After being nominated for the Fruit Logistica Innovation Awards (FLIA) in 2012 for its green Sungreen cherry tomatoes, Tokita is back in 2014 thanks to Fioretto long-stem cauliflowers.
A Fioretto plant in the field.
FreshPlaza interviewed Tokita's Italian manager Gregorio Padula on the most recent introductions. "2013 confirmed that, especially in Northern Europe, the market is very interested in cherry tomatoes. Thanks to our collaboration with British supermarket chain Tesco, Sungreen green cherry tomatoes did well in the UK, despite remaining a niche product."
"Introducing new varieties of tomatoes differentiates the various retailers. From this point of view, Northern Europe is very interested in varietal innovation."
Tokita has been working in the seed sector for over 90 years and has branches in Japan, US, India, China and Italy. The US market represents 15% of the turnover while Italy represents 10% - the rest is made up of Asian markets.
"We are developing a programme called 'Gusto Italia' for the Japanese market, through which we will introduce some typical Italian products like rocket, fennel, Roman cabbage and turnip tops. Restaurants are our target and that is why we have also started collaborating with the Japanese branch of Barilla."
"We are very strong with cauliflowers and cabbage in India, whereas broccoli is becoming more popular in China and in the US, especially because people are becoming more aware of its health properties and it has a more delicate aroma than white cauliflowers."
Another Tokita product doing well in China and in the US are bunching onions (photo below).
The innovative Fioretto cauliflower
In honour of Fruit Logistica, Tokita will present its latest innovation, i.e. Fioretto cauliflowers, a variety with long stems, very tender and a much sweeter aroma than that of traditional white cauliflowers.
Padula explained that "Fioretto is excellent as a ready-to-cook variety, in fact stems can be washed and packed, ready to be used. They are ideal just seared on a pan so they keep all their nutritional properties and can actually be eaten whole."
You can vote for Fioretto cauliflowers in the area dedicated to FLIA 2014, between halls 20 and 21. The winner will be announced Friday 7th February at 2.30 pm.
Tokita will take part to Fruit Logistica 2014 at Hall 1.2 - Stand A-19. Chairman Ike Tokita and manager for Italy Gregorio Padula will represent the company.
Contacts:
Gregorio Padula
TOKITA SEMENTI ITALIA Srl
181, C.so Garibaldi
47100 Forlì, Italy
Tel.: +39 543 756143
Fax: +39 543 031496
Mob.: +39 333 1455111
Email: gregorio.padula@tokitasementi.it
Web: www.tokitasementi.it