"Meeting the demands of our clients is a continuous challenge," says Laura Fajardo of De Ruiter Colombia. De Ruiter, a Dutch rose breeding company with trial and selection areas in Europe, Africa, South America, India, and China, is present in Colombia for thirty years. In 2022, the De Ruiter Colombia launched the 'Be Sweet' variety to meet the demand of the US market. In this article, Fajardo tells us more about this pink variety, and the way it has been received by clients.
Meeting demand
"Every day our clients are more demanding when selecting varieties due to high production costs, climate change, and a demanding market," Fajardo states. "In Colombia's main rose production area (Sabana de Bogota), the effects of climate change are evident. One of the consequences of climate change are the conditions conducive to the development of diseases such as Botrytis and Downy Mildew, which is a challenge for the development of varieties that meet most of the characteristics needed in Colombia. Moreover, about 80% of Colombia's roses are exported to the US market. It's the leading business for Colombian rose produces. That's why our products should meet the demands of our growers and the US market".
The 'Be Sweet' variety
In light of these developments, De Ruiter Colombia added the 'Be Sweet' variety to its assortment. According to the company, this variety has a pink color and a classic opening. The bud height of this rose is 60-70 mm, and the stem length 60-80 mm. Moreover, the De Ruiter team states that the plant is easy to manage, and that it has a low susceptibility to diseases.
The 'Be Sweet' variety
The roses are among others produced by Grupo Andes, and Laura highlights that this is not without a reason: "Grupo Andes is one of the most traditional companies in Colombia, and stands out for its high quality, their flowers are exported to many countries. We have been working with Grupo Andes since De Ruiter's presence in Colombia," Laura says.
The 'Be Sweet' Variety in a greenhouse
Laura: "Within the DeRuiter Colombia portfolio, 'Be Sweet' is one of the outstanding varieties of the pink color range thanks to its bright colors, long vase-life, and good agronomic characteristics: a high productivity, and an excellent stem length and bud size. Moreover, the preparation of the bunches of 'Be Sweet' is facilitated thanks to the homogeneity in the opening and the length of their stems. And last but not least, this rose has a good profitability."
Although Colombian growers may be mainly oriented on the US market, Laura highlights that the 'Be Sweet' variety is sold to both clients in the US and Europe as illustrated by the experience of Grupo Andes. "Tania Dolinko, Commercial Manager of Grupo Andes told me that clients from Europe and Asia like the variety for its versatility in making arrangements, for its good behavior in travel, and long vase life."
The 'Be Sweet' variety at Grupo Andes
Exploring new developments
Laura is optimistic about the future: "I believe that the classic colors and openings will be maintained but that the market is increasingly open to new developments in colors, shapes and openings. The market had good acceptance of our X-pression line, which are garden-type varieties, and their demand increases year after year. This is why we will continue developing varieties with new openings and colors for the market," Laura concludes.
For more information:
Royal De Ruiter
www.deruiter.com