The partnership, formalised at Fruit Attraction in Madrid, will see the Ontario-based greenhouse operation distribute the internationally recognised heirloom variety across the US and Canadian markets
Yuksel Seeds and Lakeshore Veggie Growers (LVG) have entered into an exclusivity agreement for the Sweetloom F1 tomato variety.
Formalised during Fruit Attraction in Madrid, the strategic partnership marks a ”significant step” in expanding premium tomato offerings across North America, the groups said.
Sweetloom F1, bred by Yuksel Seeds, has already gained international recognition by winning the Fresh Market Award 2025 and International Taste Award 2025.
”With its exceptional fruit aesthetics, outstanding flavour, strong firmness, extended shelf-life, and above-average nutritional properties, Sweetloom F1 is poised to transform both store shelves and consumer preferences,” the joint statement outlined.
Located in Leamington, Ontario, on the shores of Lake Erie, LVG is a family run greenhouse operation specialising in flavourful heirloom tomatoes.
The companies noted that, with global demand rising for heirloom type varieties that combine traditional flavour with modern resilience, Sweetloom F1 stands out as a breakthrough.
Its ToBRFV resistance ensures crop security, while its unique qualities have earned it recognition as a true “door-opener” for the heirloom segment, they continued.
“From the beginning, I believed in the power of Sweetloom,” said Jay Collasanti, chief executive of LVG.
”It is a very nice tomato, with a great flavour and excellent quality,” he confirmed. “I look forward to working with all partners to make Sweetloom a success.”
Hicham Abba, head of marketing and area sales manager Americas, West Europe, Africa and Middle East at Yuksel Seeds, said the agreement with LVG marked a big step for Yuksel Seeds to enter the premium retail space in the US and Canada.
“We are sure that this journey will helps us to learn and leverage future innovations in our portfolio,” he explained.
The collaboration between Yuksel Seeds and LVG will focus on expanding Sweetloom’s market presence and building partnerships with leading growers, marketers, and retailers in the US and Canada.
LVG will manage the quality control, and the packaging, for the consistent year-round supply from high tech greenhouses in the US and Canada with strong collaboration with the major greenhouse marketing and distribution companies that currently service North American retailers.
“It is great to see grower-marketers embrace our Sweetloom approach,” said Nico Van Vlient, downstream integration lead at Yuksel Seeds.
”Not only from a genetics perspective but also from a retail marketing standpoint,” he added.
