Roly Holt
R & L Holt

It’s thanks to the hard work and dedication of growers across the country that we’re able to celebrate British tomato season with so many delicious varieties each year.

Meet some of the growers working to keep shops and shelves well-stocked.

Family-run R & L Holt has been producing tomatoes since 1980. Head Grower Roly Holt oversees production at the farm, located in Offenham, on the outskirts of the Vale of Evesham.

Historically, our main variety has been the deliciously tangy Piccolo. But we’re always trialling tasty new varieties and our mouth-watering line up now includes everything from fragrant vine tomatoes to sweet mini plums.

We love to innovate as growers and have developed a special cultivation system for our crops. Our new hangers create a much better climate for the plants, which were originally grown on the ground – as well as an easier working height for us!

“We love to innovate as growers and have developed a special cultivation system for our crops.”

A healthy environment is key to growing tasty tomatoes, in addition to being important from an ethical perspective, so sustainability is critical to us.

We collect rain in reservoirs, which we use to irrigate our crops via solar powered pumps. Climate control ensures we create the perfect growing conditions for our plants in the most efficient way possible.

To ensure our plants get enough light, we use multi-spectrum LEDs – up to 40% more efficient than conventional lighting. And we heat our glasshouses with boilers fuelled by recycled woodchip. Thermal screens help to insulate the growing houses and protect our plants when it’s bright outside.

Freshness and taste set British toms apart. With only minimal transport involved, we can harvest on the exact day they’re ready and store them at room temperature. So, when our tomatoes go to market, whether it’s a big chain or independent café, they’re bursting with flavour.

Ahead of British Tomato Fortnight 2023 we sat down with Roly Holt to get to know him a little better.

Q1. What’s your favourite part about growing tomatoes?

The challenge and seeing change everyday. There is so much science to the way we grow which amazes people who visit the glasshouse’s.

Q2. How did you get into the industry and how long have you been a grower?

My father started in the late 70’s so I I have always been involved. In the summer I used to get up at 5am in the morning pick for a couple of hours before going to school!

Q3. What does your job entail?

Everything and anything. I could Be checking and growing the crops one minute then busy trying to fix a pump the next.

Q4. What are the biggest challenges the sector faces?

Growth and support. Horticulture has been undervalued for the last 40 years!

Planning, labour and the countries poor energy infrastructure do not help.

Q5. What’s the best part about your job?

Variety 100%. Also receiving letters or emailS from a customer. Normally they are very complimentary about the fruit but say they cannot always find it at their local retailer!

Q6. Why should people buy British produce?

Freshness and health benefits with mature ripe fruit.

Q7. Are there any cool facts about your nursery?

We have a unique patented irrigation system.

In 2015 we were 2nd in a World tomato growing event based on ‘innovation.’

All of our sites use and produce renewable energy which helps to produce a carbon efficient tomato.

Q8. What’s your favourite way to enjoy tomatoes and do you have any cooking tips?

Straight off the plant at room temperature you cannot beat it or a roasted vine on a bbq!

Q9. Favourite thing to do outside of work?

Any sports and an ever increasing classic car collection!

Visit website www.randlholt.co.uk
Facebook www.facebook.com/tastytomatoes