Nunhems opens reseach & development station in La Palma-Cartagena, Spain

The facility hosts programs for melon, lettuce, artichoke, and pepper varieties as well as phytopathology reseach in these crops. Since the start of the construction in 2006, Nunhems has invested approximately EUR 2 million in the site that is located in Cartagena's district La Palma.

“Innovation is a key success factor in our business,” said Nunhems’ CEO Douwe Zijp at the opening event. “It’s an absolute necessity for Nunhems to anticipate future trends and find sustainable ways to constantly renew our product portfolio. We do so in close cooperation with communities like Cartagena, where we can count on favorable growing conditions, a sound infrastructure, and local expertise.” Some 100 guests from different sectors of the vegetable industry attended the official opening ceremony on June 25, 2009, which was presided by Ángel García Lidón, General Manager of the regional institution for the Modernization of Farms and Agricultural Training (Modernización de Explotaciones y Capacitación Agraria) and counted with the presence of the Vice Mayor of Cartagena, Agustín Guillén.

While the needs of growers keep playing a primary role in the development of new varieties, Nunhems is increasingly taking into account the needs of other supply chain players and consumers. This is reflected in the development of varieties with enhanced processing characteristics, better transport and storage abilities, a good performance in different climates and growing regions, more health benefits, as well as better taste and flavor. The close cooperation with local customers and partners and the continuous knowledge exchange within the company’s global network of researchers and market experts form the cornerstones of Nunhems’ activities.