Melissa’s World Variety Produce promoting winter organic fruits and vegetables
Melissa’s World Variety Produce promoting winter organic fruits and vegetables
Melissa’s World Variety Produce in Los Angeles, is currently strongly promoting its organic steamed beets, Robert Schueller, director of public relations for the company, told The Produce News, noting that the item was introduced in summer 2014.
“They are available year-round,” he added. “Our newest organic item, introduced in November 2014, is ‘Melissa’s organic Tri-Color Bell Peppers’ in packs and bulk. These too are available year-round.”
Melissa’s offers more than 350 fresh and dried certified organic products.
Melissa’s World Variety Produce’s Organic Baby Beets.However, it is most well-known for navel oranges, avocados, mangos, lemons, cucumbers, Valencia oranges, green bell peppers, grapefruit, baby cucumber and zucchini.
“We have been a certified organic provider under CCOF and the U.S. Department of Agriculture for 15 years,” Schueller explained. “We are the largest variety distributor of organics in the U.S.A.”
Also being heavily promoted at Melissa’s currently is its variety organic citrus.
The line includes lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruit and tangerines — all at the peak of the citrus season that runs from December through March.
“Our other popular organic winter items are cucumbers, mini cucumbers, zucchini, colored peppers and hothouse cucumbers,” Schueller added. “Melissa’s is a big player in all of these products.”
Melissa’s organic produce items are grown in the United States and in Mexico, with the latter being especially strong during the winter.
The company services primarily large national retail chains with its organic line.
Schueller noted that organic sales continue to grow and at an increasing rate.
“The market is certainly stronger than it was two years ago,” he said.
“Everything is looking positive and falling into place for anticipated increased sales in the coming year,” he continued.
“We expect to see almost double-digit growth rates as new items continue to increase in availability. Today every season is a prime season for certified organic fruits and vegetables.”