Tomato volume arrives in June for Gem Tomato

Cool temperatures may delay the start of field-grown vine-ripened Arkansas tomatoes until about June 10-15.

That is the perspective of Gary Margolis, president of Gem Tomato & Vegetable Sales Inc., a marketing agent for Triple M Farms, Hamburg, Ark.

The shipper handles about 150 acres of conventionally grown round roma and grape tomatoes sourced from Arkansas, with no change in acreage compared with the previous years.

“At Triple M Farms, partners James Meeks and Wendell Moffatt continue to upgrade and improve packing lines to improve efficiency,” Margolis said. “They say that they will continue to grow vine-ripened summer tomatoes as long as demand continues at current levels.”

Margolis said the tomatoes are marketed to farmers markets, wholesalers, retailers and foodservice distributors, with about 80% of sales directed to retailers.

Retailers can best promote Arkansas tomatoes with larger displays and better signage, he said. 

“Field-grown summer vine-ripes have become the specialty item as hydroponics and imports have become mainstream,” he said. “Local and regional promotions can be a powerful marketing tool.”

Foodservice demand may not return to pre-pandemic levels, he said. 

“The joy of cooking and eating at home has changed eating habits long term I believe,” Margolis said.

Margolis said they accommodate their customers with many packaging options.

“From RPCs to two-layer place packs, single-layer display ready and 25-pound bulk, we can change over the packing line in minutes without stopping production,” he said. 

The growing operation uses the H-2A program for many years, Margolis said. 

“It is costly, but we do get the help we need,” he said, noting sufficient labor so far this season.

Looking ahead, Margolis said there is a future for the best growers.

“Only the best, most efficient growers will survive in what is now a specialty market,” he said. “Many smaller growers have left the industry. There is no room for marginal quality as buyers demand number-one quality and have come to expect that from us.”