25th Annual Masters of Merchandising: MASTRONARDI PRODUCE

April 4, 2026 | 4 min to read

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TOMATOES

Tomatoes are a staple offering in every fresh produce department thanks to their versatility and wide appeal. From bulk Beefsteak and Roma to specialty offerings, consumer demand remains high, with on-the-vine snacking tomatoes continuing to drive category growth year over year. Mastronardi Produce and its flagship SUNSET® brand continue to raise the standards for incredible flavor, innovation, and branding that stands out on shelf.

DISPLAY TIPS

Maximize impact by creating vibrant displays in high-traffic areas.

Pair tomatoes with other items to make shopping by meal occasion simple and easy.

Position specialty tomatoes such as Flavor Bombs® as snacks or snack pairings.

Keep shelves and displays neatly stocked with fresh,quality tomatoes to entice purchases, as bruising or other imperfections may deter shoppers.

Use custom shipper bins to help tomato brands stand out in store and make it easy for consumers to find their favorite tomatoes.

PROMOTIONAL TIPS

Promote tomatoes during key seasonal and event moments, including spring and fall.

Spring is a time of peak consumer demand for fresh, flavorful tomatoes. Consumers are transitioning back to fresh produce after winter and looking for lighter, fresher meals and snacks. Outdoor cooking and easy meals are back, so focus on promoting tomatoes that make easy additions to outdoor cooking, sandwiches, and grilling occasions. Place displays near lettuce, burgers, or grilling sets, and cross-promote with basil, mozzarella, and BBQ items.

Promote tomatoes in fall as easy lunch options for back-to-school and back to routine. As the weather cools, they’re great additions to soups, sauces, and sheet-pan meals. Meals shift to comfort cooking while easy lunch and snack options remain important. Snacking tomatoes are perfect for lunch, while specialty tomatoes are a great addition to the comfort food rotation. •Highlight through cross-merchandising and engaging displays. Positioning tomatoes near complementary items such as cheeses, dips, and charcuterie encourages consumers to think about snacking and entertaining, ultimately driving impulse purchases.

CARE AND HANDLING

Display tomatoes at room temperature. Refrigeration can alter tomato flavor and texture.

Treat tomatoes with care to prevent bruising or other damage.

MAXIMIZE TOMATO VARIETY

SUNSET® BOMBS® Tomatoes
The award-winning BOMBS® tomatoes on-the-vine have quickly become consumer favorites for their consistent quality, flavor, and freshness. Greenhouse grown and non-GMO, this bold lineup includes Flavor Bombs®, Sugar Bombs®, Baahama Bombs®, Lolli Bombs®, and Honey Bombs®.

SUNSET® Specialty Tomatoes
From beloved classics such as the Campari® brand tomato and Kumato®, to new favorites including the Secilia® tomato, these special tomatoes offer yearround reliability and exceptional flavor. Greenhouse grown and non-GMO.

SUNSET® Snacking Tomatoes
Each unique in flavor, shape, and color, the snacking line includes the popular Angel Sweet® variety, multi-colored Wild Wonders®, and Sprinkles® micro-tomatoes. Great for salads, apps, and snacking, there’s a greenhouse grown, non-GMO snacking tomato for every occasion.