Markets - Revista F&H

Mauricio Fernández |
Responsible for Product Development of Hazera España
Interview
“It is important that the R&D
meets all local needs”
FERNáNDEz BELIEVES THAT IN THE VEGETABLE SECTOR IS NECESSARY TO
HAVE A RESEARCH WHICH MEETS THE NEEDS OF THE MARKET.
By Daniel Lafuente Torregrosa
revista@fyh.es
F&H: After more than 20 years in
the Spanish market, Hazera become
a bench mark in tomato. What market
share has Hazera in the tomato
sector in Spain?
M.F: “We estimate we had a 15 percent
market share last year. In addition,
in other aspects such as the
crop surface, we keep in other horticultural
products. In fact, I think that
the pepper can grow in the short and
medium term, in addition to increasing
sales in other crops”.
F&H: How importance Almería is
for the company?
M.F: “Almeria remains a strategic
market. Hazera Genetics, a company
located in Israel, is dedicating a large
part of its effort to the research of new
varieties in this area. Because Spain,
mainly Almeria, has the greatest potential
in horticultural sector above
from countries with larger productive
surface”.
F&H: What challenges has the company
in coming years?
M.F: “Hazera España is investing in
researching. In less than a year and a
half, three geneticist in pepper, tomato
and cucumber have joined to the
company. It means that the programs
which are testing in other estates are
going to intensify in Almeria, always
seeking the needs of the Spanish market.
In addition, we anticipate in a
short-term a melon and watermelon
program in Spain”.
Research.
F&H: It is essential to have a researh
in the vegetable sector which satisfies
the market demand?
M.F: “Yes, of course. I think that is
the key. The company that does not
understand it, has a low commercial
life”.
F&H: Have we got a lack of breeders?
M.F: “My company had not a breeder
but now there is. At present, we only
need a team more for melon and watermelon.
The line of researching of
Hazera Genetics focuses on more general
products, because we do not have
courgette or aubergine. We focus on
products with a high business volume
and growth opportunities, which are
the ones that dominate the spanish
market in surface and sales”.
F&H International • April 2013
7