Dümmen Orange Turns Toward Sustainability at California Spring Trials

By Julie Hullett|April 1, 2023

In addition to unveiling a vast array of new varieties at California Spring Trials (CAST), Dümmen Orange also shared new information on its work in sustainability. Carl Kroon, Central America Regional Manager for Dümmen Orange, says environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing is becoming more important to investors and consumers alike. The company is following these three pillars to implement new practices to build a better future for people and the environment.

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Begonia 'I’Conia Portofino Dark Orange' (Dümmen Orange)

This variety brought a bright splash of color to an already-vibrant display at Dümmen Orange. The latest addition to the I’Conia Series, ‘Portofino Dark Orange’ has bright double blooms that contract with dark foliage. Portofinos fit well in a 6-inch or 8-inch container or basket.
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Begonia 'I’Conia Upright Blush' (Dümmen Orange)
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Fuschia Ballerina’s Series (Dümmen Orange)

The new Ballerina’s Series includes eight colors of fuschias. This series was named after the shape of the bloom, which looks similar to a ballerina. Each variety is named after a French dance technique, including Arabesque, Assemblé, Relevé, Brisé, Piqué, Coupé, Pirouette, and Tendu.
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Geranium 'Big EEZE Pink Batik' (Dümmen Orange)

‘Big EEZE Pink Batik’ is a hybrid, bringing the heat tolerance of an ivy geranium and the look of a zonal. The interspecific breeding allows for easy branching and production. The soft, speckled pink is a unique garden addition.
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Fast Finish Shrub Program (PlantHaven)

Designed for growers already producing perennials, the Fast Finish program includes shrubs such as Abelia ‘Suntastic Pink,’ Weigela ‘Prism Magic Carpet’, and the all-new Buddleia ‘Baby Buzz Candy Pink,’ plus several others that can go from plug to gallon in just 12 weeks.
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Catharanthus 'Soiree Flamenco Salsa Red' (Suntory Flowers)

Another Catharanthus from Suntory that almost makes you forget you’re looking at a vinca. Combining all the versatility of a vinca with ruffled petals and a deep-red color, ‘Flamenco Salsa Red’ is the newest addition to the unique and useful Soiree collection.

Kroon says Dümmen Orange plans to cut its carbon footprint 50% by 2030. One of the contributing factors to carbon emissions is transportation. For example, kalanchoe is produced in Tanzania and flown to Guatemala. If the company works toward more regional production, this would cut carbon emissions and build a more reliable supply chain.

Dümmen Orange is also planning for a 90% waste reduction and usage of non-recyclable packaging. At Filipponi Ranch, where Dümmen Orange displayed its new varieties, attendees used compostable silverware. There were separate bins for garbage, recyclables, and compostable materials.

Kroon says the company plans to reduce its use of chemical crop protection. Dümmen Orange plans to have 80% of its production area under GreenGuard protections, an integrated pest management (IPM) program to produce vital cuttings with minimal chemical use. Kroon says spraying chemicals strategically is an easy way to avoid waste, in addition to adding beneficial insects to an IPM program. Dümmen Orange also plans to reduce its water consumption by 20%. One possibility the company is addressing is to capture rainwater, Kroon says.

When Dümmen Orange promotes its commitment to sustainability, it is not just referring to the environment. Kroon says Dümmen is committed to communities around the world, too. The company values operational excellence as it pertains to its products, in addition to human rights, engagement, and health and safety of its team members.

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Dümmen wants to ensure that its people are treated fairly, Kroon says. For example, the company pays its employees a living wage. A living wage is not always equal to minimum wage. Kroon says that Dümmen Orange employees receive compensation at or above a living wage. Equal treatment extends beyond compensation into other topics such as gender equality. Kroon presented an MPS Socially-Qualified (SQ) certificate for one of Dümmen’s farms in Guatemala, noting that it meets national and international requirements in the field of health and safety.

Kroon says Dümmen Orange is committed to cutting edge technology. Its Intrinsa brand, which offers genetic resistance to disease, is a key tool in its GreenGuard protocols.

Dümmen Orange’s governance goals are twofold: Greencare phytopolicy and GreenGuard. The company is striving for clean cuttings with minimal chemical residue. As for GreenGuard, this internal and rigorous IPM protocol employs scouting and biological controls to minimize chemical crop protections. For example, employees must have quality eyesight to scout for thrips. If employees have trouble scouting due to the need for corrective lenses, the company will provide check-ups as needed. With these programs in place, Kroon says Dümmen Orange hopes to meet a global standard of at least 80% of its farms having implemented IPM programs globally.

Dümmen Orange supports projects that are good for the community, Kroon says. In 2018, the eruption of Volcan de Fuego in Guatemala left thousands of people homeless and jobless. A group of women used their time in a shelter to create and sell hand-embroidered pompoms, including some with Dümmen’s logo, which were available at CAST. These pompoms provide displaced families with a significant source of income.

Check out the slideshow above for some standouts from Dümmen Orange, as well as PlantHaven and Suntory Flowers, and visit GreenhouseGrower.com for continued coverage of CAST.