UK grower Stubbins is commercially growing an orange plum tomato on the vine following extensive UK screening trials.
The tomato will be grown for Somerfield and has been selected for commercial production following work between Somerfield’s technical and commercial team of Jeff Ffitch and Dominic Edwards and Stubbins technical director Andrew Haycock, who coordinated the screening trials.
Due to the vigorous nature of the plant and strong growth patterns Stubbins is confident that a good yield of fruit can be expected during the forthcoming summer.
The variety produces between 12 and 14 fruit from each vine, but this is hand- pruned to nine to provide evenly sized and regular maturity along the length of the vine.
Category buyer Edwards believes the new tomato will have a future as bright as its skin. He said: “This unique tomato will offer a quality point of difference for our customers.”
The variety will be available from Rhymney Valley Nursery, Wales from April until October and plans have already been made by Stubbins to have the variety grown in Spain and Italy to provide continuity during the winter months.
Haycock said: “The variety offers something new because it has a uniquely delicate but full flavour, often associated with orange types, while also having a smooth fleshy texture similar to that found in plum fruit. Its colour and plum shape give it a distinctive appearance and it is vine ripened and sold on the vine to allow maximum flavour retention.”
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