Acampo, California, USA
September 8, 2016
Watermelons and Melons during the month of August in Northern California are the highlight of the industry. The vegetable seed division of Bayer features their own products in an event that according with many visitors showed the most innovative products from the industry both in Melon and Watermelon.
Customers visiting the demo field.
Customers and industry leaders from different specialities and from five countries traveled to the 100 acre research and development station in Acampo, CA; supporting Nunhems’ foundational ‘Global Specialist’ claim, countries represented were: Guatemala, Costa Rica, Australia, Mexico and the USA. The focus of the event was truly on the customer themselves; collaborating within their individual needs and showcasing to them the innovations coming to the market. Agronomic and retail customers were both catered to within this event by product specialists, breeders, sales and marketing; giving both customers and internal team members a full chain perspective.
Matt Deceault explaining new innovations within the Melon crop.
A highlighted success was the extensive work Matt Deceault, Produce Chain Specialist, has advanced within downstream and upstream customer in melon and watermelon industry. The team created a custom experience for each retail and produce customer by comparing their current developments and produce with the innovations presented. With this new approach, retail and producers customers were able to focus in key areas of their concerns and discuss solutions. Clear evidence of strengthen partnership among industry customers was observed during this week’s events.
“The field days were a great opportunity for the melon team to showcase our unique products to growers, brokers and direct to supermarkets. What made this event a great success was that customers visited us from many production areas and they were able to provide direct feedback on our products. In particular, the Crispy Pear and the range of Golden melons evoked many lively discussions amongst ourselves and our customers. This allowed us to give us true insights into what customers are needing and in most of the cases enabled us to present products that filled these needs. For me this week was a great example of customer focus in action.” – Sam Bush, Crop Sales Manager Melon
Different internal departments gathering to join a collaborative presentation and discussion about the Watermelon and Melon crops.
Collaboration within internal departments was also a key element of this event. A full day was devoted to gathering various departments within the melon and watermelon crops to view, taste and interact with a highlighted assortment. Breeding, Research, Operations, Produce Chain, Leadership and Sales & Marketing intermingled and conversed regarding the future and advancements and solutions to many of the current issues within these crops.
Special projects within the assortment of melon and watermelon have been the focus of many sales and marketing team members. Lead sales and marketing team members presented assortment material from their perspectives giving insights to the other various departments regarding what value drivers are important to customers and real time market trends.
“During the last four years that I have the opportunity to live this show, this year has been by far the most successful in terms of Innovation, Collaboration and Customer Focus. I have enjoyed very much the close interaction and discussion between Sales & Marketing, Research, and Operations. We can see already how this close cooperation is delivering success in the way of very innovative products and solutions that will contribute without any doubt to the success of our customers and our own company. This week has been an excellent example of talented people working together for the benefit of the customer. My biggest thanks goes to the entire team of Acampo that has welcomed us and many customers one year more, making everyone feel like at home” – Rafa Mora, Crop Sales Manager Watermelon
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