The 17th Annual Leamington Greenhouse Competitions were held in Leamington, Ontario on June 7, 2024. The annual Greenhouse Competition, honoring Essex County as the largest greenhouse industry in North America, provides the local greenhouse community with a platform to exhibit their finest produce while also supporting an honorable cause. That cause is R.E.A.C.H International, which is dedicated to mobilizing resources to support underprivileged children and families in Uganda, Africa, serving to empower communities in need.
Expert judges, including representatives from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Affairs, grocery store produce managers, chefs, and other industry professionals, conducted blind taste tests to evaluate all entries in the competition and award honors based on a myriad of criteria including product quality and flavor.
Nature Fresh Farms
Nature Fresh Farms took home several awards including:
- Chef's Choice English Cuke
- Chef's Choice Organic Red Bell Pepper
- Chef's Choice Roma on the Vine
- 1st place Orange Bell Pepper
- 1st Place Roma on the Vine
- 1st Place Cocktail Tomato
Additionally, the company received acclaimed credit for products including its:
- Sweet S'NAPS™
- Blackberries
- Orange Cherry on the Vine Tomatoes
- Hiiros™ Tomatoes
- Razzes Raspberries
- Tomatoes on the Vine
- Mini Cukes
Nature Fresh Farms' Benny Teichroeb, Trial Development Specialist and Katie Cervini, Marketing & Events Coordinator.
"It is an incredible honor to see our team recognized for the investment we make in creating products that are high quality and flavor-forward," said Matt Quiring, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Nature Fresh Farms. "It is a testament to the passion and expertise of our team, who consistently strive to exceed expectations and set new standards of quality in greenhouse farming."
Mastronardi Produce
Mastronardi Produce took home 20 awards this year, 10 of which were first place making this a company record since the competition began in 2007. Notably, the company won over a third of the Chef's Choice Awards. In Specialty Berries, Mastronardi took home first place for SUNSET WOW® Berries moonberry™ blackberry. WOW Berry dreamberry™ strawberry was both an award winner as well as a Chef's Choice Winner.
The team from Mastronardi Produce.
Earlier this month, Mastronardi Produce also competed in the renowned International Taste Institute's Superior Taste Awards in Brussels, Belgium, earning eight Superior Taste Awards: Campari ® Cocktail Tomatoes, Angel Sweet® Grape Tomatoes, Bahama Bombs® Grape Tomatoes On-the-Vine, Aloha® Tomatoes, Summer Dream™ Raspberries, WOW® dreamberry™ Strawberries, WOW® moonberry™ Blackberries, and Berryworld® XL Blueberries™.
"It's an incredible opportunity to be a part of this event that recognizes excellence in greenhouse-grown produce. We take great pride in continually striving towards innovations in the industry, so for our team to be recognized for their dedication to quality and flavor is a testament to their hard work," said Paul Mastronardi, President & CEO of Mastronardi Produce.
For more information:
Krysta Markham
Nature Fresh Farms
Tel: +1 (519) 326-1111 ext.1630
[email protected]
https://www.naturefresh.ca/
Dean Taylor
Mastronardi Produce
Tel: +1 (519) 326-3218
dean.taylor@sunsetgrown
https://www.sunsetgrown.com/