“Country Fresh has continued its efforts to provide our partners with the freshest product and innovative packaging,” said Bob Besix, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Country Fresh Mushroom Co., headquartered in Toughkenamon, PA. “This effort also applies to our soon-to-be unveiled environmentally friendly quick-blanch pouches.”

Besix noted that Country Fresh’s product offerings have expanded to include fresh and quick-blanched to its added-value produce lineup.

“In an effort to partner with our customers we believe the added value provides the convenience and efficiency of a one-stop shop for many domestic and imported produce items,” he explained. “Our customers can now place a single order for not only premium mushrooms, but also a variety of specialty items. This allows for greater efficiencies at the time of ordering as well as upon receiving.”

In addition to mushrooms, Country Fresh’s other high-quality specialty items include arugula, peeled garlic, baby vegetables and Belgian endive — all of which are available for purchase alongside its quality mushroom line.

The company recently announced a staff change. Besix said that Chris Johansen has been named to the position of produce specialist.

“Chris has been with Country Fresh for four years,” he said. “He will continue to work in the customer service department where he will grow our added-value produce program.

“Most recently, Joelle Muscolino joined our customer service team,” Besix continued. “Joelle comes to us with 10 years of mushroom experience in sales, customer service and transportation, all of which is a great benefit to our team.”

Besix pointed out that consumers have come to understand the unique benefits mushrooms bring to the table.

“Whether it is the taste enhancing umami effect, ease of preparation, the vast varietal options or the health benefits, mushrooms are impacting more dishes than ever before,” he said. “A more-educated consumer and the swapability and blendability trends are driving growth. The industry is looking for alternative and more creative uses for mushrooms. The ‘Swap it or Top it’ and blendability campaigns are great examples of our industry finding creative ways to increase the consumption of mushrooms.”

Country Fresh Mushroom, Besix said, has noticed a significant increase in both retail and foodservice sales, adding that mushrooms are becoming more popular as consumers continue to source healthy dietary options.

“We are projecting the upcoming holiday demand to be higher than normal, which may create some supply-and-demand pressures,” he noted. “Country Fresh Mushroom Company believes it is well-positioned to handle the increased demand.”

Besix also explained that the most-recent U.S. Department of Transportation regulation changes have greatly affected the industry.

“We are still working our way through the changes, realigning our lanes, loading patterns and delivery schedules,” he said. “This is just another cost increase to an industry that is already running on very tight margins.”