It will take a little while, as the current harvest needs to be completed first, but one thing is certain: the autumn tomato season is just around the corner. For the second year in a row, Belgian cooperative BelOrta will also include beef tomatoes in the mix.
"The beef tomato will be back this autumn, and that's important for continuity," confirms Maarten Verhaegen, Division Manager Vegetables at BelOrta. "In autumn production, we want to offer the same varieties as we do in summer."
Last season was the first time customers specifically asked for beef tomatoes from an autumn crop. These are "beautiful, big fruits" that allow growers to stand out on the market. Buyers particularly value the high and consistent quality. Part of the autumn beef tomato crop is grown on contract, while a smaller share is made available through the auction clock.
The harvest window for autumn tomatoes runs from December through January. "Energy costs are still a challenge. Lighted cultivation usually only starts mid to late January," explains Maarten. This means autumn growers bridge the gap between the traditional unlit crops and the start of lighted production. In practice, it's often cucumber growers who switch to an autumn tomato crop, most of them choosing coarse truss tomatoes. Market prices for autumn tomatoes largely depend on the level of imported tomatoes arriving in Europe at the same time.
© Annet Breure | HortiDaily.com
Premium brands
BelOrta is committed to year-round availability and stable quality of locally grown tomatoes. On top of that, the cooperative differentiates itself with premium products. "The tomato market is always looking for higher yields and stronger resistance. We add another focus: top-segment tomatoes," says Maarten.
Examples include Aromia, a cherry truss tomato launched this spring, and Ruby Red, a plum truss tomato that has been on the market a little longer. "Ruby Red will remain available all winter. At the moment, there's no alternative like it on the market."
For more information:
Belorta
[email protected]
www.belorta.be
