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Jersey Fresh tackles tomatoes
When it comes to canned tomatoes, it doesn't get any fresher than this. The fruits of last summer's labor from six South Jersey farmers can soon be enjoyed even in the dead of winter, as the latest line of Jersey Fresh products hits store shelves.
In a joint venture to promote the same juicy tomatoes that give New Jersey its Garden State nickname, Violet Packing of Williamstown along with its tomato growers and a few state agriculture experts are introducing Jersey Fresh Canned Crushed Tomatoes.
The canned tomatoes grown in South Jersey are the latest to join a long list of certified Jersey Fresh products, including asparagus, blueberries, and even milk.
"All over the country, people recognize it," said New Jersey Department of Agriculture spokeswoman Lynne Richmond. "When they see the brand on a product in a store, they know it's quality, local, and fresh."
Violet Packing known for its canned tomato products under the name of Don Pepino's spaghetti and pizza sauces is among the last of many tomato packers that once flourished in New Jersey. "When we started this (Jersey Fresh product), we were looking more toward the benefit of the farmers and the state," said Chip Sclafani, vice president of sales for Violet Packing. "I look back and say, finally someone has come to the realization that Jersey Fresh tomatoes should be promoted."
And the farmers will get the recognition. Violet Packing's growers come from Burlington, Gloucester, Salem and Cumberland counties. They are Chip Katona, Joseph Leone, Ian Baitinger, Randy Dickinson, Michael Brooks and Edward Brynes.
On the morning the vine-ripened tomatoes are picked from the fields, they're shipped by the truckload to the packing plant in Williamstown where they're processed and put in cans within less than 24 hours.
Last season, more than 1,100 acres were farmed for Violet Packing's products, and the weather conditions were just right for growing dry, not too hot, and lots of sunshine. "It was the best year we had," said Sam Ragusa, chief operating officer.
It is this product that will be soon be sold in 28 ounce cans with the Jersey Fresh logo. More than 1,000 convenience stores, Italian mom and pop shops, and the supermarket chain Foodtown are slated to carry to Jersey Fresh Canned Crushed Tomatoes within the next month, through the distributor Consolidated Dairies, Inc., of Bergen County.
So far, most of the locations are in North Jersey. The farmers are hoping that the product will eventually make its way to South Jersey grocery stores and farm market stands. But having their produce sold in the more populous and developed northern end of the state is a great start, the farmers said. "Jersey Fresh sells well in North Jersey because they know what they've lost," said Bill Brooks, of Upper Pittsgrove Township.
At one time, New Jersey was home to 59 tomato packers, Ragusa said. But now there is only one Violet Packing. "We're all natural, and that's what makes us so unique," Ragusa said. "These guys grow great tomatoes and lots of them."
Burlington County farmer Chip Katona remembers when tomato growers sent their tomatoes to processors throughout New Jersey Campbell Soup in Camden, Progresso in Vineland, and even Heinz in Salem and Hunts.
All the big name brands that can be found on the shelves today were once in New Jersey, said Sclafani, Violet's vice president. Farmers are hoping the idea of the Jersey Fresh label may be enough to entice buyers to stray from their trusted brand and try the local product. "Anything that helps Violet move more product in turn helps us," said farmer Michael Brooks, "It has direct benefits for us."
In addition to their contracts with Violet Packing, the farmers have also been promised a premium for every Jersey Fresh can that's sold. "Maybe the state will get rich," said Sclafani. "Not money rich, but rich through the appreciation of what a Jersey tomato really is."
Source: nj.com
When it comes to canned tomatoes, it doesn't get any fresher than this. The fruits of last summer's labor from six South Jersey farmers can soon be enjoyed even in the dead of winter, as the latest line of Jersey Fresh products hits store shelves.
In a joint venture to promote the same juicy tomatoes that give New Jersey its Garden State nickname, Violet Packing of Williamstown along with its tomato growers and a few state agriculture experts are introducing Jersey Fresh Canned Crushed Tomatoes.
The canned tomatoes grown in South Jersey are the latest to join a long list of certified Jersey Fresh products, including asparagus, blueberries, and even milk.
"All over the country, people recognize it," said New Jersey Department of Agriculture spokeswoman Lynne Richmond. "When they see the brand on a product in a store, they know it's quality, local, and fresh."
Violet Packing known for its canned tomato products under the name of Don Pepino's spaghetti and pizza sauces is among the last of many tomato packers that once flourished in New Jersey. "When we started this (Jersey Fresh product), we were looking more toward the benefit of the farmers and the state," said Chip Sclafani, vice president of sales for Violet Packing. "I look back and say, finally someone has come to the realization that Jersey Fresh tomatoes should be promoted."
And the farmers will get the recognition. Violet Packing's growers come from Burlington, Gloucester, Salem and Cumberland counties. They are Chip Katona, Joseph Leone, Ian Baitinger, Randy Dickinson, Michael Brooks and Edward Brynes.
On the morning the vine-ripened tomatoes are picked from the fields, they're shipped by the truckload to the packing plant in Williamstown where they're processed and put in cans within less than 24 hours.
Last season, more than 1,100 acres were farmed for Violet Packing's products, and the weather conditions were just right for growing dry, not too hot, and lots of sunshine. "It was the best year we had," said Sam Ragusa, chief operating officer.
It is this product that will be soon be sold in 28 ounce cans with the Jersey Fresh logo. More than 1,000 convenience stores, Italian mom and pop shops, and the supermarket chain Foodtown are slated to carry to Jersey Fresh Canned Crushed Tomatoes within the next month, through the distributor Consolidated Dairies, Inc., of Bergen County.
So far, most of the locations are in North Jersey. The farmers are hoping that the product will eventually make its way to South Jersey grocery stores and farm market stands. But having their produce sold in the more populous and developed northern end of the state is a great start, the farmers said. "Jersey Fresh sells well in North Jersey because they know what they've lost," said Bill Brooks, of Upper Pittsgrove Township.
At one time, New Jersey was home to 59 tomato packers, Ragusa said. But now there is only one Violet Packing. "We're all natural, and that's what makes us so unique," Ragusa said. "These guys grow great tomatoes and lots of them."
Burlington County farmer Chip Katona remembers when tomato growers sent their tomatoes to processors throughout New Jersey Campbell Soup in Camden, Progresso in Vineland, and even Heinz in Salem and Hunts.
All the big name brands that can be found on the shelves today were once in New Jersey, said Sclafani, Violet's vice president. Farmers are hoping the idea of the Jersey Fresh label may be enough to entice buyers to stray from their trusted brand and try the local product. "Anything that helps Violet move more product in turn helps us," said farmer Michael Brooks, "It has direct benefits for us."
In addition to their contracts with Violet Packing, the farmers have also been promised a premium for every Jersey Fresh can that's sold. "Maybe the state will get rich," said Sclafani. "Not money rich, but rich through the appreciation of what a Jersey tomato really is."
Source: nj.com
Publication date: 1/21/2008
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