gilad ltd

CHERRY TOMATOES

We have marketed the cherry tomatoes in two forms of packaging: Cherry on the vine in 3.5 kg cartons and Cherry loose in 9 trays of 250gr each. Both grow under plastic green houses and the final decision of the form of marketing is in accordance with market demand.

1. Supply

Table 7. Arrival time – Pallets per week

	Nov	Dec	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	Total
Bulk	5	8	10	10	10	10	53
250gr.	5	8	10	10	10	10	53
Vine	3	8	9	9	9	8	106
	13	24	29	29	29	28	212

2. Variety

The two main variants are suitable both for open field growth and inside a greenhouse. When we grow it outside it is mainly for individual fruit harvest, once it grows under plastic on a string it is best for a vine harvest.

1. 124 –A vigorous cocktail hybrid of “Hazera”, Average fruit weight 14gr.TSS 4-6.5%. The fruit combines good color and flavor with out standing shelf life and firmness

2. 819 –The parallel variant with resistance to TMV, average fruit weight 16-19gr. Average fruit per bunch is 8. TSS 4-6%, high yield.

3. Size

Vine - We use only one size: L 24 – 34 mm.

Loose – Two sizes are in use: S 20 – 25 mm

M 25 – 30 mm

L 30 – 35 mm.

4. Agrotechnics

Transplanting in September and development with one single stem. The first harvest will start as early as November and will last through April. The picking point is at pink stage to achieve good color and flavor with long shelf life.

5. Post harvest

The harvested bunches are taken to a cool humid packing house for cleaning through a washing system, then a cold forced air for drying.

6. Packaging

Vine-packaging in 4 layers, each 2 layers are facing each other. We leave on the bunch no more then 3 color stages between the first and the last tomato. Carton of 5 kg. and 140 cartons on a pallet.

Bulck-3.5 kg. Cartons, classification according to color stage and size.

Tray-2.25kg. Carton. Each carton has 9x250gr tray and there are 220 cartons on a pallet.