After 6 years of hard work and more than 30 revised versions of the specifications, 3 tomato varieties grown in France have been benefiting from the coveted Red Label since the end of May.
“The first Red Label tomatoes will arrive in the stores at the beginning of summer. This success was made possible thanks to the collective work of several organizations and institutions, including AIFLG (Lot et Garonne Fruit and Vegetable Association), the Lot-et-Garonne department, the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, the French government, and INAO. This is the first Red Label, and SIQO obtained for tomatoes in France. It guarantees superior product quality, defined in the case of tomatoes by taste and texture. It covers 3 varieties in 4 segments: bulk cherry and cluster cherry (Saopolo variety), round tomatoes (Temptation variety), and elongated heart tomatoes (Gourmandia variety).”
Complementary range of labeled tomatoes
They all have one thing in common: the quest for taste excellence. “These are premium varieties that have been selected for their unique taste, as well as for their complementary uses. The cherry tomato, crunchy and sweet, can be eaten at different times of the day as a snack, while the round cluster tomato, which is small, fleshy, dense, and crunchy with very little juice, is ideal for sandwiches. Finally, the elongated tomato, with its generous, melting flesh and heart shape, is perfect for carpaccios or salads.”
1,000 tons of Red Label tomatoes expected this year
The Paysans de Rougeline producers have been very active in the project. The Red Label is sometimes associated with the Marmande tomato, but the specifications can be applied by any farmer in France who can and wants to do it. “As far as we are concerned, these three varieties will be produced by 12 producers in the south of France. The goal is to expand this niche of SIQO products to meet the demand of consumers in search of taste.”
Les Paysans de Rougeline hopes to harvest 1,000 tons of labeled tomatoes this year and up to 2,000 tons next season. “The idea is to make this 2023 season a test campaign in order to increase rapidly next year, together with other structures and producers.”
A distinction to help perpetuate French agricultural production
This SIQO is the fruit of much hard work and could prove to be a real asset for French production. “For us, it is a recognition of the know-how and daily work of our producers. We are proud to be able to produce tomatoes that stand out from other varieties thanks to their superior taste. It is also a product differentiation that will help us fight foreign competition in a context where inflation is difficult for French agriculture. The aim is, therefore, also to help sustain French agricultural production.”
For more information:
Sophie Thill
Les Paysans de Rougeline
Chemin de Cazeaux
47213 Marmande cedex
s.thill@rougeline.com