon business, including research and development, cultivation, international trade and marketing.
Vicente Navarro, Nunhems' global head of marketing, commented on the company's position on the European watermelon market and stressed the added value that Nunhems derives from global business integration, modern research techniques, a strong customer focus and close cooperation with partners and customers across the supply chain.
Hans-Christoph Behr, of German ZMP (Zentrale Markt- und Preisberichtstelle), pointed out global trade flows and market trends.
Rosa Melero of ETEA University addressed the potential of creating consumer demand through effective consumer brand communication and partnerships along the value chain at the example of the Fashion business model.
Jos? C?rdenas of the Fashion Group Association and Fabio Cafero of Auchan Italy further commented on the fashion concept from a retail and grower association point of view.
During the second part of the conference, the focus was on consumer- oriented product forms and ways of promoting watermelon consumption. Jack Wilder of the international food manufacturer Bakkavor gave an insight into the most recent fresh-cut developments in watermelon, while Olivier Hausheer of XTC explored innovative ways of increasing watermelon consumption.
Finally, Gordon Hunt presented the U.S. approach of the National Watermelon Promotion Board, an Orlando, FL-based non-profit organization that aims at promoting the public image of watermelon through research and education. Apart from the resourceful presentation sessions, the conference attendees also had the chance to indulge in a more sensual and tangible watermelon experience: a chef and a food artist prepared flavorful and visually appealing watermelon creations.
The symposium served to exchange experiences, establish contacts and learn about new trends and developments in the watermelon industry. Presentations by external speakers covered multiple aspects ranging from global trade and consumption statistics over business cases to innovative marketing models, offering unique insights into what will determine tomorrow's watermelon production, processing and retailing business.
As one of the world's leading providers of watermelon seeds and related concepts and services, Nunhems said that it excels in all fruit types and maintains close relationships to watermelon specialists in all major production areas.
Douwe Zijp, Nunhems' chief executive officer, welcomed some 200 guests from 12 countries to the event at Valencia's City of Arts & Sciences. He emphasized the importance of sharing knowledge across disciplines.
"Nunhems is proud to offer this information exchange platform," he said in a statement. The days when farmers, processors, exporters, importers and foodservice providers worked independently and focused exclusively on their own specific needs are over. The future of the watermelon business lies with the global integration of the supply chain. In this respect, our conference is an important step towards connecting the different parts of the chain -- to explore joint business opportunities and to deliver high-quality products to our customers and to consumers."
Vicente Riera, regional secretary for agriculture, fish and food, emphasized the economic significance of the agricultural sector and the importance of innovation for the region of Valencia.
The presentations addressed a variety of key aspects of the present and future watermelon business, including research and development, cultivation, international trade and marketing.
Vicente Navarro, Nunhems' global head of marketing, commented on the company's position on the European watermelon market and stressed the added value that Nunhems derives from global business integration, modern research techniques, a strong customer focus and close cooperation with partners and customers across the supply chain.
Hans-Christoph Behr, of German ZMP (Zentrale Markt- und Preisberichtstelle), pointed out global trade flows and market trends.
Rosa Melero of ETEA University addressed the potential of creating consumer demand through effective consumer brand communication and partnerships along the value chain at the example of the Fashion business model.
Jos? C?rdenas of the Fashion Group Association and Fabio Cafero of Auchan Italy further commented on the fashion concept from a retail and grower association point of view.
During the second part of the conference, the focus was on consumer- oriented product forms and ways of promoting watermelon consumption. Jack Wilder of the international food manufacturer Bakkavor gave an insight into the most recent fresh-cut developments in watermelon, while Olivier Hausheer of XTC explored innovative ways of increasing watermelon consumption.
Finally, Gordon Hunt presented the U.S. approach of the National Watermelon Promotion Board, an Orlando, FL-based non-profit organization that aims at promoting the public image of watermelon through research and education. Apart from the resourceful presentation sessions, the conference attendees also had the chance to indulge in a more sensual and tangible watermelon experience: a chef and a food artist prepared flavorful and visually appealing watermelon creations.
