sunset® at the leamington greenhouse competition sets a new benchmark in flavor, innovation, and premium retail produce excellence
Yes, the retail media is flourishing and the checkout-free technology grips, but in the 23-price determination of the sunset, the Lington Greenhouse competition is a time repair in the competition: Nothing takes place of good taste.
Prices are not just trophies for the shelf – they are direct signs for supermarket buyers globally. Store holders can just as loyal apps and dynamic prices, but when it comes to repeating the purchase? It’s still about tomatoes that blast with taste, chili like crunches and berries like wow.
At an age where “premium” and “private labels” go on a fast head-to-head, Sunset® provided just a Masterclass to command the Premium shelf space and serve it.
What This Means for Supermarket Buyers
For those responsible for produce procurement and category planning, SUNSET®’s performance at Leamington sends three clear messages:
1. Flavor Is the New Differentiator
Shoppers are savvier than ever — and taste is back in fashion. SUNSET®’s Chef’s Choice winners like SHAZAAM!™ Shishito Peppers and Wild Wonders® sweet long peppers prove that when produce tastes good, it moves fast.
Takeaway: Elevate flavor-first SKUs in merchandising plans. Don’t bury high-performing varieties in commodity pricing wars.
2. Award-Winning Means Built-In Marketing
23 wins — including “Hottest Tomato” and “Best Berry” — make SUNSET® a storytelling goldmine for in-store displays, weekly circulars, and digital promotions.
Takeaway: Use supplier accolades to build trust with shoppers and increase premium produce sales.
3. Greenhouse-Grown Is a Competitive Advantage
With weather extremes and supply chain pressures disrupting field-grown reliability, brands like SUNSET® are proving the resilience — and taste — of controlled-environment agriculture.
Takeaway: Greenhouse-grown isn’t just about availability; it’s also about consistent flavor, lower shrink, and less guesswork.
The Leamington Win: A Benchmark Moment for Fresh Produce
The 18th Annual Leamington Greenhouse Competition broke entry records this year — and SUNSET® came out on top. But this isn’t just another feel-good industry PR moment. For over 70 years, Mastronardi Produce has been quietly redefining fresh produce, and this latest win shows they’re not slowing down.
Highlights from SUNSET®’s performance:
🏆 23 Total Awards, including multiple first-place designations
🥇 “Hottest Tomato” and “Best Berry” — consumer crave categories
👨🍳 4 Chef’s Choice Awards, signaling elite flavor credibility
🌍 Ongoing support for R.E.A.C.H. International, linking produce to purpose
It’s a winning formula: unmatched flavor + compelling cause + year-round consistency. In a market where supermarket decision-makers are seeking both product excellence and brand storytelling, SUNSET® checks every box.
Why This Matters Now More Than Ever
Global inflation, margin pressure, and shopper fatigue have redefined what “value” means in the supermarket aisle. Retailers can no longer rely on price alone to win the basket.
Enter flavor.
When consumers take that first bite of a SUNSET® Aloha® Bell Pepper or Y.E.L.O.® Cocktail Tomato, they’re not just buying produce — they’re buying confidence. The kind of confidence that turns first-time trial into long-term loyalty.
And as greenhouse technology scales across Europe, the Middle East, and North America, SUNSET®’s model of vertically integrated, flavor-focused production is setting a new international standard.
What’s Next For Retailers Watching SUNSET®
If you’re a buyer, category manager, or retail produce director, now’s the time to:
Review your greenhouse partner strategy — are you prioritizing flavor leaders like SUNSET®?
Re-merchandise award-winning SKUs for higher visibility
Ask suppliers for taste panel data and competition wins to inform listing decisions
Build digital campaigns that highlight produce with a proven story
Because at the end of the day, shoppers will remember what they tasted — not what aisle they found it in.
Final Thought: Flavor Is The Future Of Fresh
SUNSET®’s dominant showing at the Leamington Greenhouse Competition is more than a victory lap. It’s a fresh reminder that in produce — the original impulse category — flavor still wins.
Supermarket buyers who lean into this shift will not only drive shopper satisfaction — they’ll protect their margins and future-proof their produce departments.
And in today’s retail landscape, that might be the most important win of all.
