Though Stockton, Calif.-based JJB Family Farms markets its proprietary Modi apples and several varieties of California onions throughout the U.S. and internationally, the products are primarily distributed on the West Coast, and there’s still a big place in the company’s heart for local customers, says Amy Snyder, director of sales and marketing.
“We’re not only active California Grown members, but I also hold an active seat on the California Apple Commission along with the California School Nutrition Association,” she says.
The company owns the proprietary rights to grow Modi apples for all of North America and beyond, she says.
“We focus 100% of our love and care on this one variety alone, nurturing our 365-acre Grand Island Ranch with intention and sound stewardship,” Snyder says.
The eating experience is “nothing shy of visceral,” and the apples have an “undeniable crunch,” she adds.
Modi apples should be available this season from mid-August through February.
JJB Family Farms also grows red, yellow, white and sweet onions and sources shallots and boilers from grower partners.
The company packs in the JJB Family Farms label, its newest JJB California Grown labeling, and in myriad private label brands for retailers.
Whether the company’s products include a California Grown logo is up to the customer.
“When shipping out of state or country, we generally utilize our in-house packer labels on onions,” Snyder says. “However, for our Modi apple consumer packaging, the California love story is printed on every 2-pound bag and 3-pound clamshell to share our enthusiasm with the world.”
Using a locally grown designation is not a selling tactic for JJB Family Farms, Snyder says.
“We understand consumers want to know where their fruits and veggies come from, and we’re happy to tell them,” she says. “Growing produce in California is challenging for a myriad of reasons, but also deeply rewarding when retailers and consumers alike embrace and support local growers like us.”
The grower hosts in-store sampling and Farmer Features, which are guest appearances and booth set-ups inside produce departments for customers to meet JJB personnel in person and sample the fruit. These events are usually accompanied by promotional pricing.
Customers can’t wait for JJB’s seasonal products to show up on store shelves, Snyder says.
“Our California Grown branded onion campaign is sought out as soon as our first California onions are hand-clipped,” she says. “For our seasonal Modi apple harvest, we invite our existing and soon-to-be customers into our world knowing they’re receiving fresh, untreated, non-GMO fruit from this season’s bounty.”
Besides the retail trade, some segments of the foodservice community are also good JJB customers, thanks in part to some state and federal support programs.
“Many foodservice segments, such as K-12 schools, prisons and hospitals, are handsomely incentivized when serving California-grown products to their patrons,” Snyder says. “We hope to see growth and trailblazing within such support programs to encourage more local advocacy.”
Smaller foodservice operations generally have greater opportunities to source local produce than larger ones, she says.
“Larger operations are oftentimes handcuffed to corporate regulatory measures that simply do not lend the same liberties for local menu selections,” Snyder says.
She encourages consumers and customers alike to support local produce.
“Many consumers and [customers] don’t understand how involved the food supply chain really is,” she says.
Snyder urges retailers, restaurants and other produce buyers to “support local farming as much as humanly possible.”
“We do what we do for you, so don’t ever underestimate your impact and value to the local economy,” she says. “We simply can’t do what we love without you.”
