Tozer Seeds Unveils Cutting-Edge Vegetable Varieties at Seed Meets Technology Event in the Netherlands
By Sophia Lombardo, Agricultural Correspondent — September 20, 2025
Wageningen, The Netherlands — Independent seed breeder Tozer Seeds is set to showcase more than 100 innovative vegetable varieties at the upcoming Seed Meets Technology event, opening its 1,300-square-meter trial field to industry professionals from September 23 to 25. The event, held annually in the Netherlands … a global hub for horticultural innovation …. offers a rare opportunity for growers, breeders, and buyers to evaluate next-generation crops under real-world field conditions.
This year, Tozer is placing special emphasis on five key crops: celery, parsnip, leek, kale, and wild rocket, reflecting both market demand and the company’s strategic breeding priorities. With a reputation for excellence in root and leafy vegetables, Tozer aims to demonstrate how its latest varieties address critical challenges such as disease resistance, uniformity, climate adaptability, and consumer appeal.
Celery Takes Center Stage
Long recognized as a leader in celery breeding, Tozer is highlighting two standout dual-purpose varieties: Mendel and Curie. Both are engineered for versatility … suitable for both fresh market and processing … and exhibit traits that align with modern agronomic and retail requirements.
“Mendel stands out for its dark green foliage, high petiole count, uniform knuckle formation, and robust resistance to Race 2 Fusarium wilt … a major concern for celery growers worldwide,” said a Tozer spokesperson. “It’s a reliable performer across diverse growing regions.”
Curie, meanwhile, offers a faster maturation profile without compromising on quality. Its similarly dark green leaves and abundant petioles make it ideal for multiple market segments, from supermarket bunches to foodservice suppliers. The company notes that both varieties have undergone extensive trialing across Europe and are already generating strong interest among commercial growers.
Parsnips: Uniformity Meets Resilience
In the parsnip category, Tozer is presenting two advanced lines tailored to different production windows and market needs. TZ 7508 is distinguished by its exceptional uniformity in shape and color … critical attributes for pre-packed retail formats … while TZ 5152 delivers consistent performance in main to late-season harvests, with notable tolerance to canker, a common soil-borne disease that can significantly reduce yield and quality.
“These parsnip varieties reflect our commitment to combining visual appeal with field resilience,” the company stated. “Uniformity isn’t just about aesthetics … it translates directly into reduced waste and higher pack-out rates for growers.”
Leek and Brassicas: Expanding the Portfolio
Complementing its root and stalk crops, Tozer is also showcasing significant advancements in leek and brassica breeding. Two leek varieties … TZ 8380 and TZ 8382 … are drawing attention for their adaptability and quality.
TZ 8380, a mid-early to main season type, boasts excellent shank (the edible white portion) quality, essential for premium fresh markets. TZ 8382, a main season variety, combines strong tolerance to thrips … a persistent pest in leek production—with favorable leaf and shank characteristics that meet the specifications of multiple European markets. Field trials across the continent have confirmed their consistent performance under varying climatic conditions.
In the brassica segment, kale continues to be a focal point. While specific variety names were not disclosed, Tozer emphasized ongoing work to enhance leaf texture, color intensity, and post-harvest shelf life … key factors for both retail and health-conscious consumers.
Wild Rocket: Breeding for Flavor and Function
Wild rocket (arugula) is another area of concentrated innovation. Tozer’s breeding program targets three critical traits: delayed bolting (to extend harvest windows), powdery mildew resistance, and leaf serration … a visual and textural cue that consumers associate with premium, peppery flavor.
Visitors to the trial field will be able to compare a range of commercial varieties alongside experimental breeding lines, offering a glimpse into the future of this increasingly popular salad green.
Coriander and Pumpkins: Diversifying the Offering
Beyond the headline crops, Tozer is also featuring new coriander varieties designed for regional adaptability. Flamenco, with its glossy, dark-green leaves, performs well in winter production systems in warmer climates and has gained traction in northern Europe due to its visual appeal and vigor. Rumba, in contrast, thrives in cooler summer conditions, providing growers with a reliable option across diverse seasonal windows.
The display also includes an eye-catching array of pumpkin varieties, with special attention given to Wicked and Zombie … the only UK-bred ornamental pumpkins currently on the market. These varieties cater to the growing Halloween and autumn decoration sectors, combining unique shapes, intense coloration, and strong field performance.
A Platform for Dialogue and Discovery
For Tozer, the Seed Meets Technology event is more than a showcase … it’s a forum for collaboration. “Our trials offer growers and industry professionals a unique opportunity to experience the quality, uniformity, and versatility of our varieties first-hand,” said Steve Winterbottom, Managing Director of Tozer Seeds. “More importantly, they’re a great moment to engage in productive conversations about the real challenges facing the sector today.”
Marcel Bloemendaal, Sales Director for Northern Europe, echoed this sentiment: “We look forward to welcoming visitors and sharing our latest innovations. This year, we are particularly excited about the developments in celery, leek, and kale, which continue to meet the evolving demands of modern markets … from farm efficiency to consumer expectations.”
To foster these connections, Tozer has scheduled a “Happy Hour” on September 23 and 24 from 4 to 5 p.m., inviting attendees to network over a signature celery gin and tonic.. a playful nod to the company’s flagship crop and a testament to the versatility of its breeding work.
As global agriculture faces mounting pressures … from climate volatility to shifting consumer preferences … events like Seed Meets Technology underscore the vital role of independent seed companies in driving innovation. With its focused portfolio and farmer-centric approach, Tozer Seeds is positioning itself not just as a supplier of seeds, but as a partner in sustainable, resilient food production.
Visitors to the Tozer trial plot at Seed Meets Technology (Hall 7, Stand 7.210) can expect hands-on evaluations, expert consultations, and a taste of the future … quite literally.
