Oceanside Pole will harvest its first vine-ripened tomatoes at the end of June alongside exclusive marketer Oppy.
This unique growing method raises fruit off the ground to improve airflow and, therefore, tomato quality.
Oceanside Pole expects 3.4 million cases of rounds and romas from its 700-acre farm in California in addition to 160 acres out of Mexico, all produced to the same high standards upheld by its management teams and growers, ensuring a consistent product. The unique growing method raises fruit off the ground to improve airflow — and therefore tomato quality — to ripen to its juicy, robust taste, naturally on the vine, then harvested at retail specifications.
"Each plant is harvested an average of 18 times, ensuring tomatoes are hand-selected to specific ripeness," said senior sales representative James Galindo. "We even pick, ship, and deliver to retailers within 24 hours, ensuring their shoppers have the exact tomatoes they're looking for on their shelves."
Oceanside Pole expects 3.4 million cases of rounds and romas from its 700-acre farm in California in addition to 160 acres out of Mexico.
It isn't just the produce aisle that carries Oceanside Pole tomatoes, said director of sales and strategy and sales executive Mark Smith. "We're getting more interest in the food service sector than we've ever seen before. Unlike other tomatoes, we ship once at the peak of freshness and at the color specifications they require. Because of their deep red and firm exterior, clean-slicing and hearty interior, and superior taste, it's an experience unlike any other, resulting in repeat orders all season long," said Smith.
Recently updating its packing shed and adding a new production line, Oceanside Pole has streamlined operations, resulting in a smoother process for delivering tomatoes. Smith said that recent off-season rain effectively cleansed the soil and improved overall crop quality. The increased water supply has contributed to a better yield and enhanced product integrity.
The first harvest of roma tomatoes is anticipated in late June, followed by rounds in mid-July. Peak volume is expected from late August through September and October, culminating around the Thanksgiving season.
"Each plant is harvested an average of 18 times, ensuring tomatoes are hand-selected to specific ripeness," said James Galindo.
Oceanside Pole has also made strides in supporting former military members through its veterans' program, collaborating with Marine Corps Camp Pendleton to provide civilian work experience to those transitioning out of service. Now with five full-time retired servicemen helping lead the operation, this program is more important than ever to its success.
Packs are available in 22-pound two-layers, 25-pound volume fill, 15-pound single-layer boxes, RPCs, and a 5-pound club pack.
Furthermore, Oceanside Pole's Brussels sprout season is in full swing, with availability until around July 15.
For more information:
Kelsey Van Lissum
Oppy
Tel.: +1 (604) 461-6779
kelsey.van.lissum@oppy.com
www.oppy.com