Hirzel Canning Co. & Farms, the family-owned and operated company who produces the Dei Fratelli brand, announces the addition of Dei Fratelli Truly Tomatoes to its extensive line of tomato products. The three product varieties include: Petite Cut Tomatoes in a Light Puree; Finely Chopped Tomatoes in a Light Puree with Onion, Carrot and Celery; and Rustic Cut Tomatoes in a Light Puree.  The three new products are the first chopped tomatoes grown, produced and packaged in the United States that are available in shelf stable carton packs from SIG Combibloc (www.sig.biz). The Dei Fratelli Truly carton packs will be available beginning of this month.

Crafted for “home chefs,” these products offer a premium tomato product packaged in an environmentally friendly carton pack, say company officials. The modern packaging allows Hirzel Canning Co. & Farms to provide optimal protection for foods that retains high quality over a prolonged period without the use of preservatives or refrigeration. The BPA-free carton packs are convenient to store, handle and dispose. The aseptic carton pack is composed up to 75% wood fibers, a renewable resource, which is verifiably obtained from controlled sources and responsibly managed forests. Carton packs have a smaller environmental impact and use fewer fossil resources than other food packaging for long-life food products. And they are100% recyclable where facilities exist.

Dei Fratelli Truly Tomatoes are grown on local, family farms in the rich, fertile soil of the Lake Erie Basin. After a short journey from their growers’ fields, the tomatoes are carefully selected for the distinctive Truly Tomato products. Moreover, the tomatoes are preserved within a maximum of 10 hours after harvesting. This innovative concept and traceability is called, “Field to Carton.” The tomatoes are packed in a delicate, light puree providing a rich tomato flavor and contain no artificial additives or preservatives.

“It’s about quality. When a product’s ingredients are so simple, they have to be quality and that has always been a focus for the Hirzel family. With local growers, we are able to monitor every aspect of the production from seed to shelf – ensuring that only the highest quality tomatoes make it into our products,” says Stephen Hirzel, president. “Each variety of our Truly Tomatoes offers “home chefs” a premium foundation for authentic soups, stews and sauces.  We anticipate this new line of products generating renewed enthusiasm in the shelf-stable tomato category.”