Oceanside Pole tomatoes poised to meet demand amid tight market conditions
Strong volumes, early start and consistent flavor position program for summer success
Oppy and its grower partner Oceanside Pole are preparing for a well-paced and high-quality 2026 tomato season with strong volumes, an early start and continued demand for premium, vine-ripened tomatoes.
Grown in Oceanside, Southern California, Oceanside Pole tomatoes come from a multigenerational operation led by the Singh family, who have been farming in the region since 1939. As the only pole-grown tomato farm west of the Mississippi producing at commercial scale and the last remaining vine-ripe tomato grower in Southern California, the program offers a unique combination of heritage, scale and consistency.
The 2026 crop is expected to deliver approximately 2.1 million cases of rounds and 750,000 cases of Romas, with harvest beginning in late June and volumes building steadily through July into peak production in August, September and early October. An earlier start this season is expected to help spread volume more evenly, creating greater flexibility week to week.
“Our focus has always been on delivering a tomato that looks as good as it tastes,” said Mark Smith, sales director of Oceanside Pole. “From the field to the packing line, every step is designed to ensure consistency, freshness and a premium eating experience our customers can count on.”
“These are the kinds of tomatoes that take you back,” said James Galindo, senior sales representative and category manager at Oppy. “They taste like something picked straight from your grandmother’s garden; full of flavor and care. That’s what makes them so special.”
Oceanside Pole tomatoes are vine-ripened and never gassed, harvested only when ready to ensure strong flavor and Brix. Packed once, they maintain quality and shelf life from field to customer. With an upgraded packing line and the ability to ship within 24 hours in many cases, the program supports retail, foodservice and wholesale customers across North America and export markets.
There are additional opportunities for customers seeking value without compromising eating quality. Oceanside Pole’s supporting brand, Cal Toms, offers the same great taste of sun kissed tomatoes, enhanced by coastal growing conditions, at a more accessible price point. This makes it an ideal option for wholesalers and foodservice operators looking for a more economical option. Cal Toms are a unique position within the category, delivering a superior eating experience with added flexibility for customers.
“We have the volume, the experience and the product to deliver,” Galindo adds. “Now is the time for customers to start building their programs and take full advantage of the season ahead.”
