JA Zen-Noh and DELICA FOODS HOLDINGS CO.,LTD. have launched a demonstration project to verify the quality and shipping standards for large tomatoes intended for processing and foodservice use. 4 varieties will be cultivated at VF Land in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, with quality checks by intended use and test sales conducted over one year from August 2026.
JA Zen-Noh, in cooperation with DELICA FOODS HOLDINGS CO.,LTD., has launched a demonstration project to establish quality and shipping standards for large tomatoes suited to processing and foodservice use. The project will run for one year from August 2026, with 4 varieties cultivated on approximately 10 ares at the VF Land agricultural and technology center. DELICA FOODS will verify quality by intended use and conduct test sales, examining the process from cultivation through sales.
At a coordination meeting on 25 September, the parties exchanged views on the tomatoes' size and shape at shipment, packaging methods, harvest timing and cultivation methods. They will continue the demonstration and discussions with the aim of developing a system for stable production and sales in Japan and promoting domestic agriculture.
The article identifies colour, shelf life, suitability for heating and ease of handling according to intended use as key characteristics of tomatoes for processing and foodservice applications, and points out that few such tomatoes are currently grown in Japan. The demonstration at VF Land in Hiratsuka will cover 4 varieties, with the parties verifying indicative shipping specifications and cultivation methods.