Oppy and West Coast Tomato Growers Hit Stride for Oceanside Pole and Cal-Tom Tomato Seasons
OCEANSIDE, CA - Late summer promotions have hit their prime time, with West Coast Tomato Growers (WCTG) and Oppy readying peak volumes of Oceanside Pole and Cal-Tom tomatoes for shipment. During this season, tomato grower Harry Singh, Jr. and WCTG, along with exclusive marketer Oppy, are celebrating 75 years of producing vine-ripes in Oceanside, CA.
“As the Singh family has perfected the art of selecting the best seeds and growing vine-ripes on poles over the last three quarters of a century, they’ve become known for tomatoes that consistently deliver on flavor and eating quality,” said Mark Smith, Senior Sales Manager for Oppy. “This season has brought some of the best tomatoes we’ve seen, as if Mother Nature knew this crop should be a special one.”
Priya Singh, WCTG’s General Manager, is a third generation grower at the company, which became known as West Coast Tomato Growers in 2012, and own both Oceanside Pole and Cal-Tom brands.
“My grandfather chose the San Diego area because of a microclimate that lent itself to growing the highest quality and best tasting tomatoes in California,” Priya explained. “Harry Singh Sr. passed his love and passion for farming to my father, who expanded the operation to grow various crops like round tomatoes, roma tomatoes, bell peppers, strawberries, and cucumbers along with others. Through his hard work, dedication and passion, Harry Singh Jr. built one of the most respected produce labels in the tomato market.”
According to a press release, Harry Singh Jr.’s sons and daughters are currently involved in all facets of the operation, from packaging, accounts payable, and human resources, to growing. WCTG is now focused exclusively on round and roma tomatoes.
To work closely with WCTG and assure tomatoes ship to each customers’ size and arrival color specifications, Oppy Sales and Quality Assurance staff relocated to Oceanside for the season.
“While Oceanside Pole tomatoes are perfect for “grown in California” local promotions, they are popular throughout the U.S.,” Smith continued. “Retailers seeking flavorful, meaty, clean-cutting tomatoes that are naturally ripened instead of gassed-green will appreciate the difference without doubt.”
Smith added that tomato fans should keep an eye on Oceanside Pole, because this 75-year-old brand may be sporting a youthful new look before the season is out. Oppy is offering Oceanside Pole and Cal-Tom vine-ripened rounds and romas produced by the Singh family into November.
