To explain the company’s aggressive business model, Basciani Foods Chief Financial Officer Joe Basciani repeats the business philosophy drilled into him by his father and grandfather when they ran the multi-generational family business: Keep moving forward, build more, always re-invest.

Since 2021, Buona Foods has increased its mushroom growing capacity by 25 percent, and according to Sales and Account Manager Chris Johansen, the company plans “to continue this growth cycle into the near future. Part of our ongoing growth is the construction of additional houses at our three existing farms.”

No later than next month, the Caputo & Guest brand of exotic mushrooms will be featured in many retail produce departments for the first time, though neither the name nor the mushrooms are new to the industry.

It was 22 years ago, that husband and wife team Frank and Ana Ramos founded The Perishable Specialist Inc., which, of course, refers to the company’s expertise as a customs broker clearing fresh produce shipped into the United States.

“We continue to grow a little bit each year,” said Frank, repeating his often-heard refrain. “We are truly blessed.”

While weather issues have negatively impacted the Peruvian asparagus deal and its expected exports to the U.S. market, Coachella, CA-based Prime Time International still sees positive growth in its asparagus program over the long run.

As another Idaho potato season dawns, premier grower-shipper Wada Farms touts more than the quality of its potatoes as it pitches its services to the buyer community.