French tomato grower Le Jardin de Rabelais has installed a new Philips Lighting LED system that will slash its electricity use by 30 per cent and ensure year-round production.
The new system, supplied in conjunction with Philips’ horticulture partner Certhon, will see the Loire Valley-based grower expand on its initial installation of 1.6 ha of LED lighting. It will now have 14,000 LEDs in a new 3.4 ha glasshouse.
Udo van Slooten, business leader for Philips Lighting’s horticulture business, said 85 per cent of Le Jardin de Rabelais’ tomatoes are sold locally to customers in France. “By being able to use LED light recipes for all year round tomato growth, Le Jardin de Rabelais will provide a consistent quality crop all year round and avoid customers having to buy from overseas competitors during the winter,” he said.
“In addition, the company will benefit by reducing electricity consumption by 30 per cent compared to the previous HPS lighting system, while simultaneously enhancing crop taste and yield, which is a win-win situation.”
Le Jardin de Rabelais will use Philips GreenPower LED toplighting from the roof of the 3.4 ha greenhouse – equivalent in size to six football pitches. Philips’ plant specialists will also advise on “light growth recipes” to optimise growth.
Founder and co-owner Pascal Delahaye said: “Our challenge is to grow more tomatoes in the winter. So we’re excited by the use of Philips Lighting’s horticultural LED lighting which is fundamental for our plans to increase the crop yield of fine vine tomatoes and cherry tomatoes by 10 per cent within a year while upholding the taste and overall quality. This is what will put us one step ahead of the competition.”
