Memphis was ripe for this idea: Growing and selling tomatoes right here
Marcelo Marzola leads a tour of Vine Foods in Parkway Village to show how his tomatoes are grown. “This is a one-of-a-kind operation,” he said. “We’re doing this in an urban environment in a distressed ZIP code, and we’re doing it in soil.” (Greg Campbell/Special to The Daily Memphian)
Brazil native Marcelo Marzola has a mission to produce 100,000 pounds of vine-ripened tomatoes for Memphis, in Memphis, and in doing so, create a model that challenges the traditional grocery supply chain.
Marzola, CEO and founder of Vine Foods, and his team have set up five temperature-controlled high tunnels in Parkway Village. Each contains 1,100 heirloom tomato plants. High tunnels, which are generally plastic-covered metal frames, protect plants from severe weather and extend growing seasons, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The idea is to use regenerative farming to grow produce that tastes better, creates more local jobs and supports farmers. And to do it first on land owned by local community development corporation, The Works Inc.
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Sophia Surrett
Sophia Surrett is a University of Alabama graduate, where she received her B.A. in news media and M.A. in journalism and media studies. She has been with The Daily Memphian since July 2023, first starting as a business reporter covering various beats. Now, she covers food, restaurants, and hospitality and tourism.
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