California/Baja Tomatoes business updates

Oceanside Pole, Oppy continue alliance

In the fifth season of its partnership with Oceanside, Calif.-based Oceanside Pole/West Coast Tomato Growers, the Vancouver, British Columbia-based Oppenheimer Group will market Oceanside Pole roma and round vine-ripened tomatoes July through November, Oppy spokesperson Karin Gardner said.

“The Singh family, who has produced tomatoes on this land for over 75 years, will grow their signature vine-ripe variety, Sweet 10,” Gardner said.

The variety is noted for its flavor and shelf life, she said.

The tomatoes are all pole-grown and hand-selected for ripeness to meet customer specifications, Gardner said.

“The robust flavor of these tomatoes is the result of letting the tomato ripen on the plant before harvest,” Gardner said.

Mark Smith, Oppenheimer senior sales representative, who oversees this area of the company’s business, projects that the season will bring about 2.2 million rounds and 1.2 million romas, Gardner said.

Pinos Produce sales manager retires

Twenty-year employee Tony Mandel has succeeded Danny Uribe, who recently retired, as sales manager at San Diego-based Pinos Produce Inc.

“That was kind of planned,” said Mandel, who has been in sales with the company for 20 years. “It was just a continuation of great service and great products we’ve had since I’ve been here.”

Red Rooster updates packing lines

Firebaugh, Calif.-based Red Rooster Sales has upgraded its tomato lines, said Tom Frudden, sales manager.

“We’ve done a tremendous amount of work this offseason on both lines as far as adding new sorting lines, a new waxer and a really nice stainless steel line we’re really excited about,” Frudden said.

The changes are an extra food safety measure, Frudden said.

“We clean everything every night, and by going stainless, obviously, you feel better about your food safety program,” he said.