From Farm to Can: The Red Gold Story

Red Gold Tomatoes, located in the heart of America’s farmland, has built a legacy of producing premium, high-quality tomato products. Since 1942, when the government asked citizens to support the war effort, the Reichart family has led Red Gold, producing over 600 million cans of tomato products annually. Headquartered in Elwood, Indiana, and currently led by President and CEO Brian Reichart, Red Gold partners with Midwest farmers to grow tomatoes that are rich in both flavor and history. 

"For over 80 years, Red Gold has been dedicated to producing the freshest, best tasting tomato products in the world, and that wouldn’t be possible without strong partnerships that help us deliver the quality and customer service our customers deserve. Sonoco’s expertise in packaging helps us preserve the quality of our tomatoes while staying true to our values of family, farming, and community—so families can continue creating meals and memories for generations to come."

-Colt Reichart, Senior Director of Marketing & Consumer Relations for Red Gold

Freshness, Sustainability, and a Partnership Built on Trust

Red Gold’s dedication to quality starts with its farming partners—over 30 family farms across Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan—who spend 113 days growing then harvesting tomatoes at peak ripeness, ensuring freshness from field to can. This commitment to sustainability and long-term relationships makes Red Gold and Sonoco a natural fit.

As a trusted supplier of tinplate steel food cans and closures, Sonoco provides high-quality, recyclable packaging that preserves Red Gold’s tomatoes while supporting a circular economy. Steel cans not only lock in flavor and nutrients but are also 100% recyclable, reducing food waste and environmental impact. Steel cans are the most recycled food package in the United States; 80% - 90% of all steel every produced is still in use today!

With a shared focus on quality and responsible stewardship of resources, Red Gold and Sonoco work together to deliver red ripe tomatoes in packaging designed for safety, freshness, and sustainability—upholding a legacy built on trust and innovation. 

"At Sonoco, we take pride in providing packaging that not only protects freshness but also supports a more sustainable future. Our partnership with Red Gold reflects a shared commitment to quality and responsible stewardship—ensuring that every can delivers the best-tasting tomatoes while reducing food waste and supporting a circular economy."

-Ernest Haynes, President of Sonoco Metal Packaging

Why Canned Tomatoes Matter

Canned tomatoes are more than a pantry staple; they’re the foundation of countless family traditions and home-cooked meals. Packed with antioxidants like lycopene, vitamins C and A, and essential minerals, they offer a nutritious and convenient solution for busy families and chefs alike. Canned tomatoes are harvested when they are perfectly ripe to provide year-round flavor and availability without compromising on quality.

From Sunday spaghetti dinners to a slow-simmered family chili recipe passed down through generations, Red Gold’s canned tomatoes add rich, consistent flavor to every meal, creating moments that turn into lasting memories.

A Shared Vision for the Future 

As a leader in the canned tomato industry, Red Gold’s vision extends beyond delivering exceptional products. Through innovative farming techniques, eco-conscious manufacturing, and a commitment to community, the company exemplifies how tradition and innovation can coexist. Its partnership with companies like Sonoco underscores this ethos, highlighting the role of sustainable packaging in building a better future.

Red Gold Tomatoes and Sonoco Products Company demonstrate the power of collaboration in creating products that nourish both people and the planet. Together, we preserve the rich tradition of canned tomatoes by delivering quality and freshness in every can—providing a healthy, flavorful ingredient that brings families together around the table.

As we celebrate National Tomato Day, we honor brands like Red Gold that remain dedicated to the employees and consumers they serve every day. Their commitment to quality, fresh ingredients, and family values ensures that families across the nation continue to enjoy the taste and convenience of premium canned tomato products, fostering connections and creating everlasting memories.