Progressive Produce celebrates health and wellness with its organic lineup

Los Angeles-based Progressive Produce is highlighting its commitment to health and wellness through its Nature's Bounty Organic program.

The company, which features a lineup of organic potatoes, onions, yams, citrus and asparagus, began its Nature's Bounty Organic program in 2007 after recognizing the growing demand for organic produce, according to a news release.

"Customers were beginning to ask for organics, and Progressive already had a network of potato and onion growers we were working with, so it made that much more sense," Gael Vazquez, vice president of procurement and grower relations, said in the release.

The program has expanded significantly since then, evolving from primarily local supply sources to growing and sourcing from over six states and three different countries, the company said.

Progressive Produce now boasts multiple packing and shipping points staffed with personnel across the West Coast, ensuring year-round availability of organic products, according to the release.

Quality, service, and partnerships are the cornerstones of Progressive Produce's organic program, company officials said.

"Good people make the biggest difference, and we have a great team and work with great people,” Vazquez said. “The growers we work with are always working to improve their quality and standards. I always preach about our service because I can’t emphasize it enough. Our relentless dedication to understanding customer needs is reflected in its ability to source from various regions, ensuring a consistent supply that meets specific program requirements."

Promotions

Vazquez said there are strong promotional opportunities for organic produce.

"Good supply and great quality are available,” he said. “This is the right time to showcase organics."

Potatoes are a rich source of essential nutrients like potassium, fiber and vitamins, while onions provide antioxidants and are low in calories, the release said, adding that Bboth are versatile ingredients that can be used in a variety of healthy recipes.

Customers can choose from various packaging options, including 50-pound bulk cartons for potatoes, 40-pound bulk cartons for onions and consumer bags in sizes like 1.5 pounds, 3 pounds and 5 pounds for potatoes, and 2-pound and 3-pound options for onions.

In addition to the thriving organic potato and onion program, Progressive Produce is making significant strides in the organic citrus market, the release said.

“We entered the bulk citrus market in 2016, followed by organics shortly after,” Veronica Rodarte, chili, citrus and herb commodity manager, said in the release. “We've expanded by partnering with growers in all California citrus regions and Mexico.”

The company’s peak supply for organic navels is January, Rodarte said.

“Although volume is slightly down this year due to intense rains and increased pest pressure in California in 2023, the fruit tastes exceptional, and the cool nights have made it extra sweet,” she said.

Progressive Produce has also expanded its offerings to include conventional and organic mandarins with flexible packaging options to meet customer preferences.

"Keeping a consistent display of organic citrus in bulk and bags and promoting the high vitamin C content and health benefits provides an ideal environment for reaching out to consumers," Rodarte said.

"Additionally, advertising organic citrus with other organic items can also improve sales of the entire category," she added.