In 2021, a new tomato greenhouse will open in the French town of Ouarville (Eure-et-Loire). Two brothers began this project, Alexandre and Florent Besnard, who wanted to grow a tasty product without pesticides and with a low carbon footprint. "The idea was born in 2018. The project was first initiated by the director of the local board of territories and the deputy for the constituency in the south of the department to develop another crop and diversify agriculture in the Eure-et-Loire department, which is mainly focused on potatoes and onions. We chose tomatoes because they are the best-selling vegetable," explained Alexandre two years ago.
"We receive great feedback from our clients"
"We started planting red cherry tomatoes in January 2022." The first year was a learning experience, according to Alexandre, as "there are no greenhouses in the region, so it was difficult to recruit trained staff. Nobody knew us, so we also had to make our mark on the market." But 2023 promises to be a success. "We are reaching the middle of the season, and marketing is going perfectly. We are getting very good feedback from our clients regarding both taste and quality. Customer purchase volumes are only increasing, especially as the market for cherry tomatoes is much better than last year."
Alexandre and Florent cultivate 1.6 hectares (10 hectares of greenhouses), with an annual capacity of 500 tons of cherry tomatoes.
Increased surface areas and diversification in 2024
This year, yellow cherry tomatoes and grape tomatoes have joined the ranks, and from next year, the Besnard brothers plan to add heirloom tomatoes (Black Krim and Marmande or Oxheart) "in order to have a complete range to offer." A direct sales project is also under consideration "to meet the demand from our closest customers."
The tomatoes from Ouarville are sold in local supermarkets, as well as at the Rungis market and other produce retailers.
For more information:
La Tomate des frères Besnard
28150 Ouarville
[email protected]
