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Rijk Zwaan's colourful Salanova supports growth of ready-to-eat salads in Asia


De Lier, The Netherlands
October 27, 2022

In Asia, the ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook markets are growing steadily. That is why the company Champ Fungi is expanding its processing activities in this segment. “We use the colourful Salanova® in our leaf mixes,” explains Robin Yau, Sales & Marketing Director (Champ Fungi Group) based in Singapore. Rijk Zwaan is showcasing this attractive lettuce at Asia Fruit Logistica in Bangkok from 2-4 November.


 

Champ Fungi was established in the early 2000s and started out producing mushrooms in Kuala Lumpur. “Since then, we have expanded throughout Southeast Asia and now have production and processing facilities in Malaysia and the Philippines,” comments Robin Yau Sales & Marketing Director (Champ Fungi Group) based in Singapore. “We not only run high-tech mushroom farms, but also hydroponic farms for baby-sized leafies. Our sales and distribution are located in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and Hong Kong. Champ Fungi is selling the ready-to-eat salads and salad meal under the Live Well brand. We developed the first regional cool chains and we supply to regional retailers and foodservice companies.”


 

Salanova lettuce meets market requirements

The Salanova lettuce range plays an important role in the company’s portfolio, according to Yau: “We are seeing growth in the ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook markets. That’s why we are expanding our processing activities. We use both red and green Salanova oaks and crispies in our leaf mixes. We require fresh, crispy, pest-free, good-tasting lettuce. Salanova meets all these criteria, and also has the right size and minimal waste after processing,” he states.


 

Colour is crucial in a ready-to-eat salad

Apart from these characteristics, the available choice of colours is also essential, says Yau. “Colour is crucial to provide an attractive ready-to-eat salad. We are looking at so-called triple-red Salanova varieties. We believe that the ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook segment will further grow in Southeast Asia. To support this growth and achieve repeat buys, we need to develop colourful, healthy, safe and appealing salads.”

Intensive collaboration with Rijk Zwaan

Champ Fungi is working intensively with the Rijk Zwaan team in the region to achieve these goals. “Besides receiving sourcing support, we are also collaborating on product development. We are testing the varieties’ suitability for processing in this region. As we are facing more complex supply chains, we are also looking for Salanova varieties with an increased shelf life. Lastly, as labour is a major challenge at our suppliers, we hope that the Rijk Zwaan teams can lead the way in improving cultivation methods,” he continues.

Meeting demand in a sustainable way

Yau is optimistic about the market opportunities for salads in Asia. “The market for salads in Asia will gradually evolve in line with the preferences of the new generation of consumers. Demand for healthy, safe, easy-to-consume prepared salads is only just starting in Asia. We

therefore need to work intensively together in the full chain – from breeder, grower and processor to distributor – to meet this demand in a sustainable way.”

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 in Bangkok from 2-4 November. Come and meet us at stand F-17!

 



More news from: Rijk Zwaan BV


Website: http://www.rijkzwaan.nl

Published: October 27, 2022

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