“With the Phalaenopsis, people learned the general growing features of orchids. Now, they want to see new and special varieties, like the Bellavallia® and the Cambria”, says Aline Andreas, marketing manager at Hassinger Orchideen.

"We just use our own genetics for all our young plants", says Andreas. At Hassinger Orchideen, the breeding and production of young plants takes place 'in-house', and orchid propagation is done by a third party.

After breeding a variety, the spikes are brought to a laboratory and are multiplied in in-vitro cups. Then the young plants are grown by Hassinger Orchideen in a 33,000 square metre greenhouse and are ready to be exported throughout Europe, their main market.

Andreas says, when introducing a new variety, it first needs to be tested. "The first testing takes place in Hassinger’s greenhouse. Then, the best varieties are selected and offered to the customer."

The entire process, from crossing, multiplying, testing and bringing to the market, is executed within Hassinger Orchdeen. According to Andreas, this enables the company to offer high quality young plant trays and a transparent and quick handling. "If you purchase varieties from Asian breeders, you will certainly recognize that the plants grow differently in our climate." Therefore, by focusing on the cultivation and adaptation of Hassingers orchids under the European weather conditions, they are able to offer young plants that will grow as expected. "It enables us to deliver a full assortment plus the certainty of better growth.”

Currently, the company breeds and produces some 300 different orchid varieties. The majority of the assortment consists of Phalaenopsis types; ranging from micro types to large types with flower sizes up to 14 cm. "We can supply them in vitro flask and young plant trays."

"As a breeder you need to think forward and you should not be misled by actual trends. Our whole flower market lives from creativity, but adding a new ceramic pot is not inspiring enough," Andreas says, “Therefore, Hassinger is developing a new orchid spectrum, next to the Phalaenopsis. "We noticed this increasing demand for special orchids. So, five years ago, we started to ask ourselves what should follow up the Phalaenopsis; we were looking for a descendant."

At the time they started to focus on special orchids, many people advised them to continue breeding Phalaenopsis and to forget the rest because it would not be profitable enough. "We ignored this and look where we are today; the demand for new orchids increased sharply." "We are proud that we kept breeding these orchids at that time. Therefore, we are able to supply them now". 

Hassinger Orchideen sees a worldwide potential for the Phaleanopsis and is therefore eager to extend their export market. "Europe is still a growing market for us. Therefore, on the short term, we are eager to extend our market with countries like Italy, Poland, and Slovenia", says Aline Andreas. In the long term, they are willing to export to Ukraine and other Non-European countries. "We will keep a close eye on the developments in these countries."

In the future, the company says will continue to develop new varieties. "Flowers can be seen as fashion items. So, we continuously need to come up with new colors and shapes", says Andreas. In addition, it is aiming to breed varieties that can be cultivated together in one greenhouse. "This enables growers to offer a broad assortment of products without making large technical adjustments," Andreas concludes.

Hassinger Orchideen will be exhibiting at the Flower Trails in Aalsmeer Region, the Netherlands from 9-12 June 2015. 

Source: Elita Vellekoop, www.hortidaily.com