Lakeside Organic Gardens features its own brand for artichokes

MONTEREY, Calif. — Watsonville, Calif.-based Lakeside Organic Gardens is now packing artichokes under its own label, says Marliese Myers, marketing director.

The summer harvest is producing big volume for the company, and the quality has been phenomenal, she said.

“We were growing (artichokes)  for another company, but they're in our own label this year, and we are really pushing them,” Myers said. 

The company, which has been growing 100% organic produce for 26 years, also is finding great reception for its sustainable polymer carton, used in place of wax-treated cartons.

The rigid plastic carton has to go through the recycling distributor.

The box manufacturer and Lakeside Organic Gardens work with retailers to set up a baling system for the carton, which can then be shipped to a recycling center, she said. 

“The recycling centers are starting to really get on board now (with the carton),” he said.

“We’re happy that we are the pioneers behind it because a lot of other growers are starting to do it,” Myers said.