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Wada Farms opens office in Raleigh, NC

Wada Farms Marketing Group, the exclusive marketer of “Dole Fresh” potatoes, onions and sweet potatoes, announced the opening of a new sales office in Raleigh, NC.

Wada, which currently has offices in Texas and Oregon, including its headquarters in Idaho Falls, ID, will be focusing their sweet potato program from this new location.

“Over the past six years, we have seen our sweet potato sales volume more than triple, leading to the need for a dedicated sales approach which includes the new office, sales staff and exclusive marketing agreements with growers,” Shane Watt, vice president of sourcing and grower relations for Wada Farms, said in a press release. “We have gone from selling a few bulk cartons to having a full line of bagged and convenience sweet potato items. With the new office, we are prepared to take an even bigger role in the sweet potato market and have plans for new items within the exciting and growing sweet potato category.”

The North Carolina office will be managed by two industry veterans — Norman Brown and Jeff Scramlin. “These two guys have impressive résumés with a combined 50-plus years of sweet potato sales experience,” Mr. Watt added. “We are glad to have them on board to drive our sweet potato program.

“We have worked hard to build great relationships within the sweet potato community and are pleased to announce that Wada is now tied directly to the ground with a marketing agreement with Kornegay Family Farms in Princeton, North Carolina,” Mr. Watt continued. “Kornegay Family Farms is a fourth-generation farming family that has been growing sweet potatoes since 1953. From the 60-acre farm that Frank Kornegay started farming on to the 5,500 acres they farm today, the Kornegay family has seen many changes along the way. Frank’s son, Danny is the current president who manages the day-to-day operations of the farm and packingline with his son Dan. Danny’s wife Susie and daughter Kim manage the office. Frank is nearing 90 years old, but still checks in daily to see how the farm is running. There are five Kornegay grandsons in line to be the fifth generation of farmers.

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Portobello mushrooms are the fully mature Cremini mushrooms that can grow up to six inches in diameter. This mushroom is known for its dense, meaty steak-like texture. During summer, outdoor grilling is a prime time for the Portobello veggie burger.

Today’s shoppers are spending more each year on premium brown mushrooms. The Portobello is a perfect produce item for grilling by brushing the caps with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and garlic. They will turn up nicely charred and juicy by grilling them on a medium-high heat for just five to seven minutes per side. 

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