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 excels in all fruit types and maintains close relationships to watermelon specialists in all major production areas.
Nunhems` CEO Douwe Zijp welcomed some 200 guests from nine countries to the event at Valencia`s City of Arts and Sciences. He emphasized the importance of sharing know-how across the disciplines. "Nunhems is proud to offer this information exchange platform. The days that when farmers, processors, exporters, importers and food service 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," he commented. Vicente Riera, Regional Secretary for Agriculture, Fish and Food The city`s minister of Agriculture and Fishing . joined him in emphasizing the economic significance of the watermelon business particularlyagricultural sector for Spain and for the region of Valencia.
The presentations addressed a variety of influences key aspects ofon 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 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, from the German GFK (Gesellschaft für Konsumforschung), pointed out the effects of the global shift in production areas and the changes in consumption habits. Rosa Melero from ETEA University presented the Fashion watermelon business model in Spain and addressed the potential of cooperation projects between producers and retailers in a round-table discussion with business experts.
During the second part of the conference, the focus was on consumer-oriented product forms and marketing models. Jack Wilder, from the international food manufacturer Bakkavor, gave an overview of fresh-cut and convenience solutions in watermelon, while Olivier Hausheer from XTC explored innovative ways of increasing watermelon consumption. Finally, Gordon Hunt presented the US approach of the National Watermelon Promotion Board, an Orlando-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 a chef and a food artist prepared tasty and visually appealing watermelon creations that left nothing to be desired.
About NunhemsNunhems, Bayer CropScience`s vegetable seed business, is a the global specialist in vegetable seeds and in sharing products, concepts and expertise with the professional horticultural production industry and supply chain. Its portfolio includes leading varieties and brands in crops such as leek, onion, carrot, melon, cucumber, tomato, watermelon, lettuce, pepper and chicory witloof. With annual sales of EUR 208 million in 2007, Nunhems is amongst the world`s leading vegetable seed companies, with an extensive range of 28 species and some 2,500 varieties. With more than 1,300 people, Nunhems is present in all major vegetable production areas in the world.
About Bayer CropScienceBayer CropScience AG, a subsidiary of Bayer AG with annual sales of about EUR 5.8 billion (2007), is one of the world`s leading innovative crop science companies in the areas of crop protection, non-agricultural pest control, seeds and plant biotechnology. The company offers an outstanding range of products and extensive service backup for modern, sustainable agriculture and for non-agricultural applications. Bayer CropScience has a global workforce of about 17,800 and is represented in more than 120 countries.
CONTACTS:Juan Sastre
Crop Sales Manager Watermelon
Phone: + 34 (0)961594223
Email:
j.sastre@nunhems.comClaudia Steger
Global Communications Manager
Phone: +31 6 427 18997
Email:
c.steger@nunhems.com 
