Enza Zaden launches Fortitude, a new tomato variety
The large cluster tomato promises high yield and strong performance for growers.
NETHERLANDS – Enza Zaden has launched Fortitude, a new tomato variety in the large cluster segment.
The variety combines high yield, firm fruit quality, and reliable resistance traits, designed to help growers achieve consistent results.
From initial concept to commercial release, Fortitude moved quickly through development. Julian Wolf, the breeder behind the variety, said, “Two years ago, I first saw Fortitude in the greenhouse. After that, we conducted trials with growers, and within two years, the variety was ready for the market. That’s exceptionally fast.”
The project achieved this pace thanks to strong collaboration between Enza Zaden’s research, marketing, and sales teams. Julian explained, “The biggest challenge was the speed at which we had to work. There was a lot of enthusiasm within Enza Zaden, so we needed to make big steps in a short time. Thanks to constructive teamwork, we succeeded. Everyone was on board and positive, which gave us tremendous energy.”
Fortitude (E15A.43687) offers several characteristics that set it apart. The variety produces firm, deep red fruits with long shelf life and shows strong vegetative growth under lighting conditions. Its resistance package is designed for a future with fewer crop protection products.
Julian noted, “Fortitude produces more flowers per cluster than comparable varieties. This allows pruning to either five or six fruits. The variety is particularly suitable for pruning to six in spring for higher yields, which is attractive for growers. The results exceeded my expectations. I saw early on that this variety had potential, but I never imagined it would score so well on so many traits.”
Support for growers is a key focus in the introduction of Fortitude. Bas Olsthoorn, Sales Manager Tomato for the BeNeLux and Scandinavia region, emphasized, “We provide growers with data and knowledge to optimize the cultivation program together. This way, we get the most out of Fortitude.”
For Julian, seeing Fortitude widely cultivated is a milestone. “It’s always special to walk into a greenhouse and see your ‘baby’ in large numbers. As a breeder, you often work with just six plants, and then suddenly you see a full greenhouse. That’s truly a wow moment.”
Enza Zaden continues to expand its tomato portfolio. In addition to Fortitude, the company recently announced plans for another variety aimed at the medium cluster segment, targeting growers in Europe and the Middle East.
This development follows trends in the sector that favor varieties with strong yield, durability, and adaptability to reduced crop protection programs.
With Fortitude, Enza Zaden aims to provide growers with a dependable option for large cluster tomatoes while maintaining a focus on support and guidance in cultivation practices.
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