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Nash Produce always looking to improve

By
Keith Loria

Things are somewhat calm around Nash Produce in May, which the company doesn’t consider a bad thing at all.

“While that might seem rather stale, we are currently looking within to see what we can improve on to help better serve our customers,” said David Bradley, supply chair specialist with the Nashville, NC-based company. “Technology, new value-added products and efficiency within operations are some of the areas that are being looked at right now. These different areas are vital to business growth so it is important we recognize what areas we can improve on.”

Business is up in 2023 when compared to this time last year and Nash Produce is hoping to continue this trend as the year goes on.

“A few ways we are hoping to make this happen is to provide a quality product and find ways to better serve our customers,” Bradley said. “Continuous improvement is imperative and is something that is constantly ongoing.”

Nash Produce’s customers are the major retailers and big players in the foodservice industry.

“We also export to Mexico, Europe and Canada,” Bradley said. “One of the ways we try to maintain these partnerships and even create new ones is to focus on the relationship building aspect of the partnership. It is imperative that not only we meet our customers’ needs but also create value for them with their industry needs. Whether that be new value-added products or making sure that we provide quality product that is delivered on time, we take pride in providing quality service. Ultimately, this is the biggest key to a strong partnership.”

One of the biggest challenges the company is facing right now is labor, feeling the heat of inflation as bad as anyone is in the current economic climate. 

“If you cannot find ways to combat some of these challenges they are experiencing, then they will pick up and leave just like anyone that is trying to provide for their family,” Bradley said. “However, one of the ways we try to counteract this is to provide enough work availability/hours and benefits that will make them want to stay. At the end of the day, our labor force is our greatest asset, and we want to make sure they know that we care about their concerns.” 

Nash Produce’s 2022 sweet potato crop is looking strong for the most part as of mid-May, though it did get a later start on packing the crop due to high inventory levels from last year. 

“However, we are hoping this crop will be finished packing at normal time this year,” Bradley said. “Also, we need to get inventory levels back to a normal level so pricing will go up.”

Nash Produce is beloved in the industry both for the families it serves on the consumer side and the grower side. “From the consumer aspect, we take pride in providing a quality produce product that consumers can buy that will help nourish a healthy lifestyle,” Bradley said. “As a society today, we are caught up in convenience and quick food options that it hinders our ability to cook healthy meals at home. However, whatever the problem may be, we try to provide different options to consumers to help combat some of those problems. We offer value-added products that will allow consumers to cook a sweet potato in minutes in a microwave. Knowing we are providing these solutions is ultimately what we take pride in.”

Keith Loria

Keith Loria

About Keith Loria  |  email

A graduate of the University of Miami, Keith Loria is a D.C.-based award-winning journalist who has been writing for major publications for close to 20 years on topics as diverse as real estate, food and sports. He started his career with the Associated Press and has held high editorial positions at magazines aimed at healthcare, sports and technology. When not busy writing, he can be found enjoying time with his wife, Patricia, and two daughters, Jordan and Cassidy.

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