Orange-fleshed melon concept Caribbean worldwide success

Only four years after the first tests, Caribbean has become the most important variety in leading cantaloupe melon countries like Honduras, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Brazil. Caribbean is the result of a 8 year breeding process of vegetable seeds company Rijk Zwaan. During this process and the subsequent marketing efforts, the company consciously worked together with a number of partners in the supply chain. “Looking for cooperation within the chain is something Rijk Zwaan invests a lot of energy in”, says Vincent van Wolferen, chain manager at Rijk Zwaan. “That is why we are proud that Caribbean is such a success.”

Unique characteristics
Caribbean stands apart as a melon because of its unique combination of product characteristics. Through its plant breeding work, Rijk Zwaan has managed to markedly improve the presentation and flavour of orange-fleshed cantaloupe melons. The combination of a good flavour, presentation and shelf life has resulted in this totally new melon type. The unique concept is supported worldwide with a logo and various marketing efforts.

The Caribbean brand encompasses different varieties. Caribbean Gold RZ is mainly grown in Central and South America and Caribbean Giorgio RZ is suitable as a summer crop in Spain and Italy. Rijk Zwaan is also working hard on new varieties for specific segments. By means of intensive collaboration between growers, importers, processors and retailers, a worldwide Caribbean network has been created. This network can guarantee a reliable and flavoursome product year-round.



Ideal for processing
Caribbean is also the ultimate product for processing. With its thin, smooth skin, small seed cavity and easy-to-cut flesh structure, this melon type gives the processing industry high efficiency in automated processes. This has ensured that most processing plants in the US and Europe are choosing Caribbean melons.

At this year’s Fruit Logistica, Caribbean will also be the main focus of Rijk Zwaan. The product and its concept will be demonstrated at our stand (Hall 1.2, Stand D15). The Fruit Logistica 2009 takes place in Berlin and runs from 4 – 6 February 2009.

More information:
Rijk Zwaan, Vincent van Wolferen
+31 620 377 958,
Publication date: 12/23/2008