Winter Tomatoes

Along with Brexit and poor weather as a result of climate change in north Africa and Spain, rising energy costs for Dutch and British growers have been cited as one of the reasons for tomato shortages. Summer tomatoes are simply not in season right now, meaning energy-intensive methods such as artificial lighting and heating are required to simulate summer conditions.

Relying on artificial inputs to mimic the work of nature raises the question of seasonality:

When did the unseasonal become the everyday?

Driven by radical seasonality, and with a supply chain that flexes around the subtle shifts that occur in nature day in, day out, we did not experience tomato shortages. That is because we source Winter Tomatoes at this time of year.

Marinda, Camone, Raf and Iberiko can only reach their full potential in winter, when skilled growers are able to exert a level of stress on their plants that would be impossible in the warmer months. Naturally requiring fewer resources, these are the tomatoes that are in season right now.

Put your weight behind seasonal alternatives to year-round produce to help shift demand and build resilience into the food system. Find Winter Tomatoes on the app, on Ocado or at your local Waitrose.