Peru helps Shuman Farms deliver sweet onions year-round
Peru helps Shuman Farms deliver sweet onions year-round
Shuman Farms is one of the largest growers and shippers of sweet onions in the industry and Peru offers unique soils and climate conducive for producing a world-class sweet onion.
“At Shuman Farms, our Peruvian sweet onion program plays a key role in delivering on our promise to provide premium sweet onions year-round,” said John Shuman, president and CEO of the company. “These onions meet our high standards for flavor, appearance and consistency.”
Grown to reflect the same quality the company’s consumers expect from the RealSweet and Mr. Buck’s Farm Fresh brands, the Peruvian crop ensures Shuman Farms continue to provide a sweet, mild onion that’s approachable, versatile and perfect for everything from quick weeknight meals to elevated culinary experiences.
“One bag of sweet onions can be the base for multiple meals — raw or cooked — and our customers value the reliability that comes with every sweet onion from Shuman Farms,” Shuman said.
Through decades of experience, the company has learned success in the sweet onion category comes down to delivering consistent quality and building trust with both retail partners and consumers.
“At Shuman Farms, we are vertically integrated to ensure consistent, premium quality from seed-to-shelf,’ Shuman said. “Beyond the product itself, it takes strong branding, relevant consumer education and a commitment to storytelling. We’re not just selling onions, we’re selling the confidence that makes every meal sweeter, easier and more enjoyable.”
Consumers continue to gravitate toward ingredients that are versatile, easy to use and elevate everyday cooking and sweet onions check every box.
“From quick salads to savory slow-cooker meals, sweet onions offer both flavor and function,” Shuman said. “What sets Shuman Farms apart is the continued consumer connection to brands with a story and a purpose, something our team has worked hard to deliver for over three generations.”
Looking at the upcoming season, as of the end of July, Shuman Farms has been pleased with how things are shaping up.
“Favorable conditions have pointed to a high-quality crop with the consistent size, flavor and mildness our customers expect,” Shuman said. “We anticipate that this season will continue to build on the quality benchmarks we’ve set, giving consumers a sweet onion they can count on for everyday meals, holiday dishes and everything in between.”
Shuman Farms’ customer base includes retailer partners that share its commitment to quality, consistency and shopper satisfaction.
“Strong partnerships are built on mutual trust, clear communication and a shared goal of delivering a premium product to consumers,” Shuman said. “We view every partnership as a long-term collaboration. Our RealSweet and Mr. Buck’s Farm Fresh brands, supported by best-in-class packaging, category insights, and marketing programs, gives our partners the tools they need to succeed in-store and beyond.”
Growth opportunities will come from more consumers learning about the versatility of sweet onions.
“We see a significant opportunity in consumer education,” Shuman said. “Our upcoming initiatives will highlight how one bag of sweet onions can become the foundation for multiple family-friendly meals. Whether grilled, sautéed, roasted or eaten raw, sweet onions are a simple way to bring flavor and nutrition to the plate. We’re also continuing to invest in digital storytelling and in-store messaging that meet shoppers where they are — online, on social and in the produce aisle.”
Like many in the industry, Shuman Farms is navigating shifting consumer behaviors and rising input costs.
“What helps us overcome these challenges is our unwavering focus on quality and brand integrity,” Shuman said. “We continue to invest in innovation, sustainability and transparency, ensuring our products and our message remain relevant, trusted and valuable to consumers and retailer partners alike.”
With that in mind, Shuman Farms is closely watching trends in meal planning, especially among younger shoppers looking for easy ways to cook at home.
“The rise of food as medicine, plant-forward eating and sustainable sourcing are also key areas we’re engaging with,” Shuman said. “Our mission is to position RealSweet onions as not just a pantry staple, but a must-have ingredient for wholesome, flavorful meals.”
