What does it take to develop the vegetable varieties of tomorrow? It starts with understanding what growers, markets and consumers need, and combining that knowledge with years of breeding experience. During our International Open Days 2026 in Warmenhuizen, we bring that together with our sister companies HM.CLAUSE and Vilmorin-Mikado. From 22 to 24 September, visitors can discover trusted varieties, new innovations and the ideas shaping the future of vegetable production.
Under the theme “What’s next? Let’s grow!”, we look ahead while recognising the innovations that brought us here. For Arjen Biesheuvel, Product Development and Market Intelligence Manager at Hazera, past successes show how breeding can reshape a market. One example is Daniela, one of the first long shelf-life tomatoes, combining firmness, attractive colour and much longer shelf life. In Northern Europe, breeding helped extend the storage life of pointed cabbage from weeks to months. Hazera’s onion breeding also focused on firmness and storability across different growing conditions.
Today, innovation starts with staying close to growers and the market. We test new material with sales teams and experienced growers and translate field insights into future breeding priorities. “You have to listen, ask questions and pass on what you hear so that others within the company can use that knowledge,” Arjen explains.
The same approach is visible across our sister companies. At HM.CLAUSE, Thorsten Bauer, Product Development Manager for Export EMEA and EECA, connects breeders, product managers, local teams and partners throughout the value chain. “We stay close to the entire fresh value chain, from growers and retailers to consumers. That helps us spot not only current needs, but also where the market is heading.”
Disease pressure such as ToBRFV can quickly redefine breeding priorities. At the same time, changing consumer expectations create opportunities for distinctive products such as Adora, the yellow heart-shaped Flamansun and bicoloured sweetcorn, where taste, texture and appearance help create new market segments.
At Vilmorin-Mikado, Élise Justal, Root Product Manager, brings the same market-driven approach to carrots and red beet. One example is COREO Baby, a new breeding direction for high-density Nantes baby carrots that responds to demand for convenient fresh produce, offering a new high-value segment for growers and packers.
We see similar opportunities in our own portfolio. Our new colourful and striped radishes, ranging from white and purple to tiger-striped types, respond to growing interest in healthy snack vegetables and more variety on the shelf.
HM.CLAUSE brings another example with Calebrini, its stem broccoli concept, combining convenience and taste for consumers with differentiation for retail and yield and harvest efficiency for growers.
Growing for a changing world
Looking ahead, climate change is a key challenge for all three companies. Breeding priorities increasingly focus on stronger root systems, seed vigour, resilience to extreme weather and natural disease resistance.
Technology will also shape how we breed and grow vegetables. Thorsten points to rapid progress in automation, mechanical harvesting and artificial intelligence. Traits such as uniformity will become increasingly important for efficient harvesting.
Needs also differ by region. Climate and disease pressure are global challenges, but consumer behaviour, convenience and market development vary. Understanding these differences is essential for breeding the right varieties for each market.
Come and discover what’s next
At the International Open Days, visitors can see these developments in the field and meet specialists from Hazera, HM.CLAUSE and Vilmorin-Mikado.
For Arjen, one of the most valuable parts of the event is meeting people from different countries and exchanging knowledge. Thorsten agrees: the Open Days are about “connecting, getting inspiration and exchanging ideas.”
That is what “What’s next? Let’s grow!” is all about: building on what we know today to create the opportunities of tomorrow.
Discover what’s next at the Hazera International Open Days 2026.
22–24 September 2026 | Warmenhuizen, the Netherlands
Register via hazera.com/opendays
