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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Food safety and cultivation approvals clear the way for Purple Bliss™ tomatoes to reach Australian consumers later in 2026
Melbourne, Australia and Davis, California – January 21, 2026 – All Aussie Farmers and Norfolk Healthy Produce today announced that The Purple Tomato™ has received all necessary regulatory approvals in Australia, paving the way for commercial availability of this innovative, health-focused produce under the Purple Bliss™ brand later in 2026.
The Purple Tomato™ has now cleared Australia’s two key regulatory milestones. First, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), the government agency responsible for ensuring the safety of food sold in Australia, has confirmed that The Purple Tomato™ is safe to eat. This approval, now officially recorded in Australia’s Food Standards Code, means The Purple Tomato™ can be sold as food throughout the country.
Second, the Gene Technology Regulator has issued a license for intentional release of The Purple Tomato™ into the environment. Australians can now grow The Purple Tomato™ without requiring special permits for each planting, as is true for conventional tomato varieties.
The Purple Tomato™ is enriched with anthocyanins, the same beneficial compounds that give blueberries and blackberries their deep color. These naturally occurring pigments are well-known for their antioxidant properties and are associated with diverse health benefits. The Purple Tomato™ technology was originally developed in the laboratory of Professor Cathie Martin at the John Innes Centre in the United Kingdom.
“This is a landmark day for Australian agriculture and for health-conscious consumers across the country,” said Travis Murphy, Managing Director of All Aussie Farmers. “We are grateful to both the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator and Food Standards Australia New Zealand for their thorough, science-based review processes. Their teams were professional, rigorous, and genuinely engaged throughout the evaluation—exactly what you want to see from regulators making decisions about new food technologies. We are excited to bring Purple Bliss™ tomatoes to Australian families who are looking for delicious, nutritious options.”
Nathan Pumplin, CEO of Norfolk Plant Sciences and Norfolk Healthy Produce, echoed this sentiment: “Australia’s regulatory framework has proven to be both rigorous and fair. We appreciate the diligence and open communication from the scientists and reviewers at the OGTR and FSANZ who carefully evaluated our submissions. Their constructive engagement helped ensure a thorough review process. With these approvals now in place, we’re thrilled that our partners at All Aussie Farmers can bring the Purple Bliss™ tomato to Australian consumers, delivering on our shared mission of making healthier produce more accessible.”
All Aussie Farmers is the exclusive commercial partner for Norfolk Healthy Produce in Australia. Purple Bliss™ tomatoes are expected to be available in select Australian markets later in 2026.
Norfolk Healthy Produce, a subsidiary of Norfolk Plant Sciences, is a pioneer in developing nutritionally enhanced fruits and vegetables through advanced bioengineering techniques. The company focuses on creating produce with improved nutritional profiles while maintaining excellent flavor and growing characteristics.
All Aussie Farmers is one of Australia’s leading distributors of premium produce, committed to supporting Australian farmers and providing consumers with the highest quality fruits and vegetables. With a nationwide distribution network, All Aussie Farmers connects exceptional produce with consumers across Australia.
Norfolk Healthy Produce
Nathan Pumplin
+1 (707) 418-8016
All Aussie Farmers
Travis Murphy
+61 0421 020311
The Purple Tomato™ and Purple Bliss™ are trademarks of Norfolk Healthy Produce and All Aussie Farmers.
Norfolk Healthy Produce Partners with All Aussie Farmers to Bring The Purple Tomato™ to Australian Markets
– Melbourne, Australia and Davis, California – May 23, 2025 –
Norfolk Healthy Produce (NHP) and All Aussie Farmers announced today an exclusive commercial partnership for the distribution of The Purple Tomato™, NHP’s proprietary bioengineered tomato, throughout Australia. This partnership marks a significant milestone in bringing innovative, health-focused produce to Australian consumers. The Purple Tomato™, enriched throughout with anthocyanin pigments that give it its distinctive purple colour, has been developed through bioengineering, starting from work done in the laboratory of Prof. Cathie Martin at the John Innes Institute in the UK.
Anthocyanins are the same beneficial compounds found in blueberries and blackberries, known for their antioxidant properties and well-documented health benefits.
Under the terms of the agreement, All Aussie Farmers will serve as NHP’s exclusive commercial partner in Australia, managing the distribution of The Purple Tomato™ throughout the country. All Aussie Farmers has applied for a license from the Gene Technology Regulator for environmental release of The Purple Tomato™. Commercial release of The Purple Tomato™ will commence only once a license is issued, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
“We are thrilled to partner with Norfolk Healthy Produce to bring The Purple Tomato™ to Australian consumers,” said Travis Murphy, Managing Director of All Aussie Farmers.
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to o\ering innovative, nutritious produce options to Australian households. The Purple Tomato™ represents the kind of forward-thinking agricultural advancement that can benefit both consumers and farmers alike.”
Nathan Pumplin, CEO of Norfolk Healthy Produce, expressed similar enthusiasm about the partnership: “All Aussie Farmers’ extensive distribution network and sterling reputation make them the ideal partner for introducing The Purple Tomato™ to the Australian market. Their expertise in handling premium produce and their dedication to quality assurance give us complete confidence that Australian consumers will experience The Purple Tomato™ at its very best.”
The partnership is expected to launch The Purple Tomato™ in select Australian markets in 2026.
Norfolk Healthy Produce is a pioneer in developing nutritionally enhanced fruits and vegetables through advanced bioengineering techniques. The company focuses on creating produce with improved nutritional profiles while maintaining excellent flavour and growing characteristics. Norfolk Healthy Produce, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Norfolk Plant Sciences, Ltd.
All Aussie Farmers is one of Australia’s leading distributors of premium produce, committed to supporting Australian farmers and providing consumers with the highest quality fruits and vegetables. With a nationwide distribution network, All Aussie Farmers connects exceptional produce with consumers across Australia.
Norfolk Healthy Produce
Nathan Pumplin
[email protected]
+1 (707) 418-8016
The Purple Tomato™ is a trademark of Norfolk Healthy Produce.
All Aussie Farmers
Travis Murphy
[email protected]
+61 421 020 311