New breeds: What will fruit and veg look like in future?

In this episode, Rijk Zwaan’s Roberto Hernández explores how flavour, plant resilience and new tech are shaping future fruit and vegetable varieties for growers and consumers.

A conversation recorded live at FRUIT LOGISTICA in Berlin brings fresh insights into where fruit and vegetable innovation is heading. Host Chris White speaks with Roberto Hernández, Client Manager for Chain & Business Development at Rijk Zwaan, who has spent more than a decade analysing global consumer and retail trends from the company’s Berlin Retail Center. Their discussion highlights how shifting expectations, new technologies and regional taste preferences are reshaping the way fresh produce is bred, grown and marketed.

The shift toward flavour

One message is clear: flavour is becoming a decisive factor for consumers in markets around the world. Snack tomatoes, mini truss varieties, one-bite cucumbers and colourful peppers are increasingly popular as people search for produce that feels indulgent without compromising on health. But behind that simplicity lies a complex breeding task – finding the right balance between sweetness, acidity and texture while ensuring growers get the resistances and yields they need.

As Hernández explains, consumers in southern Europe may prefer higher acidity, while northern European shoppers often expect higher Brix levels and sweetness. Understanding these regional expectations has become essential for developing varieties that shoppers will choose again and again.

Nutrition enters the spotlight

Taste, however, is only part of the story. Nutritional value is taking on a bigger role in product development. Hernández points out that some pepper varieties now contain exceptionally high levels of vitamin C – even more than certain citrus fruits – although many consumers remain unaware of this. Helping shoppers recognise these benefits is becoming an important part of bringing new varieties to market.

Technology behind the breakthroughs

Breeding innovation is increasingly supported by technology. While Rijk Zwaan does not use genomics in its breeding programmes, AI already plays a significant role in seed production. It helps identify resistances, speeds up development cycles and supports quality monitoring. Hernández describes how AI enables breeders to react more quickly to new diseases and environmental challenges, all without losing sight of consumer expectations.

A global palette of possibilities

With more than 13,000 varieties already circulating in global markets, the world of fresh produce is far broader than what most shoppers encounter. Many varieties remain unknown outside their country of origin. Examples such as the elongated Sweet Palermo pepper or Tatayoyo – the FRUIT LOGISTICA innovation award-winning orange pepper celebrated for its unique flavour profile – demonstrate how introducing the right product to the right market can unlock completely new opportunities.

What comes next?

As the conversation turns to the future, Hernández reflects on what an “ideal” new product might look like – one that combines strong yields, excellent shelf life, consumer appeal and an unforgettable eating experience. His answer includes a surprising possibility that might just challenge your expectations of what a common vegetable could taste like in the future. Whether such a product is already in development or still only a concept remains part of the intrigue.

This podcast episode was created in partnership with Fruitnet Media International. Comments, questions and suggestions are welcome on our social media channels.