DUBLIN, Ohio—A year ago, Wendy’s, the third-largest fast-food burger chain in the U.S., said it would offer only vine-ripened, greenhouse-grown tomatoes for its U.S. and Canadian locations, and apparently, they’ve succeeded, reports FreshPlaza.com.
 
The first mention of having fulfilled the tomato promise came last month with the introduction of a new salad that includes greenhouse-grown grape tomatoes. More recently, the chain has promoted greenhouse-grown tomatoes on burgers, an announcement that has generated plenty of publicity. 

Wendy’s tomatoes are grown at indoor greenhouse and hydroponic farms from approximately a dozen suppliers throughout North America. "Nearly all tomatoes will be sourced from the United States and Canada, giving Wendy's customers the benefit of fresh, great-tasting tomatoes from sources that match the brand's North American restaurant footprint,” a spokesperson said.
 
“Greenhouse farms provide supply predictability and quality assurance benefits—including protection of crops from harsh weather; safe, indoor growing conditions; and a significant reduction of chemical pesticides used on the plants,” said Dennis Hecker, senior vice president of quality assurance for Wendy's.
 
The company adds that greenhouse growing will support local economies by sustaining the agricultural workforce with fresh produce that can be grown year-round in comfortable, indoor environments.