The pumpkin sector is undergoing a major transformation on an international level, with new emerging players and increasingly diversified demand.
In recent years, Africa has become a key area for pumpkin production with increasing investment from countries such as Morocco, Egypt, Senegal, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, and South Africa. In parallel, there is strong dynamism in Central America, with Mexico, Panama, and the Dominican Republic intensifying their presence in the sector. European demand, particularly from Italy, France, and England, is driving this development with a focus on specific varieties such as Kabocha, Butternut, and Muscat de Provence.
In the photo: Hambra
Levantia Seed, a seed company specializing in varietal research and selection, is responding to these developments with its 2025 Pumpkin Catalogue, which includes no less than 53 varieties for the fresh and processing market, as well as 40 ornamental varieties.
"The role of Africa as a pumpkin producer is strongly emerging on an international level," explains Samuele Pellegrini, General Manager of Levantia Seed. "We have started targeted screening in the various production areas to develop varieties that can adapt to the different soil and climate conditions while guaranteeing a product that meets the needs of importers at different times of year."
The pumpkin market is increasing in value year after year. "The types with high organoleptic qualities are the most popular, starting with kabocha: in this segment, we offer two varieties that guarantee high-quality and productivity, namely Dulcimaks F1 and Dulcistore F1. Then there is a premium segment with very interesting prospects: it includes Vanity, characterized by grey skin, deep orange flesh, a long shelf life, and a pleasant chestnut flavor, and Reddy F1, boasting bright orange flesh and a pleasant hazelnut flavor. The latter two represent the pinnacle of our varietal selection. Butternuts are also in great demand in the processing industry, for which we have Hambra F1 which combines high productivity and fruit quality, resisting cracking even under difficult climate conditions."
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Left: Dulcimaks F1. Right: Reddy F1
Pumpkin consumption in Italy has evolved significantly, with an expansion also in the central and southern regions where, historically, production was almost exclusively destined for the northern market.
"If, until a few years ago, the South of Italy was only a producer of pumpkins for Northern Italy, now local consumption has also developed, which can only be good for the market," says Levantia Seed's general manager. "An interesting aspect of the growth in pumpkin consumption is that this vegetable is also attracting a young audience thanks to its versatility in cooking and the growing offer of fresh-cut and ready-to-eat products."
Finally, the 2025 catalog is proof of the expansion of ornamental pumpkins, which are increasingly in demand in garden centers and for autumnal displays. The range of ornamental pumpkins has been expanded to meet the growing demand from theme parks, schools, and private individuals, a market that has grown significantly in recent years.
"Ornamental pumpkins are becoming a real decoration element, comparable to a flower in their ability to convey a touch of color and liven up the environment," Pellegrini concludes.
With this wide range of solutions, Levantia Seed confirms itself as a leading player in the pumpkin sector, ready to support producers and international distributors in facing the challenges of an increasingly demanding and globalized market.
For more information:
Levantia Seed Srl
Via Luigi Savoia 18/B
45014 Porto Viro (RO) - Italy
+39 335 5662226
+39 342 1635715
info@levantiaseed.it
www.levantiaseed.it