FTC Receives Petition Requesting Free-Trade Status for UglyRipe~(TM) Heirloom

摘要

Santa Sweets Inc., a subsidiary of Procacci Brothers, filed a petition in early November for a "Certificate of Privilege" from the Florida Tomato Committee (FTC). If granted, the Certificate would allow the UglyRipe~(TM) to be marketed outside of Florida during this winter's growing season. The petition requests a response within 30 days. After three consecutive years of increased winter sales for the UglyRipe~(TM), boosting it to one of the fastest and best selling tomatoes in the category, the FTCunexpectedly reversed previous decisions and stopped the tomato from being sold outside of the Florida growing area. The FTC determined that the UglyRipe~(TM) must conform to the shape standards the committee enforces. The UglyRipe~(TM), being a particular variety of tomato, is not round or smooth enough to meet the standard. The petition seeks permission to be marketed despite not meeting the shape standard.