Swedish grower produces top dollar tomatoes with unique concept

Swedish grower Vikentomater has developed a unique and competitive concept that brings new meaning to top dollar tomatoes. With 83 delicious and unusual tomato varieties, this family owned and operated greenhouse attracts and delivers direct to both topnotch restaurants as well as supermarkets aiming to stock only superior quality products. And the customers, well they’re more than willing to pay top dollar for these tasty tomatoes.

It’s not an argument that for most growers today’s vegetable market revolves around scalability and pricing, but one true contest to such focus can be found in SoutherSweden at Vikentomater, a tomato operation famous for its many varieties, 83 to exact. The family run company founded in 1964 is operated by owners Mats and Susanne Olofsson. Unlike other growers the Olofosson’s have no interest in expanding their 10,000 square meter greenhouse, it’s all about an extensive selection of varieties at Vikentomater.

Vikentomater/Monica Palmqvist

Vikentomater’s devotion to variety began in 1996 when Mats took over the company. The passion for variety has since evolved into a competitive niche with an extensive selection of 83 different tomato varieties of all shapes and sizes grown each year. Each and every variety is unique, some so unique that their only picked from a mere 200 plants. Such specialization is what enables 80% of tomatoes under the brand of Vikentomater to be delivered directly to stores and restaurants throughout Sweden. With no middle man needed, it’s a highly attractive concept that’s working so well that some customers are willing to pay up to € 9 per kilo—nearly ten times what most growers get!

Vikentomater’s secret for top dollar tomatoes isn’t only variety, they know to grow the best tasting tomatoes you need the right climate and to achieve the perfect climate they rely on Svensson screens. Although their located in Southern Sweden energy saving is one of the biggest climate challenges.

“Ten years ago, when installing our Svensson screen, we cut our energy costs in half”,says Mats. “Now we’re about to replace it and we need all the light we can get while still saving as much energy as possible.” A LUXOUS 1243 D energy screen will take care of the tomatoes while a light diffusing HARMONY 4047 FR screen will create a nice environment in the covered market area.

Each year 250-300 tons of tomatoes are produced in the greenhouse. The company's covered market features freshly picked tomatoes along with other culinary tomato delicacies. Their unique concept sets them apart from other growers, captures the attention of both local and international press, and keeps their customers coming back to try out the latest in tomatoes tastes no matter the price.

For more information about Svensson screens:

Svensson
Camilla Parneving
camilla.parneving@ludvigsvensson.com
www.ludvigsvensson.com