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News

Obituary: Ben George

20/04/2021 - Sophie Colvine

Ben George - 1939 – 2021

Dr. Ben George, a major contributor to the global tomato processing industry, passed away on March 14, 2021 in Stockton, California. Ben was raised in New Hampshire, attended the University on New Hampshire, served in the US Airforce, and received his PhD from Cornell University. In 1973, Ben was hired as a cucumber breeder at Heinz’s Bowling Green, Ohio agricultural research station. Shortly thereafter, Ben moved to California to lead Heinz’s North American Agricultural Research department.

Based at Heinz’s Tracy, California ketchup factory, Ben developed an expertise in tomato processing. It was his unique combination of breeding and food processing knowledge that drove his understanding that tomato varieties had a direct impact on finished product quality and factory efficiencies, far beyond simple oBrix levels. He worked extensively on understanding which varieties were best suited for ketchup and standardizing testing methods. When varieties like H9557 were so thick that they clogged the Tracy factory, Ben wasn’t surprised.

Ben represented Heinz throughout the world helping balance the idea of field and factory performances with properly adapted varieties for particular environments. Initially, Heinz tomato varieties were restricted to growers growing specifically for Heinz factories. Seeing the grower and processor demand for Heinz tomato varieties like H8892, in 1992 Ben was instrumental in creating HeinzSeed and its evolution into a global tomato seed company. Ben continued to lead Heinz Agricultural Research and HeinzSeed until his retirement in February 2004.

Those who knew Ben always found a soft-spoken and very kind person, but one with an extensive depth of knowledge on tomatoes and tomato processing. Even after retirement, he continued growing tomatoes in his garden.

Ben is survived by his wife Barbara of 58 years, two daughters, and 4 grandchildren.

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