Bolthouse Fresh Foods named one of Fast Company’s innovative companies

The fresh carrot grower and distributor earned a position in the top 10 for in North America on Fast Company’s 2025 Most Innovative Companies list.

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Bolthouse Fresh Foods said it has landed in the top 10 of Fast Company’s 2025 Most Innovative Companies list.
(Graphic courtesy of Bolthouse Fresh Foods)

Bolthouse Fresh Foods, a grower and distributor of fresh carrots, says it has been named one of Fast Company’s 2025 Most Innovative Companies, earning a top-10 ranking.

The company said this recognition highlights its commitment to transforming the fresh produce industry through disruptive packaging, product innovation and digital engagement while staying rooted in its 110-year legacy of quality and sustainability.

“Carrots are a staple in so many households, but the way consumers shop for and experience fresh produce is changing. We need to meet them where they are — with solutions that are convenient, fresh and engaging,” Bolthouse Fresh Foods CEO Timothy Escamilla said in a news release. “Carrots are a relevant and important part of affordable nutrition, playing a key role in healthy diets. We are constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in fresh produce — whether by reinventing snacking and mealtime, making fresh food more dynamic and shoppable, or leading the way in farming and packaging solutions that challenge industry norms.”

Bolthouse Fresh Foods relaunched as an independent company in 2023 and debuted its consumer-facing brand, Bolthouse Fresh, to enhance engagement by focusing on intuitive packaging, innovative product formats and a digital-first approach and make fresh carrots more accessible, versatile, and shoppable than ever before, the release said.

The company touts the regenerative agriculture practices and commitment to soil health and water efficiency of its growers. Bolthouse Fresh said that every innovation — whether in packaging, product development, or digital engagement — begins with a foundation of responsible farming.

Bolthouse Fresh Foods said this agriculture-first mindset makes the recognition from Fast Company even more meaningful, as it acknowledges not only the company’s role in reshaping the produce industry but also its leadership in sustainable, forward-thinking farming practices.

The company highlighted its first-of-its-kind TUV-certified compostable packaging in the fresh produce category, which it said meets the growing demand for eco-friendly grocery options while reinforcing its commitment to reducing waste and improving sustainability at scale.

Bolthouse Fresh Foods also pointed to its color-coded packaging and clear messaging that help shoppers incorporate carrots into different meal occasions. The company said its Carrot Shakers and Carrot Side Dish Sizzlers introduce new shapes, seasonings, and convenient preparation methods, making fresh carrots an easy and exciting choice for both meals and snacks.

“This honor from Fast Company reflects our team’s relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence — from the fields where our carrots are grown to the way they are packaged and enjoyed by consumers,” Escamilla said. “At Bolthouse Fresh Foods, innovation is about driving progress with purpose — honoring our agricultural roots, elevating our communities, and delivering fresh, accessible, and sustainable solutions that improve lives every day.”

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