“We started with potatoes and onions and evolved into more than 10 different commodities,” said Gael Vazquez, vice president of procurement and grower relations for the Los Angeles–based company.
Success in the segment, he said, starts with having good, dedicated growers.
“If a grower is passionate about what they do, then you found a winner,” Vazquez said. “You also need a passionate team. If your team believes in the message of organics, then you can have success.”
Over the years, Progressive has seen demand for organics grow annually.
“People are more conscious about what goes into their bodies and organics is as clean as it gets,” Vazquez said. “You can also argue that some organic crops taste better without the use of any pesticides.”
Progressive Produce’s sustainable mindset starts with its organic program and it’s something that it has invested heavily in.
“One of the bigger challenges is trying to grow the perfect crop,” Vazquez said. “When growing organics, you’re very limited in what you can use to grow your crops. You can’t add any chemicals to manipulate size, color or appearance. You have to sell what the ground gives you and that can be a real challenge.”
He added that one of the biggest myths in the produce industry is that organic should look better than conventional because it’s more expensive and that is not true.
“With organics, you get what the ground gives you and make the best of it,” Vazquez said. “Another challenge is the cost of growing organics versus conventional. Believe it or not, it’s a lot more expensive to grow organic and in this inflationary period it’s difficult to get a premium on organics over conventional. Some just can’t afford the healthier option.”
The 2024 organic crop has looked strong and Progressive is happy with what’s coming from the ground.
“Most commodities had good growing seasons and we’re seeing it in the yields and quality,” Vazquez said. “This has made moving our crop that much easier.”
Looking ahead, Progressive expects to grow its organic program.
“I believe all of our organic commodities will see their own opportunities to grow,” Vazquez said. “Potatoes and onions will continue to thrive. Sweet potatoes might have the biggest opportunity for growth. We work with great people on the growing side and have a bright future ahead. We have great growers we’re working with and the organic quality they are producing is second to none.”
