Homegrown Organic gratified by thriving organic industry
Cherie France, marketing manager for Homegrown Organic Farms, said customer demand for organic produce is still generating enthusiasm and excitement. “Demand continues to outweigh supply. Our expanding customer and grower base goes to prove that organics is not going away,” she told The Produce News. “We are always encouraged by the continued excitement and commitment from our retailers in the organic programs. Our industry continues to grow within its proficiency of marketing organic produce to the public.
Spice World continues on a strong roll with organic garlic
Spice World Inc., headquartered in Orlando, FL, is a California grower of Organic garlic. The company is 100 percent vertically integrated with its own seed program. It covers all aspects of the garlic industry, including growing, packing, sales, marketing and distribution.
Louis Hymel, director of purchasing and marketing, said the company is the leader in the garlic industry.
Walmart sees leadership change
The board of directors of Walmart Stores Inc. elected Greg Penner to the position of board chairman, effective at the end of its June 5 shareholders’ meeting. Penner, who previously served as the board’s vice chairman, takes over from Rob Walton, who served as chairman of the board since 1992 and will continue to serve as a director.
Orchard View Farms welcomes early cherry season
Harvest is under way at The Dalles-OR-based Orchard View Farms, where expectations are high for a fast-paced, top-quality cherry season.
Orchard View packed its first Chelans the last weekend in May, with Rainiers set to follow shortly, and Bings not far behind.
Phillips Mushroom Farms says organics are a win-win for retailers and consumers alike
According to Kevin Donovan, national sales manager for Phillips Mushroom Farms in Kennett Square, PA, organic mushroom sales are really gaining ground, and the company has seen continued strong growth throughout the first half of this year.
Christopher Ranch excited about its upcoming California organic garlic harvest
Christopher Ranch, a leading grower and shipper of high-quality garlic and other specialty products has been growing organic garlic since 1997. Patsy Ross, marketing director for the Gilroy, CA-based company, said that every year the company increases acreage for its organic program.
Supporting local and organic, RBest Produce stays ahead of the curve
RBest Produce Inc., headquartered in Port Washington, NY, has handled organic produce for over 15 years. Jasmine Hines, director of marketing and advertising, said the company has always supported local farmers.
“We handle approximately 300 organic items at a time,” said Hines. “Our full supply of organics ranges from fresh organic fruits, vegetables and herbs, along with lots of complementary items such as organic juices, tofu, nuts, croutons and salad dressings.”
The company, a wholesaler and distributor, services customers primarily in the Northeast region.
Mucci Farms continues Canadian expansion
In response to the increasing demand for locally grown, year-round produce, Mucci Farms is breaking ground on a 30-acre expansion. The greenhouses will be state of the art and some of the most technologically advanced and sustainable facilities in the industry.
Ruby Fresh named New Product Award finalist
Ruby Fresh has been selected as one of 13 finalists for the 2015 New Product Award: Best New Packaging at the 2015 United Fresh Conference & Expo in Chicago.
Growth continues for The Grinstead Group
The Grinstead Group, a consultancy and executive support organization specializing in the fresh produce industry, announced that Bobby Grinstead has joined the company in a sales and marketing position.