Future looking rosy for tomato grower

SuperValu anticipates that its sales of tomatoes to Irish shoppers will exceed €2.5m during 2013.

The Irish-owned chain’s prediction coincided with the formal launch yesterday of a new variety of tomato to its range. Grown by David Currid of Grantstown Nursery, Co Waterford, the Flavorita tomato will be exclusive to SuperValu’s 196 stores nationwide.

SuperValu is expecting to sell €300,000 worth of the new tomato between April and October. It says the Flavorita is a sweet and juicy vine-ripened Irish baby cherry plum tomato, ideal for salads and snacks.

SuperValu managing director Martin Kelleher said: “Fresh quality produce is a core SuperValu offering and we rely on Irish suppliers such as David Currid and his team to provide ourcustomers with the fresh offering they have come to expect from us.

“In addition to value, the SuperValu shopper looks for variety and choice and our partnership with David is an example of how we work with Irish suppliers. This deal also represents part of our overall commitment to Irish salad growers who we support to the amount of €5.8m per annum.”

SuperValu says 75% of everything on its shelves is sourced or produced in Ireland, contributing over €1.6bn to the economy and helping to sustain almost 30,000 jobs in the farm, food, and retail sector.

Mr Currid said: “We have partnered with SuperValu now for a number of years and have developed a relationship that is built on a commitment to delivering the best in fresh produce.”