Datterino tomato, a best-selling niche product

The competition scenario in the table tomato sector is increasingly dynamic, especially in the high-value datterino tomato segment. To meet the needs of the entire supply chain and to impress the end consumer, an innovative and modern variety is required. But how? By retaining its freshness for several days after purchase and has excellent taste.

Lobello F1

Esasem has addressed these needs with the Lobello F1 variety and demonstrated this with evidence. The variety has won the Sabor del Año prize awarded by Spanish consumers for six consecutive years, including 2024. Lobello F1 is a highly sought-after quality product in the European and international horticultural market.

Raffaele Miccichè, Product Developer at Esasem, explains that "Lobello F1 has been a reference for all European supermarket chains for some time now. This is due to its recognized organoleptic and quality characteristics. The product's high quality in taste generates significant interest. Lobello is cultivated throughout the Euro-Mediterranean area and is appreciated by producers for its high yields and profitability. It is considered a yardstick for taste and economic yield in the international Datterino market."

Lobello F1 is suitable for growing in several countries, including western and eastern Europe and the Middle East, and its ease of cultivation and ability to adapt to all soil and climatic conditions make it an excellent choice for growers. Our technicians have found it to be highly tolerant to the major plant diseases of the day, with a high field tolerance to ToBRFV," says Miccichè.

"Lobello's yield results do not end there," Miccichè continues. In fact, our geneticists have developed new hybrids that combine the same standards of taste and aroma with high adaptability to different seasonal cycles throughout the year. The other datterino varieties developed this same way are Solbello F1 for transplants from March to July, Tybello F1 for transplants from August to October, and Jungi F1 from October onwards."

"All our varieties," concludes Raffaele Miccichè, "meet production needs in a global context that is facing the new problem of climate change and the increase in average temperatures, with peaks often exceeding 40°C in recent years and much higher in greenhouses. This, together with climatic extremes, adds up to an ever-increasing phytosanitary pressure that can affect agricultural fields without the right genetics."