The European market recently welcomed Otello, anew hybrid tomato variety developed by the seed house Eugene Seed, which bringstogether the best qualities of both Raf and Choc tomatoes. The companies thathave marketed it, such as the Spanish firm Hispalco, assure that "it is asuccess and will continue to see an increase in demand as production volumesgrow."
"Sabor" tomato sold by Hispalco under the brand Hispalco Bio
"It is a ribbed Black Marmande tomatothat withstands cold conditions," explains one of Hispalco's Otelloproducers in Spain. "It has an approximate production of 4 kilos per plantand very uniform calibres without cracking."
Its main characteristic, however, isits "sweet flavour, with an average of 7-8 degrees Brix, and an idealpost-harvest that makes it possible to reach the main European markets,"continues the producer. "The fruit retains its dark colour throughout thematuration stage and does not become wrinkled."
Raf tomatoes have become the premium variety inthe Spanish market and one of the most expensive because of its amazing tasteand how difficult it is to produce. However, being a green tomato entailsdifficulties for its acceptance in European markets like Great Britain andGermany, where appearance is very relevant to consumers and green is associatedwith lack of ripeness.
Both the producer and José Beltrán, Hispalcomanager (on the right), agree that this tomato has an innovative appearance interms of shape and colour, as "having an almost red skin gives it adistinct, more attractive appearance."
Otello follows the steps of varietiessuch as the Raf, whose taste is gaining popularity in part due to goodpromotional campaigns. "We can say that with this variety, we have beenable to obtain what tomato consumers have been seeking for so long: sweetnessand an intense flavour."
"Sabor" tomato marketed by Hispalco under the Unicorn brand
"For now," says José Beltrán,"its market performance has been quite good and demand will increase as itcontinues to gain presence, as the characteristics of this tomato are veryreminiscent of old varieties that were renowned by our parents and grandparentsbecause of their great flavour. In this regard, the Otello tomato, or"Sabor", which is the name under which we sell it, is in line withwhat we look for in our Hispalco Bio brand: a product that not only has a greatappearance, but also an excellent flavour."
"Sabor" tomato sold by Hispalco under the Monna Lisa brand
"Our producers sell it in Spainand we market it in the entire European Union under the brand Hispalco Bio. Weare also working to promote it in other countries," says JoséBeltrán.
Regarding sales channels,"Sabor" tomatoes marketed under the Hispalco Bio brand are mainlydistributed to wholesalers and gourmet retailers specialised in organicproducts, and according to José Beltrán, "also to small local supermarketchains with demanding consumers used to paying high prices for greatquality."
Ana Beltrán
HISPALCO, S.A.
C/ Barranco Pascual, 45. Pol. Ind. Campo Aníbal.
46530 Puzol, Valencia, Spain
M: +34606686319
T: +34 963404422
abeltran@hispalco.com
www.hispalco.com