In 1887, J. T. (John Thompson) Dorrance developed a unique line of condensed soups for the Campbell company.  Dorrance crafted condensed soup out of hardy stock ingredients, slashed the price of soup from thirty cents to a dime per can, and revolutionized the industry. By 1922, soup was such an integral part of the company’s presence in America, that Campbell’s formally added "Soup" onto its name.  The company used the red and white school colors of Cornell University to produce a distinctive, and now famous, label.

The tomato, named in honor of the man, was bred by the Campbell Soup Company for specific characteristics for growing in New Jersey and for its own factory use.2   Aside from its significance as a good red processing tomato, it has the historical significance of being used as a parent in the development of other important tomato varieties. The plants are vigorous and productive.  Fruits are medium to large sized (six to sixteen ounces), red, globe to oblate shaped and tasty.  75 days.  Indeterminate.