Bard Valley co-op promotes Medjool dates
Bard Valley co-op promotes Medjool dates
Dave Nelson, vice president of sales for Bard Valley Medjool Date Growers, headquartered in Bard, CA, told The Produce News it is a fully integrated cooperative with about nine growers that produce the Medjool variety date.
“The growers own their land, packing house and facilities,” said Mr. Nelson. “We ship under the well-known ‘Natural Delights’ label. We’ve been in business for 20 years, and we have produced organic dates during that entire time.”
The growers are located in a region where Arizona, Mexico and California all come together. Some are located in the southeast corner of California, and some are in the southwest corner of Arizona. The company’s packing house is in Yuma, AZ.
Mr. Nelson said that anyone who hasn’t tasted the Medjool date is invited to contact the company to learn about its outstanding size and flavor.
“These are the larger eating dates,” he added. “They have a richer flavor than other dates, and they are extremely versatile in the many ways they can be used — eaten fresh or included in an unlimited assortment of recipes.”
Medjool dates are also packed with nutrition. They are high in potassium and fiber, and while their sugar content is low-glycemic.
The company distributes its dates across the United States, in Canada, Europe, Australia, Southeast Asia and other areas of the world. Its customers are small and large chain retailers as well as independents, wholesalers, distributors and some foodservice operations.
Bard Valley Medjool Date Growers also produces conventional Medjool dates. Mr. Nelson said that the organic crop sells out every year.
“The organic line does demand a premium, but only about 15 percent more than the conventional dates,” he said. “Our production this year is about the same as a year ago. It’s important to keep the organic supply in balance with organic demand. As the demand grows stronger, we increase our production.”
The company produces three flavors of date rolls: Almond Cluster, Nutty Pistachio, and Tropical Coconut. Like its Medjool date line, the company’s gold label signifies conventional date rolls, and green labels are designated to organic date rolls.
He said that the consumer who buys organic Medjool dates is a committed organic buyer. “Most of the comments we get from consumers who contact us directly imply that they are adamant about maintaining an organic lifestyle,” he said. “In my opinion, these consumers don’t just walk into a retail store and buy organic over conventional — they are committed to and looking for organics.”
