Blue Creek anticipates fall organic deal; celebrates first decade
Blue Creek anticipates fall organic deal; celebrates first decade
Roger Riehm is looking forward to a return to the fall tomato business. His firm, Blue Creek Produce LLC, will begin its seasonal organic tomato shipments about Sept. 8.
When he spoke with The Produce News on Aug. 21, the summer tomato business was lacking in joy. This summer’s supply was heightened, though, because of mostly great summer weather across the country. He said 25-pound boxes of tomatoes in San Diego were selling for $4.95, before freight.
Located north of Chicago in St. Charles, IL, Blue Creek is placing its focus on marketing different types of tomatoes while also continuing its way in the traditional tomato business.
Riehm celebrates Blue Creek’s 10th anniversary this year. He has been in the organic tomato business for five years.
The organics continue to see demand increase. The expansion certainly comes from broader markets.
Part of this is because “organic prices are closer to conventional,” he said.
The predominant source of Blue Creek’s organic tomatoes is the greenhouse industry in Mexico. The Mexican facilities supply Blue Creek for nine or 10 months a year. The growers pack in a “Blue Creek” organic label, which complements the firm’s conventional tomato boxes.
Riehm said the growth of the Mexican produce business becomes obvious at the Produce Marketing Association convention show floor: “The Mexican contingent is so large with so many growers you could spend all day at the Mexico booth.”
