The grower who kept believing
A repeatedly rejected mango became one of the world’s most travelled fruits.
Tommy Atkins — Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States
Documented history
Thomas H. Atkins raised the Haden seedling planted in 1922 that would carry his name. He submitted its fruit to the Florida Mango Forum’s variety committee more than once. The committee objected to its fibre and flavour.
Atkins saw something else: attractive fruit, abundant crops and the ability to survive handling. He persuaded growers to plant it, and its commercial journey spread through Latin America and the supermarket trade. Whatever you think of a particular bite, there is a person’s persistence behind that familiar sticker.
The names it answers to
- Tommy Atkins
- Named for Thomas H. Atkins of Fort Lauderdale.
- Tommy
- A shortened market name.