Lipman, which lays claim to being North America’s largest open-field tomato grower, has unveiled its newest proprietary round-variety tomato, the Crimson Queen.

Lipman, based in Immokalee, FL, has long been dedicated to research and development to produce high-quality and flavorful produce. The Crimson Queen features increased flavor and a bright red interior and is the latest variety to emerge from the work of Mark Barineau, director of seed development and research and development for Lipman.

Grower Scott Rush manages the 5,000-acre farm in Immokalee, FL, that produces part of the company’s vegetable crop. (Photo by Chip Carter)The goal was to create a round field tomato that was not just durable, but also flavorful.

“We know that round tomatoes typically have a reputation for durability, rather than taste, and that increased flavor is normally associated with higher-sugar-content varieties like grape, cherry and heirloom-type tomatoes,” Barineau said. “However, with the Crimson Queen, we’re changing that by introducing a round tomato that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for function.”

The Crimson Queen has the same characteristics that make round varieties popular with foodservice operators and consumers: shape, durable skin and long shelf-life. But the tomato also has higher Brix levels and a focus on the flavor profile, as well as a corresponding boost in lycopene levels.

“Our growing process begins before the seeds are even planted with research,” said Chief Operating Officer Darren Micelle. “It’s because of our R&D team that we’re able to take feedback from our customers and develop a product that meets their needs.”

Barineau joined Lipman in 2004 and now generates some 100 million seedlings a year from the Immokalee facility.

“From the get-go it was very apparent to me that when you’re building something from scratch it’s a risk for everybody,” Barineau said. “There’s no blueprint for doing this, there’s no manual, there’s no cut-and-dried ‘do it this way or that way.’ I’ve got about another 15 years in this and I want to be the guy that’s known for making the most desirable tomato in the world. We want to make a true, genuine impact on society and I’d say everybody on my team would be in total agreement with that. We feel like we’re on a mission and our mission is to make the best tomatoes out there period and that goes right along with the mission statement of the company.”

With farms in Florida, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, California and Mexico totaling tens of thousands of acres, Lipman grows, ships, processes and repacks fresh produce 365 days a year.

“The people who work for Lipman, it’s been my observation they tend to be very high-performing people,” Barineau said. “There’s camaraderie, there’s a team spirit within Lipman and a certain loyalty that the organization tends to foster. We believe in Lipman, we’re proud to see the literal fruits of our labors. We can ride through any field on the farm and say, ‘Hey, I remember when I made those pollinations or was evaluating that hybrid in 100 degree weather.’ We made this stuff — we’re proud of it, we like going to the grocery store and restaurant and seeing our work there.”

Attendees at PMA Fresh Summit in New Orleans can learn more about the new Crimson Queen variety at booth No. 2957.