Print This PageSeminis' Pink Pearls Aid Breast Cancer Research
When Australians go to the store for some fresh produce, they can now not only purchase some colorful and tasty cherry tomatoes, they can also aid breast cancer research.
Seminis recently announced the Australian launch of its Pink Pearl cherry tomato--a small, smooth and yes, pink fruit. The sale of the tomato will directly benefit Australia’s National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF).
John McBride, Seminis western Australia manager, said the world’s first commercial release of the Pink Pearl was a good fit for corporate partnership with NBCF because of the tomato’s name and color.
“Globally Seminis is involved in many community-based projects but this particular concept is a first,” McBride said. “We had to meet key criteria throughout the process including traceability and charity legislation requirements. Pink Pearl cherry tomatoes meet all these objectives and we are confident they will both raise vital funds for breast cancer research and help Seminis achieve a significant share of the cherry tomato market.”
The Pink Pearl tomato will be sold in markets in packaging displaying the pink ribbon, the internationally-recognizable symbol of breast cancer awareness and research. Although breast cancer awareness is particularly high in the month of October, which is breast cancer awareness month, the tomatoes will be sold year-round.
“Pink Pearl tomatoes are among the few [products] to display the pink ribbon all year,” Leonie Walton, NBCF head of marketing and corporate partnerships, said. “It is a lovely product which is being grown specifically to support the NBCF and all involved, from breeders to growers, are aware of its direct support of our cause.”
Korean and Italian breeders joined efforts to develop the Pink Pearl, which is known for its attractive fruit,good flavor and color. Australia is the first country to commercialize the tomato following growing trials that started more than a year ago.
Cherry tomatoes are grown in soil and under protective structures in Australia’s key growing regions of Virginia, South Australia and Carnavon, West Australia. The tomatoes are also under growing trials in Victoria and Queensland in an attempt to guarantee year-round availability.
Because of their small size and durability, cherry tomatoes are often used in salads and dishes where they are eaten whole, such as in kabobs or finger foods. Although conventional cherry tomatoes won’t yield the thick slices to top a sandwich like traditional varieties do, they are often sought out because they are described as sweeter and fruitier-tasting than the full-sized versions.
