Veg-Pak success heavily tied to Florida fall season
Veg-Pak success heavily tied to Florida fall season
Despite being one of the U.S.’s northernmost neighbors, Veg-Pak Produce, based in Toronto, is heavily invested in the Florida fall produce season.
“Our specialty pepper program, eggplant program, grape tomatoes and kale programs rely on the Florida fall season,” said Danny Carnevale, a co-owner of the family-owned, 73-year-old business. “We are very excited about the specialty peppers and hot peppers as usual, but this year we are also doing test plots of many different varieties of eggplants as well. We think this is going to be a great item for us in the future.”
Rick, Vic and Danny Carnevale of Veg-Pak Produce, headquartered in Toronto. In 2016, the company is anticipating larger volumes in Florida fall produce than in previous years.
In 2016, the company is anticipating larger volumes in Florida fall produce from previous years, thanks to the addition of some new varieties and commodities and building on its current commodities.
“We are looking forward to a very successful season,” Carnevale said.
New this year for Veg-Pak Produce is working with Oakes Farms on different varieties of Indian and Chinese eggplants and so far it has been pleased with the results.
“Our exclusive program with Oakes Farms has allowed us to work closely to launch new items for our customers and they are doing a fantastic job,” Carnevale said. “We truly enjoy working closely with companies like Oakes Farms and making them part of the family.”
Veg-Pak Produce updated its Harvest Fresh brand last year and feedback from customers has been great.
“They love the new look of the logo and the overall look of our new packaging,” Carnevale said. “Our Harvest Fresh brand cello spinach and chopped kale are moving along very well and we are really happy with our new stand up re-sealable pouches for pearl onions, shallots and garlic.”