Latest News From Organic Produce

Sage Fruit Co. planning for organic expansion
Sage Fruit Co. planning for organic expansion

Though hot temperatures in Washington state orchards last summer held back organic output for the 2021 crop, Yakima, Wash.-based Sage Fruit Co. is planning for long-term expansion of its organic program.

Tom Karst
Conventional wisdom was wrong about organics

It is hard to imagine now, but there once was a time when organic produce was not an established part of the modern produce department.

Lakeside Organic Gardens sees growth in 26 years of growing organic vegetables
Lakeside Organic Gardens sees growth in 26 years of growing organic vegetables

Watsonville, Calif.-based Lakeside Organic Gardens has entered its 26th year of growing solely organic vegetables, and strong demand is fueling continuing growth, said Marliese McWherter, marketing director.

Ocean Mist Farms sees strong year-over-year growth for organic commodities
Ocean Mist Farms sees strong year-over-year growth for organic commodities

Ocean Mist Farms is seeing strong growth in year-over-year performance of several of its organic commodities, said Katie Tossie, organic commodity account manager for the Castroville, Calif.-based marketer.

Oneonta Starr Ranch looks to manage tightening organic apple volume
Oneonta Starr Ranch looks to manage tightening organic apple volume

Wenatchee, Wash.-based Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers expects strong demand for organic apples and pears for the balance of the 2021-22 marketing season, said Dan Davis, director of business development.

Chelan Fresh looks to second half of organic season with SugarBee, Rockit varieties
Chelan Fresh looks to second half of organic season with SugarBee, Rockit varieties

Chelan Fresh will be heavily focused on its organic SugarBee and Rockit apple programs in the months ahead, said Kevin Stennes, organic sales manager for the Chelan Wash.-based company.

Stemilt Growers sees opportunity for promotions
Stemilt Growers sees opportunity for promotions

Select organic apple varieties are in outstanding position for retail promotions in the next few months, said Brianna Shales, marketing director for Wenatchee, Wash.-based Stemilt Growers.

Central California organic truck shipments show mixed trends in 2021
Central California organic truck shipments show mixed trends in 2021

A comparison of central California truck shipments of organic fresh produce in 2021 compared with 2020 showed a big gain in oranges and romaine lettuce, but lower shipments for multiple vegetables.

4Earth Farms adds organic items, looks to expand sales
4Earth Farms adds organic items, looks to expand sales

Los Angeles-based 4Earth Farms has launched several new organic items in the past few months, including broccoli and cauliflower florets, halved and shaved Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower rice.

Organic Trade Association announces 2022 international trade agenda
Organic Trade Association announces 2022 international trade agenda

Using a grant of more than $900,000, the Organic Trade Association (OTA) is looking to invest in global markets to promote U.S. organic products.

New eco-friendly packaging unveiled for Starr Ranch Growers
New eco-friendly packaging unveiled for Starr Ranch Growers

Wenatchee, Wash.-based Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers is rolling out a new eco-friendly bag for organic fruit in the 2021-22 season.

Divine Flavor transitions organic programs from Baja to central Mexico
Divine Flavor transitions organic programs from Baja to central Mexico

November will mark an important month for Nogales, Ariz.-based grower-shipper Divine Flavor as the company transitions its organic programs from Baja to central Mexico.

U.S. organic imports growing from Mexico, Peru
U.S. organic imports growing from Mexico, Peru

U.S. imports of organic fresh produce from Mexico and Peru are growing fast, U.S. Department of Agriculture trade numbers reveal.

Rabobank report evaluates what is next for organic produce growth beyond pandemic bounce
Rabobank report evaluates what is next for organic produce growth beyond pandemic bounce

The pandemic was very good for organic produce demand, and new research from Rabobank looks at the reasons behind that surge and what may be next for the sector.

Organic marketers and buyers, we need your input
Organic marketers and buyers, we need your input

The Packer is seeking thoughts and perspectives of organic marketers and buyers for special coverage of organic marketing in its Nov. 1 issue.

Marketers see consumer connection, better way with organic produce
Marketers see consumer connection, better way with organic produce

Marketers surveyed by The Packer believe in the value and the future of organic produce, in substantial part because their customers do.

Retail organic growth a step slower in second quarter, but still easily beats conventional 
Retail organic growth a step slower in second quarter, but still easily beats conventional 

Retail organic produce growth took a step back in the second quarter of 2021, but the category performance was still well ahead of conventional produce.

2020 sees record organic sales, OTA reports
2020 sees record organic sales, OTA reports

U.S. organic sales in 2020 jumped 12.4%, reaching $61.9 billion, according to a new survey from the Organic Trade Association.

Sage Fruit expands organic volume, to debut new cherry packaging
Sage Fruit expands organic volume, to debut new cherry packaging

Yakima, Wash.-based Sage Fruit has seen an increased volume of organic apples, pears and cherries, said Chuck Sinks, president of sales and marketing.

Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers pivots with varieties, packaging
Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers pivots with varieties, packaging

Wenatchee, Wash.-based Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers will be fully transitioned to the company’s HiC2 recyclable pouch bag in the coming season, said Dan Davis, director of business development.

Marketers tag organic hotspots in U.S.
Marketers tag organic hotspots in U.S.

While the U.S. West Coast has long been dominant for organic demand, marketers surveyed by The Packer offered a diversity of answers about regions with above-trend growth in organic demand.

Older, richer consumers best consumers of lemons
Older, richer consumers best consumers of lemons

According to The Packer’s Fresh Trends 2021, 43% of surveyed consumers said they purchased fresh lemons in the past year.

Morning Kiss Organic kicks off imported pear season
Morning Kiss Organic kicks off imported pear season

Chelsea, Mass.-based Morning Kiss Organic has started its imported organic pear season.

