SunnyRidge enters strawberry business with new Florida farm
SunnyRidge enters strawberry business with new Florida farm
SunnyRidge Farm Inc., a grower, packer and shipper of blueberries, raspberries and blackberries based in Winter Haven, FL, has announced that it is adding strawberries to its line for the 2008-09 season.
The company is a family-owned-and-operated grower, packer and shipper of blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. It has purchased land to develop new strawberry farms, and also purchased some acreage that was already producing strawberries, both in Dover, FL, near Plant City. It will produce a total 150 acres in the coming season.
"We have also partnered with local growers to add an additional 350 acres of strawberry production," Keith Mixon, chief executive officer of SunnyRidge, told The Produce News Nov. 5. "We will operate a cooler in Dover to ensure the delivery of fresh, quality berries."
SunnyRidge expects to produce 1 million trays in the coming season, most of which will be sold to conventional and clubstore retailers under the "SunnyRidge Farm" label.
In business since 1993, SunnyRidge operates farms in Florida and Georgia, and represents growers throughout North America, Central America and South America, supplying customers with product year round.
Mr. Mixon said that the coming strawberry season will run through Florida's typical movement period, but the company plans future expansions of the line with the goal of offering strawberries year round in the future.
Jerry D'Amore, a current SunnyRidge employee, will head the strawberry project. Mr. Mixon said that he will bring a wealth of national and Florida strawberry experience to the position.
Todd Alexander, who was hired for the strawberry division, will serve as farm manager. A native of Plant City, FL, Mr. Alexander brings over 11 years of strawberry growing experience to the company.
"Also joining our team is John Duval as technical consultant," said Mr. Mixon. "He has years of experience in both cultural practices and strawberry genetics within the university system."
Mr. Mixon said that the expansion into the strawberry business and the addition of the new team members are exciting steps for the family at SunnyRidge.
"We continue to experience outstanding growth and success with our customers," he said. "This expansion will only add to the level of service we provide. SunnyRidge will be growing the most desirable Florida strawberry varieties at its farms this coming season, and we will focus not only on broadening the taste aspect of the berry, but also placing an emphasis on harvesting details to deliver the highest-quality berries to market."
SunnyRidge differentiates itself on the quality and service it delivers to its customers, Mr. Mixon added.
"We are committed to the improvement of existing systems and innovation of new systems," said Mr. D'Amore. "This is what allows the company to stay ahead of the curve in the industry. As part of the company's commitment to innovation, we will also be working with partners overseas to test additional varieties, including a super sweet option for future harvesting."
"We are excited about the potential of various varieties from regions around the world with similar climates to that of the Plant City area," said Mr. Mixon. "Five acres have been set aside on our farms for research beginning with the 2008-09 season."
Mr. Mixon said that SunnyRidge continues to position itself as a key partner to its customers by providing a one-stop shop for a reliable, year-round supply of the most popular berry varieties.
All of SunnyRidge's farms are GlobalGAP certified. The company maintains its own in-house logistics department and trucks to provide delivery to customers throughout the United States.
The company is a family-owned-and-operated grower, packer and shipper of blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. It has purchased land to develop new strawberry farms, and also purchased some acreage that was already producing strawberries, both in Dover, FL, near Plant City. It will produce a total 150 acres in the coming season.
"We have also partnered with local growers to add an additional 350 acres of strawberry production," Keith Mixon, chief executive officer of SunnyRidge, told The Produce News Nov. 5. "We will operate a cooler in Dover to ensure the delivery of fresh, quality berries."
SunnyRidge expects to produce 1 million trays in the coming season, most of which will be sold to conventional and clubstore retailers under the "SunnyRidge Farm" label.
In business since 1993, SunnyRidge operates farms in Florida and Georgia, and represents growers throughout North America, Central America and South America, supplying customers with product year round.
Mr. Mixon said that the coming strawberry season will run through Florida's typical movement period, but the company plans future expansions of the line with the goal of offering strawberries year round in the future.
Jerry D'Amore, a current SunnyRidge employee, will head the strawberry project. Mr. Mixon said that he will bring a wealth of national and Florida strawberry experience to the position.
Todd Alexander, who was hired for the strawberry division, will serve as farm manager. A native of Plant City, FL, Mr. Alexander brings over 11 years of strawberry growing experience to the company.
"Also joining our team is John Duval as technical consultant," said Mr. Mixon. "He has years of experience in both cultural practices and strawberry genetics within the university system."
Mr. Mixon said that the expansion into the strawberry business and the addition of the new team members are exciting steps for the family at SunnyRidge.
"We continue to experience outstanding growth and success with our customers," he said. "This expansion will only add to the level of service we provide. SunnyRidge will be growing the most desirable Florida strawberry varieties at its farms this coming season, and we will focus not only on broadening the taste aspect of the berry, but also placing an emphasis on harvesting details to deliver the highest-quality berries to market."
SunnyRidge differentiates itself on the quality and service it delivers to its customers, Mr. Mixon added.
"We are committed to the improvement of existing systems and innovation of new systems," said Mr. D'Amore. "This is what allows the company to stay ahead of the curve in the industry. As part of the company's commitment to innovation, we will also be working with partners overseas to test additional varieties, including a super sweet option for future harvesting."
"We are excited about the potential of various varieties from regions around the world with similar climates to that of the Plant City area," said Mr. Mixon. "Five acres have been set aside on our farms for research beginning with the 2008-09 season."
Mr. Mixon said that SunnyRidge continues to position itself as a key partner to its customers by providing a one-stop shop for a reliable, year-round supply of the most popular berry varieties.
All of SunnyRidge's farms are GlobalGAP certified. The company maintains its own in-house logistics department and trucks to provide delivery to customers throughout the United States.
