Shuman Farms marked the start of the Vidalia onion shipping season with a series of events with partners Food Lion and Royal Food Service.
The Vidalia onion season officially kicked off with Shuman Farms sending the first shipment from their Cobbtown, Ga. facility, according to a news release. Vidalia onions were shipped to grocery stores and wholesalers throughout the U.S. and Canada during the first day of availability.
Food Lion locations in Vidalia, Statesboro, Metter and Reidsville, Ga. were among the first to receive shipments as customers eagerly awaited their arrival, allowing them to claim the distinction of being some of the first in country to purchase a bag, the company said in a news release.
“When April comes around, consumers are looking forward to seeing Vidalia onions in stores,” Shuman Farms President and CEO John Shuman said in the release. “They are as excited as we are to start the season and it was really great to see everyone’s anticipation as the Vidalias hit the shelves.”
To celebrate the day, Shuman Farms says it partnered with Georgia Southern University Athletics to host a season kickoff event at the Food Lion location in Statesboro. The event featured an array of festivities including appearances by GSU cheerleaders and the university’s mascot, Gus.
Attendees also had the chance to participate in a customer giveaway, with prizes ranging from GSU baseball tickets to Food Lion gift cards and exclusive Shuman Farms swag. Shuman Farms representatives included Shuman, Director of Sales Brandon Parker and Director of Marketing Adam Brady, the release said..
Further north in Atlanta, the festivities were underway April 18 with Royal Food Service proudly unloading the first truck of Shuman Farms’ Vidalia onions destined for foodservice, the release said.
“Being a family farm based in Georgia, it is important to us to share our farm-to-table story with consumers in the Southeast U.S.,” Shuman said. “The event with Royal Food Service showcased our partnership and dedication to delivering excellence at every stage of the supply chain.”
Thanks to ideal weather conditions during the growing period, and the completed acquisition of Generation Farms in fall 2023, Shuman Farms says it is looking forward to a strong Vidalia season that will last until September.
“With the addition of Generation Farms’ assets, we have expanded our Vidalia onion program by 30 %,” Shuman said. “Furthermore, our packing capabilities have been bolstered, and capital improvements to our existing facilities have increased our storage capacity by nearly 25%. These enhancements enable us to continue distributing Vidalia onions through Labor Day, ensuring a steady supply for our partners.”
