Purple tomatoes could be coming to stores: Purple Bliss could be launched in Australia

By: Trademagazin Date: 2026. 03. 13. 10:18

🎧 Hallgasd a cikket: Nyelv: Sebesség: 1.05×

The dark purple, anthocyanin-rich tomato variety called Purple Bliss, created by researchers at the British John Innes Centre led by Professor Cathie Martin, could be on the market as early as spring 2026 – for now in Australia – writes FruitVeB. The variety is special in that the genes responsible for anthocyanin production were transferred from the genome of the snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus), so the tomato has a much higher antioxidant content than usual and a characteristic purple color.

The commercial launch is being prepared in Australia: Norfolk Healthy Produce (NHP) and All Aussie Farmers have entered into an exclusive cooperation to distribute Purple Bliss nationally. According to the plans, the product will first be available to greengrocers in the state of Victoria, and then, as the supply expands, they can also expand to Brisbane and Sydney, meaning it will be available in the three largest Australian cities.

The variety is grown exclusively in greenhouses or plastic tents to ensure that the taste, content and appearance are consistent in every batch. The company is awaiting the first seed shipment, with production expected to reach 3-5 tonnes per week once production ramps up, with further growth expected in the second year as the seed supply expands. Purple Bliss is similar in size to a cherry tomato, but is described as sweeter and juicier than traditional varieties, and is positioned for fresh consumption and as a spectacular colouring element in salads.

According to FruitVeB, Purple Bliss could be the second genetically modified food grown in Australia, and is expected to be the first to be available as a fresh, full-value product on store shelves (the GMO banana, which was approved in 2024, is not yet available). The distributor expects consumers to be open to innovative new products and may welcome the appearance of purple tomatoes with interest.