NatureFresh Farms made a strong statement when it unveiled its new “TomBox” at the United Fresh 2015 in Chicago. Met with rave reviews, the unique merchandizing tool is accompanied by a “TomBar,” which is a virtual tomato bar filled with an assortment of tomato varieties. Consumers fill the “TomBox” with the tomatoes selections and amount they want.

Chris Veillon, marketing manager for the Leamington, ON-based greenhouse producer, said that the bars and “TomBox” supplies are expected to be in retail stores later this summer.

“The ‘TomBox’ gives consumers a choice as to how they buy and consume greenhouse tomatoes,” said Veillon. “If a consumer buys a pack of specialty greenhouse tomatoes and has a bad experience, they lose money and they don’t come back for more. This concept ensures customer satisfaction.

“We hand pick these varieties in the greenhouse,” he continued. “At retail, using our ‘TomBar,’ customers get to hand select the color, size and quantity they want and take them home in their 100 percent recyclable ‘TomBox.’”

 The “TomBox,” he added, is made from recycled fiber and is printed with vegetable-based inks and is FSC-certified.

NatureFresh grows an extensive variety of tomatoes, including tomatoes on the vine, green and red beefsteak, cocktail, grape, cherry, Roma, heirloom and snacking tomatoes. And it produces English and mini cucumbers and red, yellow, orange and green bell peppers.

 “Our organic bell pepper program has been very strong this season,” noted Veillon. “Increased demand has us doubling our acreage going forward into 2016.”

In Canada, NatureFresh ships from late March to mid-December. It also sources a variety of product from Mexico from early December through mid-April.

The company’s network of partners is extensive and includes wholesalers, retailers and independents, which Veillon said grows continually. It distributes throughout Canada and to all U.S. states east of the Mississippi River.

NatureFresh Farms broke ground on its new 180-acre greenhouse facility in Delta, OH, April 10.

“This $200 million investment in Fulton County will see up to 300 jobs over the course of the build-out over the next seven years,” said Veillon. “The first crop of tomatoes will come out of the facility in late 2015. It will allow us to better serve our Ohio customers with locally grown produce year-round and continue to grow our U.S. operations.”

NatureFresh Farms launched its participation in the “eat brighter!” campaign by introducing its “Sesame Street” packaging to the Canada market at the Canadian Produce Marketing Association Convention & Trade Show in April.

The packaging line includes “Cookie Monster” theme pre-printed pepper bags and an arrangement of custom themed packaging that includes “Big Bird,” “Elmo,” “Grover,” “Bert & Ernie” and “Oscar the Grouch.”

“We are actively participating in the eat brighter! program,” said Veillon. “It is extremely well received, and NatureFresh Farms is happy to play an active role in this great program that seeks to get kids to eat more fresh produce.”

Veillon also noted that NatureFresh Farms recently attained SQF Level 3 certification.

“This was an important and rewarding investment for our company,” he said.