Cultivating Tradition and Innovation in Heirloom Tomatoes Vibrant, juicy, diverse and packed with flavour, Heirloomancy fresh heirloom tomatoes are as divine to look at as they are to taste. And as you can imagine, with trademark produce that’s grown with passion, dedication and expertise, family is at the heart of this thriving business. Renowned for their premium heirloom tomatoes, Heirloomacy embodies the culmination of a four-generation family legacy that’s deeply rooted in agriculture and horticulture. This story began three generations ago with Peter ‘Poppa’ Pook, an avid market gardener who was renowned for his high-quality potatoes and kiwifruit. Poppa’s son Malcolm started working with his dad at the age of 17, and for over 50 years, Malcolm has honed his green thumb, perfecting the art of growing fresh, nutritious food. The founding member of Beekist tomatoes, Malcolm has grown a wide array of produce. His shift to indoor tomato cultivation 30 years ago was a forward-thinking move driven by the need for year- round production in an increasingly unpredictable climate. Today, Malcolm works alongside his own son Gavin, continuing the legacy that began all those years ago. Gavin’s connection to farming dates back to his early years. Growing up on the Pook family’s orchard and market garden, he was immersed in the agricultural lifestyle from a young age. As a toddler, he often found himself in broccoli crates or kiwifruit bins, and by the age of 14, the young entrepreneur had ventured into his own horticultural business, growing gherkins that earned him $10,000 in one summer! This enterprise marked the beginning of a career away from horticulture, but Gavin never strayed far from the food industry. However, the COVID-19 pandemic was a turning point for Gavin and the company. With his parents looking to close the company altogether, Gavin found himself drawn back by a deep connection to family and the generations of growers before him. On his return, Gavin spearheaded a renewed, and specific, focus on heirloom tomatoes, utilising new technologies to ensure a consistent supply of high-quality produce for an extended period of time. One of the most heartening developments at Heirloomacy is the involvement of the newest generation - Gavin’s own children. Now 10 and 11 years old, they are actively participating in farm life in weekends and holidays, from picking and packing tomatoes to learning about the intricacies of horticulture. Their enthusiasm for farm work signifies the continuation of the family legacy and the potential for a fifth generation to take up the mantle. PAGE 24 | BIDFOOD – ON THE MENU
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