Gourmet Genetics™

Gourmet Genetics™

Gourmet Genetics™ was established in 2011 to market the range of cherry tomatoes bred by Mark Rowland. The business operated from Laughing Owl Nursery near Spalding, Lincolnshire and rapidly built a reputation for innovation and excellence. The name was chosen to reflect the commitment to innovative breeding for outstanding flavour and quality. Breeding objectives were focused on the amateur market, where there is a real need for modern, high quality open pollinated varieties.

After taking over the marketing of all Gourmet Genetics™ varieties in October 2018, the well known seed company E W King & Co bought Gourmet Genetics™ outright in August 2020, allowing the brand to expand into a wider range of top quality products.

Recent Developments

As the tomato breeding program matured, Gourmet Genetics™ moved into breeding and selecting chillies. Over two hundred cultivars from around the world were trialled and tasted to find those most suited to the Northern European climate. As with the tomato breeding program, the emphasis has been on outstanding flavour.

Recent releases include several outstanding chilli varieties, namely Madre Vieja, a more compact and productive Hot Lemon type, Wraith, a remarkably compact, early and productive Naga, & Redroc, the earliest, most compact rocoto we have ever seen.

Of equal importance is the cocktail tomato Ruby Falls, which combines exceptiomal flavour with a narrow compact habit ideal for cultivation in a restricted space.

NB All Gourmet Genetics™ tomato and chilli varieties are fully compliant with UK legislation, and where applicable have tested negative for ToBRFV.