October 24, 2022
In China, the pink beef tomato Kawaguchi RZ is becoming more popular every day as consumers recognise its unique quality in terms of colour, size and taste. “There is a high demand for these large, pink tomatoes in Shanghai,” explains Yang Shaojun, a grower at Youyou Agricultural Company. Rijk Zwaan is showcasing Kawaguchi RZ at Asia Fruit Logistica from 2-4 November in Bangkok.
Youyou Agricultural Company is located in Chongming, Shanghai, where the company has 20 hectares of semi-closed glass greenhouses in which it produces tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and lettuces. Besides striving for a high yield of high-quality crops, the aim is to train a new generation of growers with a passion for horticulture.
Unique characteristics
Grower Yang Shaojun is proud of his beautiful tomato crop: “Since 2020, we have been continuously planting Kawaguchi RZ and we will do so again in the next production season, because the variety has unique characteristics.” He explains that Shanghai consumers are attracted by the perfect pink colour, the consistently high Brix and the unique flavour.
Brand name ‘Ka Ku Qi’
Consumers in Shanghai appreciate these characteristics, Shaojun explains. “That’s why there is a high demand for these large pink tomatoes. Kawaguchi RZ meets all consumer requirements for pink tomatoes.” He adds that retailer Dingdong sells Kawaguchi RZ by the brand name ‘Ka Ku Qi’ in China. “Isn’t that a cool name? I believe this variety has great future potential in the Chinese market. We have confidence in Kawaguchi RZ,” he states.
Happy growers as well as consumers Kawaguchi RZ is not only an attractive option for consumers, but it’s also good for growers, according to Jan Doldersum, Manager Chain & Retail at Rijk Zwaan: “The market needs the right resistances, yield and uniform size – and importantly, this variety has all those characteristics too. So the growers are happy, and in the end that results in happy consumers.”
Golden triangle
To reach those consumers, the Rijk Zwaan team provides additional support in horticultural projects by connecting growers with retailers. This partnership is part of the strategy that Doldersum describes as the ‘golden triangle’. “This comprises the seed company, the grower and the retailer. As the seed company, we connect and bring together retailers and growers. We can help retailers to have a stable supply and year-round quality, plus we can enrich their assortment in the form of new, colourful products like Kawaguchi RZ. Asia Fruit Logistica is the perfect place to get connected.”
Visit Rijk Zwaan at Asia Fruit Logistica
To stimulate retailers, traders and other chain partners in Asia to add more colour in the fresh produce category, Rijk Zwaan will showcase its colourful palette of bright, healthy and inspiring vegetables at Asia Fruit Logistica from 2-4 November in Bangkok. Come and meet us at stand F-17!
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