The Golazo onion has exploded in the Peruvian market and exports to neighboring countries, standing out for its post-harvest, resistance, and adaptability to different soils and climates. Developed by Hazera in alliance with Semiagro, this hybrid variety not only increases yields for farmers but also improves the commercial quality and competitiveness of Peruvian onions.
The name Golazo comes from a clear vision of success. According to engineer Fernando Gómez, general manager of Semiagro, and engineer Santiago Berger, Hazera's product manager for alliaceae and cruciferous vegetables, the name came about when they compared the variety's potential with a great goal or "golazo" in soccer terms.
Developing this onion variety took 8 to 10 years of research and testing in the Peruvian fields. "The challenge was envisioning what the market would need in a decade and developing an onion that met those demands," the specialists explained.
"The Golazo onion is a short-day pink hybrid variety, designed specifically for the Peruvian market and regional exports. Its main attributes include a superior yield, which can reach up to 90 tons per hectare, far exceeding the national average. In addition, it has an exceptional postharvest, with great shell adherence, allowing prolonged storage and reducing losses in transport. Its ability to be planted in a range of up to five months makes it a versatile option for producers, unlike other varieties that have very limited planting windows," they added.
Another key aspect is its tolerance to diseases, as it has a good tolerance to foliar diseases such as Peronospora, Alternaria, and Stemphylium, which are common diseases in onions. Its ability to be planted in a range of up to five months also facilitates the farmer's planning. Finally, its mild taste and low pungency make it ideal for fresh consumption and gastronomy.
"Farmers need varieties that have a great postharvest to make long trips, and Golazo raised market standards," they said.
Golazo has not only conquered the domestic market, but is already positioned in Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, and Chile, and has even been exported to markets in the Caribbean. Its resistance and quality have made it the onion of choice for exporters in the north of the country.
The most important marketing windows include Chile in September, October, and November when the country has a shortage of onions. It is also exported to Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela throughout the year, with greater demand in periods of lower production in these countries. In the Peruvian domestic market, thanks to its planting flexibility of up to five months, Golazo allows producers to play with harvesting dates and sales prices.
"Peru has competitive and comparative advantages for onion production, and Golazo is helping to consolidate the country as a key supplier in the region," they said. They are also exploring opportunities to expand their presence in Central America and potentially in Europe.
Hazera and Semiagro have also developed a portfolio of hybrid varieties adapted to the Peruvian market. These include pink onions such as Dulcinea, Sivan, and Pink Panther, and red onions such as Toro Rosso, Dimitrios, Red Sea, and Noam, which are mainly destined for the domestic market and exports to Colombia and Ecuador. They are also working with yellow and sweet onions, including the Joelino and Sweet Granex varieties (material 10258) in development stages focused on exporting to the US and Spain.
In addition, they expect to launch a new variety that is earlier than Golazo, a hybrid 10422, which will offer better color, high plasticity, and superior post-harvest performance.
"Peruvian onion exports are increasing, and we are convinced that varieties like Golazo will help the sector to become stronger," they concluded.
For more information:
Fernando Gómez
Semiagro
Peru
Tel: +51 940 323 159
Email: f.gomez@semiagro.com.pe
www.semiagro.com.pe
Santiago Berger
Hazera
Email: santiago.berger@hazera.com
https://la.hazera.com/