NCL to buy Maui tomatoes

[Jason]

Norwegian Cruise Line , which operates a weekly Hawaii cruise, signed a purchase agreement to buy Maui tomatoes.

The company expects to take the first delivery of tomatoes in four months.

NCL says the partnership with tomato growers is a result of its discussions with farmers and trade groups last week. Chris Wills, NCL's director of food and beverage purchasing, was on Maui to meet with them.

As a follow up to that, he is talking to a score of other vegetable and herb growers to come up with a similar purchase agreement.

NCL now is working with the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism to schedule such meetings with Oahu and Big Island farmers.