Ocean Mist continues to work to make great even better
By
Seth Mendelson
Ocean Mist continues to work to make great even better
Officials at Ocean Mist Farms intend on making something very good even better and quickly showcasing it to attendees at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure.
Last year at the show, the Castroville, CA-based company unveiled the second phase of its award-winning Roastables Ready-to-Roast kits, expanding the original line of washed and trimmed halved Brussels sprouts to include broccoli and cauliflower florets. Now seven items strong and each paired with its own chef-crafted seasoning packet, they say that the Roastables line has been refreshed with bold new branding and packaging.
“We are eager to continue showcasing the exciting new look of this versatile, convenient and flavor-packed line of fresh vegetable cooking kits,” said Jeff Hutterer, director of value-added sales for the company. “A key goal of the refreshed branding and packaging was to help the products stand out at retail and capture shoppers’ attention.”
At this year’s show, Ocean Mist Farms will be showcasing — and sampling — Roastables, along with its latest innovation, Heartichokes.
“These trimmed and quartered artichokes promise less prep and more possibilities,” Hutterer noted. “A true first-of-its-kind item in the marketplace, Heartichokes were recently launched to strong anticipation and excitement.”
Like their Roastables cousins, Heartichokes include a chef-crafted seasoning packet designed to complement the vegetable. The line features two flavor options — Lemon Butter and Savory Parm— along with an unseasoned variety for those artichoke lovers who prefer to use their own signature spices.
Jeff Fulton, vice president of sales and product management emphasized the value of in-person connection at shows like Southern Exposure and how it helps Ocean Mist as well as the entire industry.
“Shows like these give us a valuable opportunity to serve our existing customers and foster those relationships, while also connecting with new partners and acquiring fresh leads,” he said. “We genuinely enjoy the hands-on experience, from setting up our booth and showcasing our products, to roasting them right on the show floor and welcoming attendees to stop by, ask questions and sample what we are cooking up.”
Fulton added that the company is always eager to be a part of the SEPC experience.
“We’re always proud to represent everything we offer — from our flagship artichokes and full line of premium fresh vegetable commodities to our newest innovations,” he added. “Doing so surrounded by industry peers who share the same passion for fresh produce makes the experience especially rewarding.”
The goal of the show is for visitors to walk away with a clear appreciation for the breadth and diversity of Ocean Mist’s product portfolio. With such an important and distinctive role in the artichoke industry, company officials said they are, rightfully, best known for this distinctive finicky thistle, but in addition to its line of green and purple artichokes, available in a range of sizes throughout the year, Ocean Mist also offers more than 30 fresh vegetable commodities, including a full leafy greens line, a variety of crunchy cruciferous items and several other premium vegetable and fresh herb offerings.
“Beyond our commodity vegetables, Ocean Mist Farms has expanded its value-added portfolio and introduced several exciting innovations in recent years, said Hutterer. “We understand that today’s consumers are looking for healthy food options that deliver great flavor, versatility and convenience, all without compromising on quality or taste. Those consumer needs are factored into every new value-added item we develop.”
Ocean Mist Farms officials are eager to welcome attendees to booth No. 223 at Southern Exposure to sample Roastables and Heartichokes and discover how simple these items are to prepare, how quick they are to cook and how amazing they are to enjoy.