With over 150 new tomato varieties in the pipeline and a newly launched Tomato Experience Centre, seed breeder, BASF | Nunhems, is well placed to help growers capitalise on the growth opportunities described at the recent British Tomato Growers Conference.
Delegates at the largest ever event hosted by the British Tomato Growers Association on 25th September 2025 in Kenilworth, heard how British produce only accounts for 20% of an industry worth £1bn in the UK.
“There is huge opportunity for growth and that would benefit not only our industry, but the wider horticulture sector and the UK economy too,” says Nasir Ahmed, Consumer and Customer Manager at BASF | Nunhems.
BASF | Nunhems are the main sponsor of the event and says it is a privilege to support British tomato growers.
“We are proud to stand alongside the industry in shaping a more productive, resilient, and sustainable future for tomato growing in the UK. While there are undoubtedly opportunities, like any other sector, British tomato production is not without its challenges. This is where collaboration, innovation and events like these are so vital,” adds Nasir.
Conference speakers, Robbie Moore MP and NFU’s Gail Souter, reflected on the effects of political instability as well as the industry’s continued difficulties in accessing the affordable skilled labour, energy and water it needs to fulfil its potential.
“The British tomato industry is not alone in facing some these challenges,” acknowledges Nasir.
“Whether it is country-specific issues around planning consent, or global challenges like climate change, there’s an increasing need for improved water-use efficiency in tomatoes. It is a good example of where genetics can be part of the solution.”
A research update on ToBRFV delivered by Adrian Fox, Senior Plant Virologist at Fera Science, described how there are currently five disease outbreaks under surveillance. With two new sites added in 2025, it is the highest number since 2020.
Adrian stressed the importance of strategic systems-level approaches to biosecurity to prevent the accumulation of inoculum and to reduce the risk of breaking genetic resistance in varieties.
“Resistance isn’t perfect; it offers protection, not immunity,” added Global Crop Technical Lead at BASF | Nunhems, Geert Jansseen.
“Varieties need to be supported by good hygiene. We know, for instance, that abiotic stress like high temperatures and co-infections are factors that can make resistant varieties vulnerable to the disease.
“Today, there are over 1,000 mutations of ToBRFV and it is very difficult to predict which one will break a resistance gene. It is why, at Nunhems, we use multiple resistance genes in our varieties.”
BASF | Nunhems was the first company to market with a ToBRFV resistant variety just six years after the initial incidence in 2014. Today it has more than 20 varieties spanning the segments which offer resistance to this devasting disease.
“At the outbreak, we’d already been working on resistant varieties for over 5 years, thanks to our extensive collaboration with experts, growers, processors and retailers.
“That work continues. The varieties we’re working on today will be those that are taking on challenges of the next decade – seed breeding is a long-term activity,” explains Geert.
Each year, BASF | Nunhems invests 20-25% of its turnover into R&D. In 2024, the company opened its doors to its Tomato Experience Centre in the Netherlands.
Located on the site of BASF partner tomato producer, De Bakker Westland, it is a state-of-the-art hub of innovation and collaboration, and home to over 150 high-tech ToBRFV- resistant varieties.
“At the Tomato Experience Centre, we offer a unique opportunity for stakeholders from across the supply chain to meet and explore tomato cultivation and consumption.
“For our grower partners, this space provides an interactive environment where they can observe and learn about the agronomic practices that shape the quality of varieties. While, retail customers are invited to indulge in sensory experiences, exploring the visual appeal and taste profiles of our varieties.
“By bringing together growers, retailers, and our team, we foster meaningful dialogue around the challenges and opportunities facing the industry today, ensuring a collaborative approach to driving innovation and growth,” says Nasir.
The power of innovation and collaboration was echoed by many of the speakers at the British Tomato Conference. From the ground-breaking partnership between Hadlow College, Thanet Earth and Growing Kent & Medway, which has led to the UK’s first centre of excellence in greenhouse growing, to the consumer-focused initiative, The British Tomato Fortnight, which the saw the industry collaborate with social media influencers, chefs and retailers.
“As an international seed breeder, we have the privilege of working with growers, researchers, and industry experts from around the world. I can confidently say that the British Tomato industry is one of the most innovative and collaborative sectors in our field. We’re delighted to be able to sponsor the British Tomato Conference in 2025 and are looking forward to 2026’s event already,” says Nasir.
