The Australian launch of the Montenegro RZ variety is a Sensational Flavours initiative by Frances Tolson, Rijk Zwaan Chain Manager located in Sydney. The products in that segment excel in terms of taste, as does the beef tomato. Its firm and juicy bite combined with its aromatic flavour – a perfect balance of sweet and sour – make this product ideal for salads. Plus, with its green exterior and its flesh flaming first pink then red, Montenegro really catches the eye.
Sydney Produce Market
According to Frances, this ‘greenback’ tomato reminds many Australians from Mediterranean backgrounds of picking and eating tomatoes straight from the vine in their childhood. “Montenegro gives us a fresh and locally grown seasonal product that brings these sweet-tasting memories alive.” Frances invited chefs and vegetable distributors to rediscover the good-old tomato taste. “This tomato gives them something new to inspire their customers with.” Wholesaler Charlie Boustani from Boustani Brothers Sydney was immediately enthusiastic, and sells Montenegro from his stand at the Sydney Produce Market®. He also provides point-of-sale materials to interested parties and coordinates in-store demonstrations of Rijk Zwaan’s ‘greenback’ tomato.Favourite ingredient
The Sydney Produce Market® is Australia’s largest fresh fruit and vegetable wholesale market, and it caters primarily to professional buyers from supermarkets, restaurants, greengrocers, exporters and processors. Charlie: “We haven’t seen such a large (180 to 220 grams) and tasty tomato for years. The storeowners love it, especially because Montenegro remains so firm, even when it turns red.” In the meantime, the product has also been picked up by several restaurants in Sydney.Stephen Seckold, Executive Chef at the Flying Fish Restaurant in Pyrmont, describes the ‘greenback’ tomato as “a real find”. And Sally of Lucio’s Italian restaurant in Paddington uses them too: “We serve the beef tomato as a side dish, and we’ve had nothing but positive feedback!”
Montenegro is especially suited for the growers who wish to focus on supplying locally. This variety has a particularly extensive resistance pattern enabling it to be grown both traditionally and organically. Growers can of course rely on technical support from Rijk Zwaan. “Thanks to our collaboration with growers, wholesalers and retail, we have been able to introduce a fantastic new and tasty product in Australia that has great potential for the future”, concludes Frances enthusiastically.
For more information
Rijk Zwaan Distribution B.V.
Burgemeester Crezéelaan 40
2678 KX De Lier
The Netherlands
www.rijkzwaan.com
Source: Rijk Zwaan newsletter
