Mastronardi Produce, along with other growers, was awarded top honors for flavor by the International Taste Institute.
The Superior Taste Awards, presented by the Brussels-based International Taste Institute, are given to food and beverage products that meet high standards of flavor, texture, aroma and overall sensory quality, as judged by a panel of professional chefs and sommeliers through blind tastings.
According to a news release, Mastronardi Produce received three three-star Superior Taste Award certifications for its Campari tomatoes, Angel Sweet tomatoes and WOW Dreamberry strawberries. In addition, the grower was awarded four two-star Superior Taste Award designations for its Sunset Flavor Bombs tomatoes, Summer Dream raspberries, Secilia tomatoes and the Backyard Farms Green Leaf Lettuce.
“Flavor is what drives us, and to be recognized for that is an honor,” said Paul Mastronardi, president and CEO of Mastronardi Produce. “We take great pride in everything we grow. Receiving such high distinction emphasizes the genuine passion found throughout our entire organization.”
The Superior Taste Award is a prestigious global certification that highlights delicious tasting food and beverage products, the release said. Products that obtain a three-star rating are deemed exceptional and of the highest quality in their category; a two-star rating honors outstanding products that clearly distinguish themselves within their category.
Mastronardi said the Superior Taste Award certification for the Sunset Campari tomato follows the recent announcement of the cocktail tomato’s 30th anniversary. Renowned for its perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, Campari also earned a three-star Superior Taste Award in 2019.
The Superior Taste Awards come on the heels of Mastronardi’s earlier wins this month at the Leamington Greenhouse Competition in Ontario, Canada, where the company received 23 awards for flavor, including the competition’s top honors for best tomato, best strawberry and four Chef’s Choice awards.
Other winners this year include ORRI Fruit Products from Spain for the Crystal Taste Award, and Superior Taste Awards include SweetLoom tomatoes, Driscoll’s Clara blackberry, Sweet Sensation pear, Dolce Mandarino, Amalia Rossa raspberry and other produce growers from around the world.
