Tholen - Yesterday De Ruiter helds its annual open day at the Tomato Experience Centre in 's-Gravenzande again. De Ruiter’s latest varieties were presented. During this event customers, growers, distributors and chain partners again had the opportunity to become acquainted with the diversity of breeds. In addition, there were taste tests again. There was a good turnout.
Volantis is the new plum tomato. The most notable advantages are the beautiful green parts and vigor. Gertjan van der Spek, from Solyco in Bergschenhoek, decided yesterday to plant four hectares. Jan confirms the above mentioned benefits. He he’s been running a test at his company for three years and therefore has some experience with the cultivation of this breed. Yesterday he definitely decided to grow Volantis as loose tomatoes next year. Jan: "We expect to achieve a high production because of the strong vigor. And the quality of the tomato is also very good." Duco de Ruiter adds that the Volantis has a higher mildew resistance.
"Quentero is now popular in Belgium," says Nico van Vliet. The breed was admitted as a pilot in the Prince segment. Currently 100 hectares is being grown. The breed has nice green parts and offers 10% more fruit production than the standard breed.
The trend towards a flavorful beefsteak tomato continues. De Ruiter has found an answer to this: Chocomate. Last year, the tomato was already grown by Tomabel in Belgium.
De Ruiter is developing a market for a new tomato segment. DR1003TC is the mini plum truss tomato. Nico indicates that positive talks are being conducted with retail. The intention is to grow this breed exclusively.
DR2890TC is a midi plumb tomato. At the end of this year it will become commercial. This breed will also be an exclusive cultivation.
Nico: "Sevance remains the alternative to Merlice. Sevance is especially meant for the higher segment." This year 50 hectares is being grown. Nico expects that this acreage will continue to grow next year.
For the international sector there are also interesting novelties.
Tomimaru Muchoo is very popular in Poland. 400 hectares of this breed is being grown there. This picture shows how this breed is presented in Poland and Japan. A taste test was held with this breed during the open day.
Torero now has the largest market share in this segment. The breed is highly resistant and reliable. Because it is easy to grow, this breed suits both high and mid-tech greenhouses.
Five to six years ago this breed was introduced in the Benelux. The shelf life is a strong point of Merlice. Merlice is now a much chosen crop in Australia, Mexico, USA and Eastern Europe.
The Juanita is especially popular in the mainstream and premium segment in Italy, Germany, France and England.
For more information:
Nico van Vliet (e-mail)De Ruiter Seeds
Leeuwenhoekweg 52
Bergschenhoek
Phone +31 105292415
Fax +31 105292400
www.deruiterseeds.nl
