Owners Anthony and Angela Tringham started Curious Croppers largely through the boredom of growing a mono-crop. When Helen Dorresteyn asked them to join the Clevedon Farmers Market, the timing was perfect. From there, they expanded their range, and they have never looked back.
What is your company background, how did you start the business?
“We wanted to do something different, and after starting at the Market, we realised that we could do anything we wanted. We were there to educate our customers directly about crazy heirloom tomatoes.”
What are the current product range and variants and how do these products stand out in the market?
“We have just planted our current and future product range. We will continue to have some of our favourites such as the Spanish Green, Coeur de Boeuf, Choctails and Black from Tula. However, we always add some random stuff into the mix.”
“How our tomatoes stand out is quite simply by their good looks, charm and flavour.”
“Additionally, our products are of course vegan-friendly, gluten-free, fat-free, paleo friendly, halal, sugar-free, dairy free, nut free, soy free and full of easily available lycopene.”
Has there been any recent company news?
“Our 10-year-old daughter who goes to Clevedon School is just about to acquire another Ag Day lamb. We are thinking of setting up a petting zoo, which would be a fun new way to engage our community.”
What are the plans for the business moving forward, is there any expansion on the horizon?
“We are working with the Lincoln University Bioprotection Unit on new non-chemical ways to control insect pests. We feel we are very close to an exciting breakthrough. Stay tuned.”
Where are your products currently available to buy, and are you looking at or wanting to expand your availability? If so, where would you like to see the product situated?
“Firstly, if you would like to meet us, we are available every Sunday at the Clevedon Farmers Market."
“In terms of other retail, we are wonderfully supported by the team at Farro Fresh.”
“For wholesale, we have partnered with The Produce Company. They take orders and deliver our products three times a day. However, we are seasonal and so disappear in winter, when the heirlooms don’t have quite the flavour. But we always reappear in spring, at about the same time as strawberries and asparagus.”
