Growers create new tomato type following four-year trial

Controlled greenhouse environments and hours of testing have made growing this brand-new tomato variety in the UK possible

A brand new type of tomato has been created in British soil to mirror the qualities of its sweet Mediterranean counterparts.

The Goutini, to be made available in Asda stores this summer, has been created following a four-year trial process.

Grown in Southport, Merseyside, growers have spent around over 500 hours perfecting the new variety to ensure it mirrors tomatoes found in the Mediterranean.

Resembling a Beefsteak tomato, the Goutini contains the highest amount of natural sugar for a tomato this size.

A regular Beefsteak tomato has a natural sugar level of 3.5%, whereas the Goutini contains twice that – a level which is usually only possible in small, salad tomatoes.

Grown in carefully-moderated conditions created to mirror the conditions of warmer European climates, including sunlight regulation and humidity control, the Goutini is a combination of the sweetness of salad tomatoes, combined with the versatility of the Beefsteak, making it unlike any other tomato on the market.

Andy Roe, tomato grower explained: “Over the last four years, we’ve worked hard at finding the right seeds, cross-breeding varieties and testing various growth patterns and conditions to create a fruit that delivers on both quality and flavour – something we’ve succeeded in doing with the Goutini.

“With customers looking for sweet, British produce year-round, we’re excited to be trialling the Goutini throughout summer, and hope Brits enjoy the sweet, tender tomatoes set to make any barbecue complete.”

The British-made tomato follows comments by the NFU that highlights how British farmers and growers can become the number one supplier of choice to the UK market.

It says British people should be able to enjoy more sustainable, quality British food at a range of different prices that suit all incomes.

The farming union suggests public run services such as schools and the NHS should be “wherever possible, sourcing British assured ingredients”, except for products unable to grow in the UK.