RBest’s Hines says organic diets are a big consumer trend currently
RBest’s Hines says organic diets are a big consumer trend currently
“Organic diets are a big consumer trend right now,” said Jasmine Hines, director of marketing and advertising for RBest Produce Inc., headquartered in Port Washington, NY. “Everyone is looking into healthier habits, and with that we’ve noticed an increase in the demand of organic produce.”
RBest imports produce from all over the world, with a strong focus on well-known top-quality brands.
“We specialize in organics, locally grown, ethnic specialties and we maintain a large variety of tropical exotic produce,” noted Hines. “RBest Produce has handled organics for about 15 years, and we have always supported local farmers.”
Louis Scagnelli, vice president of sales at RBest Produce Inc. with Jasmine Hines, director of marketing and advertising. (Photo courtesy of RBest)The company handles approximately 300 organic items at any given time, with a supply of everything from fresh organic fruits and vegetables to organic herbs, juices, tofu, nuts, croutons and, “even organic salad dressings,” Hines added.
“Our strongest selling organic items are our value-added salads and leafy lettuce commodities like Romaine hearts, arugula and spinach,” she continued. “We also have strong sales on items such as organic apples, celery hearts, tomatoes, lemons and grapes.”
RBest, she explained, is always encouraging its customers to go organic on all produce items because the organic trend is growing so strongly among consumers.
Currently, the company is promoting organic winter citrus as well as Florida and other East Coast vegetables.
“We also maintain and continuously promote our large variety of prepackaged organic salads,” said Hines. “We supply brands such as ‘Earthbound,’ ‘Fresh Express’ and ‘Organic Girl.’”
“Our organic produce is primarily grown in California, but far from entirely,” she continued. “Seasonally we work with local growers from New York, New Jersey and Long Island, as well as international farms for items like organic ginger.”
RBest’s target customer market is generally independent supermarkets, but Hines explained that the company is equipped to supply all types of food services.
“In October 2014, RBest warehouse facility achieved Primus Global Food Safety certification, opening more opportunities to service a wider range of clients which require these certifications,” said Hines. “We distribute throughout the tristate area, as well as from Boston to Philadelphia.”
