PRINCE Charles heard all about the benefits of Isle of Wight sunshine when he dropped by The Tomato Stall stand at the 20th anniversary of London Farmers’ Market.

The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall visited Swiss Cottage Farmers’ Market last Wednesday and were greeted by several key traders, including Paul Thomas, the managing director of The Tomato Stall, which grows all its tomatoes in the Arreton Valley.

Paul has been a key and influential trader at more than 15 weekly farmers’ markets across the city for the past 12 years.

When introduced, Prince Charles showed a keen interest in the sustainability measures the Arreton nursery has in place, such as harvesting rainwater to irrigate the crop and utilising all-natural waste

with an onsite composting facility.

Paul explained that, boasting more light than anywhere else in the UK, being based on the Island was the key ingredient to growing the sweetest and most flavoursome tomato varieties.

Founded in 2007, The Tomato Stall has put Isle of Wight tomatoes on the map by continuing to innovate and showcase the best speciality tomatoes that deliver on flavour.

The business has built a loyal following with foodies and renowned chefs, and supplies customers such as The Gordon Ramsey Group, Wholefoods, and Ocado, while still attending up to 28 farmers’ markets a week.