Oxnard, Calif.-based Bobalu Berries has added private label packaging to its mix for one of the firm’s foodservice customers, said Cindy Jewell, marketing representative for the company.
The move helps support the customer’s branding efforts with its operator customers, she said.
Jewell said the company has adjusted as needed to meet demands in what is an ever-shifting market.
“Compared with before the pandemic, the most substantial way our company has changed is the ability to constantly adjust our program to meet our customer needs,” Jewell said. “We have shifted our packaging mix to accommodate larger pack sizes, and now, we have private label for our distributor partners. We have also expanded our California acreage mix to provide year-round availability domestically due to demand and the need for consistent supply from foodservice.”
Jewell said grower/shippers are facing rising costs throughout every aspect of their business.
“Everything we use and touch has increased in cost, including land, water, labor, supplies and transportation,” she said. “We know this is a huge challenge for our retail customers and consumers, as well. However, we cannot continue to absorb the increase in costs without passing some of these along.”
Despite the challenges with the inflation, Jewell said Bobalu is happy to see strong consumer support for foodservice outlets.
“We were worried that, with new inflation issues, the business would suffer like it did during the height of the pandemic. But so far, we are happy to see this very important segment of our industry continuing to sustain itself and grow,” Jewell said. “So much of our fresh produce goes through foodservice outlets every day, we will definitely do our part to support them long into the future.”
