De Ruiter Seeds connects to market demands

During the open day on June 3 in its Tomato Experience Centre in ‘s-Gravenzande, De Ruiter Seeds showed its visitors as many as 350 different tomato varieties, mostly De Ruiter Seeds varieties.

“It offers the visitors the opportunity to compare results under similar growing conditions,” said Nico van Vliet, trade partnership manager for Benelux and Germany. Data was also shared on production progress and average weight.

Wageningen University analysed the tomatoes on taste and shelf life, resulting in exchangeable data.

The open day also offered the opportunity to share market trends with visitors. Van Vliet said the segment of tomatoes under 20 grams is growing, as is that of truss tomatoes above 100 grams, but the segments in between are having a hard time – unless it is a truly special tomato.

According to De Ruiter Seeds – where vegetable varieties are bred traditionally – tomato varieties that offer either cheap tomatoes or the best taste and presentation combination are currently in demand.

During the breeding process Monsanto focuses on an optimal connection to market demands.

Exclusive plums on the vine

With that in mind De Ruiter Seeds introduced Sevance, a tomato on the vine in the medium segment, that combines very good taste and colour with a high yield. It also has excellent resistance against IR mildew.

“In all segments we offer varieties with IR mildew resistance without compromising on other qualities,” Van Vliet said.

Sevance

With the introduction of two new flavourful tomatoes, De Ruiter Seeds is also introducing a new segment. The DRTC 1003 and DRTC 2890 are mini and midi plum tomatoes on the vine.

“These are produced exclusively in North-West Europe and introduced in all of Europe,” Van Vliet said. With the fact that the plum tomatoes remain attached firmly to the vine throughout the shelf life, De Ruiter Seeds addresses a hidden frustration of the consumer and optimises customer satisfaction, thus stimulating repeat purchases.