“Overwhelmingly positive feedback on Sweet Palermo in China”

Long history of surprising consumers

Dole and Rijk Zwaan have much in common. Both companies like to move forward, and both have a long history of surprising consumers with healthy fruits and vegetables. “Rijk Zwaan’s centenary celebrations began in July, and in the same month Dole Banana celebrated its 125-year anniversary. Just as we’ve done for the past 125 years, we will continue working with our business partners to move forward and bring more healthy, functional and fashionable fresh products to the market. Sponsoring marathons in Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Wuxi is one way we encourage a healthy lifestyle in China,” comments Vivan Wang.

Sweet Palermo is popular on TikTok

Rijk Zwaan’s Sweet Palermo fits in with such a lifestyle. “We supply this surprisingly sweet pepper to 20 Sam’s Club membership retail stores. Additionally, our e-commerce sales are nearing 100,000 online orders, with overwhelmingly positive feedback,” Vivan adds. “Sweet Palermo is becoming very popular on social media platforms like TikTok. Consumers like the four colours of Sweet Palermo, which add vibrancy to their meals. The taste, flavour and freshness enhance their experience and happiness, not to mention the nutritional value Sweet Palermo offers.”

Introduced in close collaboration

Sweet Palermo was introduced to the Chinese market a few years ago in close collaboration with Rijk Zwaan, explains Vivan. “We planned and implemented the entire supply chain together, from planting and harvesting to packaging, logistics, sales and marketing. We communicated and shared resources at each step. As demand increased, we needed more growers. Rijk Zwaan used its national network to find and recommend high-quality growers, and helped them meet supply chain standards to ensure healthy and steady project development.”

Fujisawa RZ matches evolving needs

In autumn 2023 came the next successful joint introduction: Melon Fujisawa RZ, marketed as ‘Red flesh melon, Dole’. “The stability of the Brix, flavour and size of the melon matched the evolving needs of Chinese consumers. We received lots of positive feedback from customers in the wholesale market. We work closely together with the Rijk Zwaan team to maintain a year-round supply and continue satisfying our customers. Rijk Zwaan’s extensive network in China is impressive. We truly enjoy working with their sincere and efficient team,” states Vivan enthusiastically.

Continuing to innovate

Dole China will continue to innovate in the future, assures Vivan. “Our next introduction will be Tatayoyo, Rijk Zwaan’s star sweet pepper product. We trust Rijk Zwaan to continuously support us in all aspects. We will keep surprising our customers together with safe, healthy and high-quality fresh products, just like we’ve both been doing for more than 100 years.”

Celebrate Rijk Zwaan’s 100 anniversary at Asia Fruit Logistica

Collaboration with our customers has been essential in enabling Rijk Zwaan to reach the 100-year milestone. We invite you to join us in celebrating this special occasion at Asia Fruit Logistica at Booth 5N14, where we will present resilient solutions as well as inspiring innovations for a shared healthy future. We are looking forward to many more fruitful years of collaboration and growth in the coming century.