In the Netherlands, Red Egg mini tomatoes are available in abundance again. "These deep red premium tomatoes with an intense 'exciting' flavor and striking drop shape have an extra-long shelf life. Demand for local products keeps growing too," says Pieterjan Droogendijk of The Greenery.
Eric Slaman of Kwekerij De Westpoel
That offers opportunities for these tomatoes, which brothers Leon and Eric Slaman of Kwekerij De Westpoel cultivate exclusively in the Netherlands. "These tomatoes taste like tomatoes used to taste. They're sweet (Brix of 10), intense, aromatic, and as some say, 'exciting'," says Eric. "I love that it even has a delicious aftertaste," adds Leon enthusiastically. In short: a tomato for true tomato lovers.
Drop-shaped, longer shelf life
These tomatoes' strong green, somewhat thicker stem extend their shelf life. "They remain fresh for a long time," says Leon. "That means it retains enough moisture. Its branch is slightly crooked, and the tomatoes are irregularly distributed. So, the Red Egg mini has a natural look. The teardrop shape makes it pop on the shelf, making it easy to recognize," says Eric.
Red Egg mini meets consumer demand
The Red egg Mini can rightly be called a snack tomato, and healthy snacking is what consumers are increasingly demanding. The average person has become even more concerned with health since the pandemic. These mini-truss tomatoes suit that trend perfectly. Trends also show that tomatoes are being eaten at more times of the day.
"We see this in adults, and children love them too. Often, people say these tomatoes are finished in no time," says Eric. "These tomatoes aren't only popular in the Netherlands. They're now also being cultivated in Italy and Germany. In England, it's even been voted Tomato of the Year."
Tomatoes: a much-loved product
“I most enjoy eating the Red Egg mini, just as it is, as a snack," Eric admits. "Its deep red color, drop shape, and intense flavor also make it distinctive in healthy salads," Leon believes. "That's when they truly shine." Tomatoes are and will remain a popular product. According to GFK data, 90.2% of all Dutch households periodically eat tomatoes.
Rise in tomato sales
The Tomato category as a whole is still expanding too. The mini TOV category, which includes the Red Egg mini, is good for eight percent of the Tomato category's total sales. This specific category's sales and volume development have been growing nicely in recent years. In 2020, mini truss tomatoes had a 34% turnover development; in 2021, that was ten percent.
Sustainable family business
Leon and Eric's family business goes back two generations - at least 60 years. They have been cultivating vine tomatoes in Monster, Westland, since 1993, and in Honselersdijk, they have been growing Red Egg minis for a decade. The company started in Monster and, 11 years ago, added the Honselersdijk location.
The business spans some 5.6 hectares. The brothers consider sustainability vital and are Planet Proof, GlobalGAP, and GRASP certified. Plus, where possible, they use geothermal heat via the Trias Westland Geothermal Heat Project.
Packaging
Red Egg mini tomatoes come, standard, in 3kg boxes, but anyone who wants a different format or smaller packaging can always contact Pieterjan Droogendijk (see details below).
For more information:
Pieterjan Droogendijk
Senior Salesperson: fruit-vegetables
The Greenery
Tel: +31 (0) 613 551 885
Email: p.droogendijk@thegreenery.com
Website: www.thegreenery.com
Trias Westland Geothermal Heat Project
Website: www.triaswestland.nl