California-based West Coast Tomato Growers has added 60 acres to its Oceanside Pole-branded Roma tomato operation, boosting production by 50% as demand continues to grow. 

“Our challenge over the years has been not being able to cover all of our customers with our Romas,” Oppy senior sales representative James Galindo said in a release.

“With the additional acreage it’s going to make it a lot easier to meet our retailer demand.” 

Oppy said data showed Romas dominated the tomato category in 2016, representing almost 40% of all tomatoes sold.

Between 2015 and 2016, vine-ripe rounds' volume grew by 22% and sales by 12% in California. With identical growth for the first quarter of 2017, Oceanside Pole is poised for a successful expansion, the release said.

"With so few vine-ripe growers left, retailers know they can expect a high-quality tomato from Oceanside," Galindo said.

"Because they are pole grown, the taste alone is significantly different from gas green. Naturally ripened tomatoes have the flavor, shelf life and quality other growing methods just can’t produce. They are so hearty, their walls are so thick and their gels are at just the right levels—they travel really well."

Harvest began in late June with volume expected to pick up by mid-July. Oceanside Pole will produce Romas and vine-ripes through the fall.

www.freshfruitportal.com