Gene Akins of Catalytic Generators Awarded Florida Tomato Man of the Year

Gene Akins of Catalytic Generators was announced Florida Tomato Man of the Year at the annual Florida Tomato Committee Conference on October 4, 2019.

Board members of the Florida Tomato Committee recognized Akins with this award for over 40 years of dedicated support to the tomato industry and Florida tomato growers. David Neill, a long-time tomato grower and Committee member spoke on behalf of the Florida Tomato Committee sharing, “Gene Akins and Catalytic Generators have been a constant supporter of our industry and we thank you for this long-term support.”

Once awarded, Akins spoke to the conference attendees stating, “It is an honor to accept this award. Our company and employees will continue to promote Florida tomatoes and mature greens.” Akins continued, “It is also our pleasure to help the industry effectively apply ethylene to promote the natural degreening and ripening of the fruit.  Mature green Florida tomatoes, properly handled along the cold chain, are some of the best-tasting and highest quality tomatoes around!”

After serving on the Florida Tomato Exchange board for over 25 years, Akins will be stepping down. Catalytic Generators will continue to support Florida Tomato as a resource for post-harvest handling of tomatoes and effective ethylene application.