Gem Tomato Sales Inc., which represents Triple M Farms, is pleased to provide its customers with the finest quality early summertime tomatoes grown in Arkansas. Gem Tomato was founded in 1982 and today has offices in Florida, Arkansas and Michigan.

“For nearly a quarter-century, we have followed the seasonal harvest beginning in Florida and progressing northward cultivating long-term relationships with leading farm families,” the company’s website states. “With reliable supply from multiple states, progressive packaging options and overnight delivery to most major markets, regional promotions proved to be a powerful marketing tool. Sales continued to climb and today, as demand for locally grown products reach new heights, we remain committed to providing consumers with an abundant supply of premium quality, safe and reasonably priced fresh tomatoes.”

Triple M Farms, whose tomato sales are handled by Gem Tomato Sales Inc., has been growing tomatoes for generations in Hamburg, AR. James Meeks Sr., father of current partner James Meeks, continues to be actively involved in farming operations at Triple M. (Photo courtesy of Gem Tomato Sales Inc.)Gary Margolis, Gem Tomato’s president, said the business relationship with Triple M Farms has been highly successful. “The Moffatt and Meeks families of Hamburg, Arkansas, have been growing fresh-market summer tomatoes for generations,” he told The Produce News. “As partners in Triple M Farms, James Meeks and Wendell Moffatt grow and ship early summertime vine-ripened tomatoes from southeast Arkansas every June and July.

“Each growing season presents unique challenges for growers. Dealing with unpredictable changing weather patterns, constantly rising production costs, labor concerns and food-safety requirements is not for everyone. But Triple M Farms is committed to providing safe, high-quality tomatoes in their market window.”

Gem Tomato markets to retail and wholesale customers in a wide geographic area, predominantly in the Midwest and East. Round and Roma tomatoes sold under the “Ashley” brand are packed in 20-pound two-layer, 15-pound single-layer and 25-pound bulk packed containers.

“Triple M is independently audited for food safety and fully GFSI-compliant with PLU and bar codes on each package for traceability,” Margolis said.

Although early crop development in Arkansas was slowed due to a cool and wet spring, Margolis said subsequent warm temperatures, “have allowed the crop to catch up, and we expect a normal start the first week of June. Rising costs make this summer’s crop one of the most expensive we have ever grown. But according to James Meeks, this is what it takes to meet the demands of today’s marketplace. We have worked hard to develop a reputation for quality and consistency and our quality and yields look excellent as the start of the season quickly approaches.”