A new tomato called Bon Bon, still under trial at Wight Salads, beat 48 competitors in a tasting trial held for the first time at the National Fruit Show by the British Tomato Growers’ Association.

The Golden Delight variety won second place, and the Santini tomato came in third - both of which are supplied to Marks & Spencer by Flavourfresh Salads.

Jeremy Scott, National Fruit Show chairman, and Gerry Hayman, at the Tomato Growers’ Association, anticipate that the Tastiest Tomato competition will be repeated next year as part of a new strategy to broaden the event’s remit after 63 years.

The National Fruit Show has always been the annual centrepiece for English apples and pears. But the inclusion of strawberries last year was followed by the addition of tomatoes and pumpkins.

Scott added that blueberries will be included in the 2007 show.