Grimmway to ship new crop Cal-Organic Farms potatoes
Grimmway to ship new crop Cal-Organic Farms potatoes

Cal-Organic Farms will start shipping new crop organic red and gold potatoes to customers from its facility in Lamont, Calif.

Del Monte Fresh Produce expands organic fresh-cut fruit production
Del Monte Fresh Produce expands organic fresh-cut fruit production

Coral Gables, Fla.-based Del Monte Fresh Produce NA Inc. is expanding its organic fresh-cut fruit production in the U.S. and Canada.

Packaging expectations rising for organic consumers
Packaging expectations rising for organic consumers

With consumer expectations rising, packaging continues to evolve for organic produce marketers.

Organic demand running strong again in 2021
Organic demand running strong again in 2021

Comparisons with the pandemic year of 2020 are difficult to make, but most organic marketers see continuing momentum for organics in 2021 after COVID-19 set new records for retail sales.

Organic fresh produce sales up 9% in first quarter of 2021
Organic fresh produce sales up 9% in first quarter of 2021

Near double-digit growth in organic sales highlighted retail sales in the first quarter of 2021, according to a new report from the Organic Produce Network and Category Partners.

Health halo, millennial interest drive growth for organic produce
Health halo, millennial interest drive growth for organic produce

The organic produce category continues to see growth thanks to a devoted group of core shoppers, high interest among younger generations, and the perception that organic is healthier than conventional.

Wholesum expands squash, tomatoes
Wholesum expands squash, tomatoes

Amado, Ariz.-based Wholesum is increasing its volume of organic butternut, acorn and spaghetti hard squashes this season, said Joanna Jaramillo, marketing specialist.

Awe Sum Organics plans Peruvian grape deal
Awe Sum Organics plans Peruvian grape deal

Santa Cruz, Calif.-based Awe Sum Organics will keep customers supplied with high-quality organic table grapes for loading on both coasts during the winter months, said David Posner, president and CEO.

Nature Fresh Farms thrives on sustainability
Nature Fresh Farms thrives on sustainability

Not only does Nature Fresh Farms grow a wide selection of certified organic and conventional peppers, cucumbers and tomatoes in more than 200 acres of high-tech greenhouses, but it grows them sustainably.

4Earth seeks ‘geographic diversity’
4Earth seeks ‘geographic diversity’

4Earth Farms has been shoring up resources and expanding its supply deals as it strives to maintain momentum and support its customers, said Mark Munger, vice president of sales and marketing.

Organic fruit supply increases
Organic fruit supply increases

Organic berries, apples, grapes and other fruit have been faring well during the pandemic, grower-shippers say.

Sales of organic produce surge during pandemic
Sales of organic produce surge during pandemic

Sales of organic fruits and vegetables have surged during the pandemic, but sales and volume rankings have remained fairly consistent.

A & A Organic adds imported French beans
A & A Organic adds imported French beans

A & A Organic Farms, Watsonville, Calif., has added organic French beans from Guatemala to its list of items.

Lakeside Organic Gardens brings back arugula
Lakeside Organic Gardens brings back arugula

Lakeside Organic Gardens has brought back organic arugula based on demand and has introduced a new winter crop.

Ocean Mist asparagus volume up
Ocean Mist asparagus volume up

Ocean Mist Farms now is receiving regular arrivals of organic asparagus out of Mexico, said Joseph Angelo, sales manager.

Organics Unlimited marks 20 years
Organics Unlimited marks 20 years

This will be an exciting year for San Diego-based Organics Unlimited, said Mayra Velazquez de León, president and CEO.

Patagonia doubles organic citrus
Patagonia doubles organic citrus

Patagonia Orchards LLC has added a second grower to boost its output of organic citrus.

Sage Fruit Co. launches 3-pound apple pouches
Sage Fruit Co. launches 3-pound apple pouches

Sage Fruit Co. LLC has introduced a new line of 3-pound pouch bags for its organic apples with a 2-pound bag for the Honeycrisp variety

Stemilt suggests organic promos
Stemilt suggests organic promos

With plenty of high-flavor apples available this season Stemilt Growers LLC wants to work with retailers to put together “big, bold promotions” on organics.

Wholesum adds line of heirloom tomatoes
Wholesum adds line of heirloom tomatoes

Wholesum Family Farms is introducing an “exquisite” line of organic heirloom tomatoes selected and grown for high flavor and extended shelf life.

Sunkist offers organic citrus bins
Sunkist offers organic citrus bins

Demand for organic produce continues to grow year over year, and this season, Sunkist Growers Inc. has launched organic variety.

Organic citrus gaining ground
Organic citrus gaining ground

Citrus has become one of the produce department’s leading organic items.

Organic produce industry eyes sustainable packaging
Organic produce industry eyes sustainable packaging

Organically grown products and sustainable packaging should go hand in hand, so many organic growers, shippers and distributors are launching programs to reduce the use of plastics.

Fungus hits Florida strawberries
Fungus hits Florida strawberries

Growing organic strawberries has never been easy for Florida farmers, but the task got a lot more challenging in late December, when a fungus called Pestalotiopsis took hold in some of the state’s berry fields.

Organic volume from West Mexico grows
Organic volume from West Mexico grows

West Mexico provides a large amount of the fruits and vegetables consumed in the U.S. each winter, and that includes an ever-expanding selection of organic produce.

Organic produce business updates
Organic produce business updates

Browse organic industry business updates for companies like Boskovich, Sage Fruit, Chelan Fresh and Lakeside Organic Gardens.

Organic produce booming in Northern California
Organic produce booming in Northern California

Organic fruits and vegetables can be big business in the Northern California market.