Optimistic and prepared, Consalo Family Farms heads into the fall season
By
Seth Mendelson
Optimistic and prepared, Consalo Family Farms heads into the fall season
Officials at Consalo Family Farms are rolling up their sleeves and getting ready for the big fall produce season that is about to kick off.
The Vineland, NJ-based operation is combining continued investment, stronger and more direct marketing programs and expansion to continue its long record of success.
“We are heading into the fall season with confidence, thanks to our vertically-integrated operations and continued investment in expanding our farms,” said Jay Schneider, Consalo’s executive vice president of sales and purchasing. “These strategic advantages are helping us deliver consistent quality and freshness across our entire product portfolio.
“This year, we are proud to feature our locally-grown New Jersey packaged romaine hearts, which are available in both organic and conventional formats,” Schneider continued. “After a successful summer launch, we have planted additional acreage to meet growing local demand and ensure steady supply through the fall.”
Having Mother Nature helping does not hurt either. “So far, the weather has been somewhat cooperative and current conditions are expected to support a strong harvest of fall vegetables,” Schneider noted. “We’re optimistic about the season ahead.”
Promotional activity is also kicking into high gear. Schneider said that Consalo Family Farms is part of a national back-to-school campaign that blends digital content, dietitian-led education and charitable giving. “Our blueberries are being featured in recipes, blog posts and social media promotions aimed at helping families eat heathier,” he added. “This is a partnership with the Healthy Family Project and this will be our second year doing this program.”
Schneider said that it is vital to maintain the strong image of the company.
“At Consalo Family Farms, we believe that local produce is more than a label — it is a legacy,” he said. “That’s why we work hand-in-hand with our retail partners to bring the New Jersey local growing season to life in-store. We customize signage and storytelling to highlight our family farm’s rich history and deep-rooted commitment to quality. These materials are designed to resonate with consumers, creating an emotional connection that goes beyond our products. By offering merchandising and marketing support to retailers, we help maximize the value of New Jersey locally grown. It’s not just about selling produce — it’s about celebrating where it comes from and why it matters.”
New Jersey remains at the heart of the operation in other ways, too. Schneider said that Consalo Family Farms “proudly and prominently” features the Jersey Fresh logo on its product packaging and point-of-purchase display materials.
“This not only reinforces the value of locally-grown produce, but also helps consumers easily identify trusted, regional options they can feel good about bringing home,” he said. “We go beyond branding —our New Jersey-grown products are cultivated, harvested and packed to meet the highest standards of quality and freshness, ensuring that every item reflects the excellence behind the Jersey Fresh name.”
Consalo Family Farms is also focused on staying ahead of the curve in terms of technology.
Schneider noted that the company continues to invest in automation and advanced sorting equipment to meet the evolving demand of its retail partners.
“Our commitment to innovation ensures we remain responsive in a fast-past marketplace,” he added. “We are also expanding our footprint in organic vegetable production, increasing acreage to meet rising consumer demand for clean-label sustainably-grown produce. Strong retail partnerships and collaborative relationships remain at the heart of our success. By working closely with our partners, we ensure that New Jersey-grown produce reaches a wide and growing base of consumers who value freshness, quality and local sourcing.”
Challenges still remain. Schneider said that labor availability issues still loom, especially as the company scales up, and no one can ever discount the weather and the impact it can have on harvest timing and yields that require adaptive strategies.
“Despite these hurdles,” he said. “Our team remains committed to delivering excellence from field-to-shelf.”