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Teen sells tomatoes to buyers 10,000 miles away

Owen Sennittand
Edd Smith,Norfolk
News imageBBC A boy wearing a green hooded jumper and brown hair holds a tomato plant and growing kit, while standing inside a greenhouse surrounded by plants.BBC
Jacob, 14, sells tomato plants and growing kits from his cart in Norwich

A 14-year-old boy's love of tomatoes has grown to become a thriving business with customers as far away as Australia.

Jacob, from Sprowston in Norfolk, first began growing the fruit during the pandemic at an allotment. About a year ago, he decided to set up a cart to sell them around Norwich.

He started with a handful of plants, but now has up to 7,000 growing in his greenhouse to meet demand, and also has a range of tomato-related merchandise and growing kits.

Jacob said: "I didn't realise how big it was going to be. I started off selling [about] 14 plants, and then it kind of just went on from there."

News imageA framed £20 note is on display in a greenhouse, with the message: "Future Jacob, give this money to a young entrepreneur, you'll know when the time is right."
Jacob has framed a £20 note that he intends to give to a budding young entrepreneur in the future

Jacob, who started his business aged 13, created a custom-built trailer which he cycles around the city.

He spent the winter expanding his offering to include tomato kits, which have attracted customers from across the UK.

The range of merchandise includes branded hoodies and crocheted tomato mascots, which have been bought by a customer 10,000 miles away in Australia.

Jacob insisted he was still not tired of eating tomatoes, but admitted his parents were becoming a "bit sick of them".

"They are my favourite fruit," he said. "I love tomatoes. Who wouldn't?"

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