Global Produce & Floral Show Preview: Tomatoes
NatureSweet and Windset Farms have been driving the tomato category with vibrant colors combined with tangy and sweet flavor profiles that prevent children and adults from dodging their vegetables. The Global Produce & Floral Show presents an opportunity for NatureSweet and Windset Farms to nurture relationships throughout the industry, reiterate their commitment to sustainability and advocate for agricultural workers. NatureSweet’s revamped booth will showcase the latest products that address consumers’ moving toward healthier snacks while expectations for freshness and accessibility will take center stage. Meanwhile, Windset Farms plans to serve up samples of its latest premium tomato variety that will give booth visitors a reason to see tomatoes, a produce staple, in a new light.
“We’ve proudly supported the Global Produce & Floral Show for 31 years, and it has consistently provided us with valuable opportunities to connect with customers, industry peers and partners,” said Monica O’ Reilly, Sales Operations & Communications Leader for NatureSweet. “The event not only allows us to share our mission of transforming the lives of agricultural workers but also fosters meaningful conversations that lead to long-lasting business relationships. It remains a key platform for us to highlight our impact and grow alongside the industry.”
“We’ve been part of the show for over a decade,” said Ryan Cherry VP of Sales and Marketing at Windset Farms. “It’s where we connect with customers, showcase innovation and celebrate the produce industry together.”
“Our booth this year has undergone a vibrant redesign to reflect the growth and innovation within the NatureSweet portfolio,” O’ Reilly said. “We’ve created an engaging, open layout that encourages exploration and meaningful conversations with our team. We’re especially excited to showcase our D’Vines, cherry tomatoes on the vine, proudly grown in the US, as well as several newly rebranded favorites that highlight our commitment to quality and freshness. In addition, we’re introducing our Starlight portfolio, featuring baby, mini and long English cucumbers, an exciting expansion beyond tomatoes that aligns with consumer demands for fresh, healthy snacking options.”
“We’re bringing a new premium tomato pack that really elevates the category,” Cherry said. “Think of it as the black card of tomatoes. And with a chef cooking up fresh dishes, customers can taste the difference for themselves.”
“We are excited to debut new packaging at this year’s show, a fresh look designed to invite families to enjoy snacking in a healthier and joyous way,” O’ Reilly said. “Our goal is to showcase not only the innovation behind our products, but also the values that set NatureSweet apart. Success for us means meaningful conversations with retailers, partners and industry leaders, as well as gaining feedback and insights that help us continue to grow and elevate the lives of agricultural workers.”
“This year is exciting,” Cherry said. “We’re just completing our first full season in Delta, growing throughout the winter in our expanded operations. We’re looking forward to sharing those successes with customers and unveiling a new premium tomato product that we’re really proud of.”
The impression Mucci Farms leaves on industry peers is its synthesis of respecting the company’s heritage and tradition while staying relevant and progressive. It’s “a mix of legacy and forward thinking,” said Senior Director of Sales, Stephen Cowan. “We’ve built a culture where seasoned veterans collaborate daily with the next generation of talent who bring fresh ideas to the table,” he added. “That balance allows us to honor what’s always worked while continuously pushing the envelope with technology, sustainability and product development. It’s how we lead with both experience and innovation.”
During turbulent market conditions, consistency is non-negotiable, Cowan said. This mindset and dedication to overcoming challenges are important to convey to developing and established partnerships. “Our scale and supply security gives our retail partners confidence in our ability to deliver, week in and week out,” he said. “At the same time, we’re investing in automation, sustainable packaging and partnerships to increase efficiencies without compromising quality. We’re focused on not just weathering the storm but invested in growing through it.”
Tomato growers also recognize that tough conversations need to be had in regard to conditions out of farmers and retailers’ control, and the tradeshow will allow for these discussions to occur. “We anticipate significant conversation around the ongoing uncertainties related to tariffs and trade policies, particularly those impacting the tomato supply chain,” O’ Reilly said. “With a strong reliance on tomatoes from Mexico during the winter months, recent tariff pressures are creating concern across the industry. These trade dynamics not only threaten supply availability but also put considerable strain on growers, some of whom may not be able to sustain operations under current conditions. It’s a critical moment for industry to come together to discuss long-term solutions that ensure stability, fairness and continued access to quality produce.”
“Differentiation will be the big theme,” Cherry said. “Unique varieties, bold snacking options, packaging that stands out and flavor and nutrition callouts that inspire consumers.”
“Consumers want variety, convenience and premium flavor experiences,” he added. “Snacking formats and packaging that is modern, sustainable and eye-catching continue to drive sales and our lineup delivers on all of that.”
“NatureSweet’s current offerings are a direct response to what today’s consumers are looking for: great taste, convenience and year-round availability,” O’ Reilly said. “Our investment in controlled environment agriculture has allowed us to innovate with exciting new products like our colorful medley of seedless mini peppers. They’ve been a hit with consumers thanks to their vibrant flavor and snackability—no seeds, no prep, just easy, grab-and-go nutrition. At the end of the day, taste is still the top driver of purchase decisions and we make it our mission to exceed those expectations in every package.”
