British Tomato Fortnight
British Tomato Fortnight is an exciting time that celebrates the peak season for homegrown tomatoes in the UK. This event highlights the wonderful flavors and health benefits of British tomatoes, encouraging everyone to enjoy this versatile fruit in various dishes!
Capitalize on peak UK tomato season (late May/early June) to drive farm-to-table retail, farmers' market foot traffic, and recipe-driven content that celebrates local, sustainable British produce.
- Host a tomato-tasting challenge on social media featuring local varieties and user-generated content
- Partner with farmers' markets and local farms to promote pick-your-own experiences and farm tours
- Create seasonal recipe content (gazpacho, salsa, Caprese) tied to fresh British tomato availability
- Highlight sustainability and local farming practices through behind-the-scenes farm content and grower spotlights
British Tomato Fortnight was started to highlight the delicious, locally grown tomatoes in the UK. The British Tomato Growers’ Association (BTGA) launched this event to promote the benefits of British tomatoes and support local farmers.
The campaign began gaining attention due to the combined efforts of the association and various partners in the food industry. The event usually takes place at the peak of the tomato season, focusing on the end of May and early June. This timing ensures that the freshest and most flavorful tomatoes are available.
The BTGA and its partners use this period to educate the public about the nutritional benefits of tomatoes and the importance of sustainable farming practices. British Tomato Fortnight celebrates the vibrant and tasty varieties of tomatoes and emphasizes the innovative and eco-friendly methods used by British farmers. These methods include using rainwater for irrigation and natural predators for pest control.
The campaign aims to reduce the carbon footprint of food production and promote local consumption, which supports the UK’s agricultural economy and reduces the need for imports.
Host a Tomato Tasting Party
Gather friends for a tomato-tasting extravaganza! Everyone brings a different variety to sample. Line up those tomatoes and see which one steals the show. Include a few fun facts about each type, and let the flavor fiesta begin!
Create Tomato-themed Dishes
Get those creative culinary juices flowing! Whip up some tomato-inspired recipes. Try your hand at tomato gazpacho, tangy salsa, or even a classic Caprese salad. Experiment with new dishes and enjoy the burst of fresh flavors.
Visit Local Tomato Farms
Plan a day trip to nearby tomato farms. Enjoy a tour and learn how these juicy gems are grown. Many farms offer pick-your-own tomato experiences. Nothing beats the taste of tomatoes straight from the vine!
Share on Social Media
Spread the tomato love online! Snap pictures of your tomato adventures and share them with friends. Use hashtags to join in on the celebration. Challenge friends to share their own tomato moments.
Support Local Markets
Head to your local farmers’ market and load up on fresh, British-grown tomatoes. Chat with growers and learn their best tomato tips. Your support helps local farmers and ensures you get the freshest produce around.