Oppy’s Oceanside Pole label is increasing its roma crop this season, according to a news release.
With nearly 2.2 million cases of rounds and over 1.6 million cases of romas expected to be picked from one million poles on 800 acres near Oceanside, Calif., Canada-based Oppy is now shipping the Oceanside Pole label, according to the release.
The case count of romas grown on poles is up 500,000 compared with last year, Oppy’s Senior Sales Representative James Galindo said in the release. “Oceanside Pole label romas are quickly becoming recognized as the best out there, particularly for their deep red color and firmness. We’re excited to bring this significant volume increase to market to serve more of what our customers want.”
Oceanside is the only large-scale, pole-grown operation remaining in California, the release said. The growing method raises fruit off the ground to improve airflow and quality while the romas naturally ripen on the vine, and as they travel to stores, according to the release.
Oceanside added a new optical sorting line at the beginning of last year’s harvest to improve operational efficiencies for the growing crop size, the release said. The technology enhances accuracy, speed and consistency while culling out any quality concerns.
“We have stringent protocols in place for food safety and traceability, ensuring all products are of the best quality,” Mark Smith, director of sales and strategy for Oppy, said in the release. “Because tomatoes are only hand-picked when ready — thanks to our central location — we can pack, ship and deliver to retailers within 24 hours. We deliver only fruit that has unmatched brix levels, robust flavor, extended shelf life and a clean-slicing texture. Oceanside Pole tomatoes are truly one of a kind.”
Peak volume will pick up toward the middle of August and run until the end of October, Smith said in the release. Oppy is packing in 22-pound two-layers, 25-pound volume fill and 15-pound single-layer boxes, reusable packaging containers and a 5-pound club pack.
