Gem Tomato Sales Inc. began in 1982 with offices in Arkansas, Florida and Michigan, marketing and promoting fresh market vine-ripened summertime tomatoes. Thanks to a reliable supply from multiple states, progressive packaging options and overnight delivery to most major markets, regional promotions proved to be a powerful marketing tool for the company.
Since starting operations in the early ’80s, Gem Tomato has focused on marketing vine-ripened, field-grown tomatoes. The company grows in Florida from November through May, moves north to Arkansas for harvesting in June and July and then heads to its home headquarters in Benton Harbor, MI, where it completes its summer program.
Gary Margolis, president of Gem Tomato Sales Inc., has long led the movement of direct marketing for Arkansas’ popular vine-ripened tomato varieties be it rounds or Romas and has a longstanding relationship with Triple M Farms in Hamburg, AR.