GEM-Pack Berries LLC and Red Blossom Sales Inc. are combining forces.
The union capitalizes on tangible synergies that translate directly to customer benefits and grower success, according to a news release.
Together, GEM-Pack and Red Blossom boast more than 150 years of berry farming experience and collective acreage of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries in nine berry growing regions throughout California, Mexico, Florida and South America, according to the release.
“We believe the industry is changing and proactive consolidation will benefit our customers with consistency of supply, balanced production curves, improved quality and increased order fill rates for the entire spectrum of berries and seasons,” Paul Kawamura, director of sales, said in the release.
The merged company will continue to pack berries in both Red Blossom and GEM-Pack labels for the foreseeable future said marketing director Michelle Deleissegues. The company will use the GEM-Pack company name for business purposes, Deleissegues said in an email.
Prelude to deal
After four years of “quiet” collaboration on cultivation and sales partnerships, GEM-Pack and Red Blossom realized their common philosophies and shared production priorities created a productive and powerful team, according to the release.
“The synergies on all commodities and growing regions were obvious,” COO David Lawrence said in the release. “The shared corporate values and level of mutual trust, as well as the continued success of our grower base and unwavering commitment to customer service, inspired us to join forces.”
The consolidation, according to the release, will combine GEM- Pack’s partnership with Healthy Harvest in Watsonville, and GEM-Pack’s continued operations in Oxnard, Irvine, Baja and Central Mexico, with Red Blossom Farm’s acreage in Santa Maria.
Included in the consolidation will be Red Blossom’s production from the Parkesdale Group in Florida, as well as Red Blossom’s long term, exclusive partnership with Mainland Farms in Central Mexico, the release said.
Mainland Farms has grown to be Central Mexico’s second largest strawberry shipper, while also offering a full-spectrum berry program with blueberries, blackberries and raspberries, according to the release. GEM-Pack’s blueberry and bushberry programs in Mexico and South America will round out the company’s now year-round berry production.
Red Blossom and GEM-Pack complement each other’s strengths, adding deeper access to services in all departments, Mike Etchandy, CEO, said in the release. “As the overall produce industry continues to consolidate, we wanted to stay proactive and flexible,” he said. “The merger facilitates continued growth and allows us to not only meet but exceed customer expectations.”
The companies share a commitment to innovation, stewardship and sustainability, according to the release.
In 2010, the release said Red Blossom introduced the first electronic traceback system which provided traceability to the individual clamshell level. In recent years, GEM-Pack joined forces with other leaders in the berry category to create CBC, LLC, establishing a pathway to develop proprietary varieties throughout several growing regions.
The release said that as part of their commitment to sustainability, GEM-Pack continues to develop their patented “Earth Made,” project focused on 100% sustainable growing practices and technologies.
“After working quietly together for four years, we have seen how well we work as a team. It’s time for us to be one amazing company that customers can rely on 365/24/7!,” CMO Craig Casca said in the release.
