Tesco is conducting trials through its Doncaster depot to gauge customer reaction to Spanish loose on-the-vine tomatoes in open bags, presented similarly to grapes.

The tomatoes are grown and packed by Paloma in Murcia, and supplied to Tesco through Gomez.

'We want to gauge whether the presentation makes selection easier for customers,' said Tesco's Ann Wells.

José Hernandez, president of Paloma, said: 'The English market is very quality specific and we are running a trial with Tesco with vine tomatoes and the results have gone well. We will sell vine tomatoes in little bags, as in England the consumer buys tomatoes and will pay for the weight of the stalk.

'The packaging is cheaper, it cuts back on waste and the customer must buy everything but can see the whole product before purchasing. The trial has been very successful and has been extended and will be expanded into more stores.'

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