Sound Agriculture has launched the Summer Swell tomato, a new slicing tomato variety. The variety is grown using On-Demand Breeding, a non-GMO process that uses epigenetics to develop plant traits ten times faster than current methods. For Summer Swell, this means increased durability and improved flavor.
Summer Swell went from an idea to a new tomato within two years. It offers:
- A flavorful variety reminiscent of an heirloom tomato.
- The ability to remain on the vine longer and develop more flavor and sweetness while still being able to better withstand transportation logistics.
- Once at a consumer’s home, the typical Summer Swells retains peak flavor and firmness for eight days compared to three days with most heirloom tomatoes.
The tomato will be distributed through NYC-based produce wholesaler distributor S. Katzman Produce and available at grocery stores in the New York metropolitan area beginning next month.
The Summer Swell will be available at grocery stores in the New York metropolitan area beginning next month.
“Our customers are looking for new, innovative products that offer a great tasting experience,” says Stefanie Katzman, executive vice president at S. Katzman Produce. “We were drawn to Summer Swell because of its proprietary platform, which is used to enhance flavor and shelf life, two key factors that contribute to improved consumer experience and increased produce consumption.”
Sound Agriculture is working with over a dozen companies, including CPGs, ingredient and seed companies, to develop new varieties with improved nutritional content, reduced browning, increased pest resistance, improved texture, enhanced color, and more. These improvements address important health and sustainability issues by improving nutrition, increasing access to healthy foods, and reducing food waste and chemical use.
“With On-Demand Breeding, consumers have access to plant-based options today without having to wait for the five to ten years required by the traditional breeding process,” said Adam Litle, CEO of Sound Agriculture. “By tuning natural trait expression, the tomato gives people access to delicious heirloom tomato flavor any time of year.”
For more information:
Nadia Jamshidi
Sound Agriculture
nadia.jamshidi@padillaco.com
www.summerswelltomato.com