Jersey grower Kevin Herve flew over to the mainland this week to herald the launch of the Jersey Jewel branded tomatoes he is producing exclusively for Tesco.
The variety, a dark-red, sweet plum-on-the-vine called Sunstream, hit selected Tesco stores in limited volumes last week and supplies are expected to be in full flow by April 10.
Herve’s company, Harmony Produce, joined forces with UK-based Wight Salads this year to market, pack and distribute the tomatoes for Tesco.
The elongated black tray packs feature Herve’s photo along with a short bio, headed “Meet the Grower”, and Jersey’s national flag.
Herve, pictured, says Sunstream complements Santa, which he has been producing for Tesco for nearly 20 years.
He said: “It is a follow-on from Santa and definitely as good, but it is on the vine so it gives the public something new.” The Jersey Jewel brand will be available until November, with the bulk of the crop harvested from April to June, when Herve expects volumes to reach 40,000 to 50,000 punnets a week.
First picks have been on the small side but the larger-sized main crop is starting to come through.
“We’ve come out of a dark, cold winter but now the crop is looking really good,” Herve said.
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