Nunhems Iceberg: A solution for all - Liberkin

With over 30 years of experience as a key player in the market, BASF has proven its strength as an iceberg company. With the introduction of three new varieties, we proudly present an even wider range of options to ensure a year-round solution for iceberg growers, plant raisers and processing companies

As a key player in the market, we are always looking for ways to live up to our promise to create a solution for all. Changing weather and climate conditions, hotter summers and evolving needs of the market inspire us to make sure our genetics meet current and future needs.

Stefan Hermans, Account Manager Lettuce Netherlands has seen a shift in the market over the last 15 years. “We’ve seen tremendous developments in iceberg breeding and the cultivation processes. With new machines being used all over the world, for harvesting, but also for packaging, uniformity and crop stability have become even more important than before.”

Iceberg specifications that were important in the past, are now just basic traits. “So naturally, we have to work towards improving our varieties to fit these new demands. Our latest varieties offer a higher yield and uniformity. Liberkin, Sprinkin, and Firstkin are the latest add-ons to our iceberg assortment, promising a very uniform and stable crop. This makes them easier to harvest, thus cutting down on labor costs. Our priority will always be to deliver security and excellence, ensuring growers to be profitable.”

Advise and adaptation to ever-changing market needs

At BASF, we are more than just a seed company: we are trusted advisers for growers, processors and traders. We cocreate and shape the future of the value chain together. Arushi Badola, Crop Marketing Specialist at BASF: “In our day-to-day discussions with growers, they give us valuable information and insights: for example, which variety is performing best under what conditions, and where can we improve? Our breeders then work towards new improved genetics that is more suitable for the market. We are constantly adapting to the needs of the market.” The Nunhems-experts combine their wide knowledge and experiences to help our customers grow.

Stefan: “In a typical year, I sit down with a grower and we make a yearly plan. We advise which varieties are best suited for different slots. Which varieties work best for fresh market, and which for processing? We keep the grower’s interest above everything else. We do not only look at the product on field but also in the factory, making sure our customers get the best possible margins to ensure profitability. For example, we figure out which varieties result in easy packaging or limited waste in production.”

Excellent product uniformity

With our latest varieties, we offer icebergs that are both suitable for whole head fresh market and processing. These new varieties meet all the latest market requirements and have a wider application. Size-wise, they are perfect for the North-European supermarkets. And for processing they deliver the best uniformity and quality.

“Our icebergs are suited to handle stress conditions like heat, heavy rainfall and fluctuations in nitrogen levels and still provide a uniform shape. Because of the uniformity, it is easy to harvest and pack. And they are suitable to withstand the semi-automated packaging processes, increasing shelf life”, adds Andrew Beeston, Sales Specialist UK and Ireland.

Most important: our new varieties are highly uniform, both in shape and weight. This makes them a perfect fit for both markets, making it easier for growers to provide icebergs to retailers and processors.

Arushi: “With the introduction of Liberkin, Sprinkin, and Firstkin, we can offer an all-purpose, all-season and all-region solution for icebergs. Our range of iceberg varieties not only meets grower needs, but also the needs of the entire value chain. And, like we have been doing for 30 years in the field of icebergs, we will keep working with growers, plant raisers and processing companies to keep our promise to you, and truly be a solution for all.”