Flavor 1st Growers & Packers is a family-based company that has farmed in the fertile mountain valleys of western North Carolina for eight generations, dating back to the late 1700s.

North Carolina produces reds, yellow flesh and round white potato varieties that are known for their versatility, as they can be baked, broiled, fried or mashed.

“Our potatoes are known as ‘new’ potatoes and have bright skins that consumers love,” said Matt Luks, marketing specialist with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, who serves as advisor to the North Carolina Potato Association. “Approximately 70 percent are grown for potato chip markets for the Eastern U.S. and Eastern Canada and approximately 30 percent for table/fresh market for grocery chains.”

Fruit Royale Inc. is an experienced grower/shipper of table grapes, working directly with its contracted growers on all aspects of fruit production — growing, packing, cooling, storing, logistics and sales.

“We have been active in the production of premium table grapes in the San Joaquin Valley since 2004,” said Louie Galvan, managing partner of the Delano, CA-based company. “Our year-round figures are in the 3-5 million box range, and we supply premium quality grapes from around the world.”

For 60 years, Stemilt Growers has grown, packed and marketed its “world famous fruit,” including fresh apples, pears, cherries, stone fruits and organic tree fruits.

Last year was not a good cherry year for those in the Northwest, due to a large crop from both California and Washington and the states overlapping significantly.

Since 1946, Van Doren Sales has been dedicated to serving the fruit and vegetable industries by providing equipment that streamlines storage and packing processes for packhouse owners.

“As technology evolved, we have continually integrated and improved technology within our equipment solutions,” said Jason Skerlong, vice president of operations for the East Wenatchee, WA-based company. “Our focus has expanded to designing comprehensive packhouse solutions aimed at optimizing the fresh produce supply chain.”