The above objects of the invention are accomplished by providing a package comprising a sealed enclosure formed, at least in part, of a gas permeable film which will allow the tomatoes in the package to convert the air originally present in the package to an environment that contains 0 to 10 vol.% CO2 and 2.5 to 10 vol.% O2, which package additionally contains chemical agents to reduce the moisture and carbon dioxide levels in the package atmosphere to levels which will not favor the formation of mold growth or injury to the fruit. Packages formed in accordance with the invention are capable of limiting the ripening rate of tomatoes to a one-stage increase in maturation development over a seven day period at room temperature. In contrast, tomatoes left in the air at room temperature will exhibit a one-stage increase in maturation development each day or two and tomatoes maintained at the minimum recommended storage temperature of 56° F. in air will exhibit a two-stage increase in maturation development in a seven day period.