There is a slight gap in imported organic Mexican heirloom tomatoes. "The gap will be until about April 15 from our growers," says Ashley Berlinger, business development manager/sales representative for Creekside Organics, Inc., noting that Creekside Organics had regular supply until this week from Mexico. "There was unusually colder weather in Mexico this season. However, we'll be back in good supply in the next few weeks." Historically there is often a gap between regions on this product.
Brenda Haught is president, CEO, and owner of Creekside Organics, Inc.
Meanwhile, the domestic organic Heirloom tomato program will begin in July. "Last season was a strong season, and we're expecting it to be the same this year. There was a bumper crop of tomatoes last year and this year again we'll have good supply to ship from the domestic crop from July through the end of October," says Berlinger, adding that the domestic crop is coming from Capay (July-August) and Salinas (August-October) California.
All of this means pricing is expected to be steady this season with promotional opportunities.
Varietal notes
As for varieties, Creekside Organics will offer several varieties from Mexico, including Red Rock, Red Billy, Poesia, Miami Pink, Cuba Libre, Rosa Vento, Indigo Blue, and more. Its California crop contains the varieties Brandywine, Cherokee Purple, Jubilee, Marvel, Vintage Wine, Jazz, Chef's Choice, and Chocolate (along with organic mixed cherry tomatoes). Organic Heirloom tomatoes are the largest crop that the company markets and is also Fair Trade USA Certified.
Recently, demand for organic and specialty items has seen a bit of a dip. "I don't know if that is due to inflation," says Berlinger. To help boost general consumption of organic items including Heirloom tomatoes, she is looking into marketing strategies such as showcasing specialty items in store, contests in store and at farmer's markets, and more.
Organic Heirloom tomatoes are the largest crop that the company markets and is also Fair Trade USA Certified.
Looking back, last year on the domestic crop, weather issues on the East Coast helped demand and made for a stronger organic Heirloom market. Though the summer is when the domestic season would overlap with Mexican supply as well as local supply throughout the country. "It's competitive, but it's also a specialty item that people get excited about in the summer, and the quality and varieties that we offer really stand out," says Berlinger.
All of this means pricing is expected to be steady this season with promotional opportunities. "With us wanting to go after more retail business, strong FOBs are a focus," she adds.
For more information:
Ashley Berlinger
Creekside Organics
Tel.: +1 (661) 859-0346
https://www.creeksideorganics.net/