Hardie's sister company focuses on value-added

The logo for the Texas Harvest Co., a sister company of Hardie's Fresh Foods in Houston.
The logo for the Texas Harvest Co., a sister company of Hardie's Fresh Foods in Houston.
(Texas Harvest Co.)

Hardie's Fresh Foods in Houston has created a new division called Texas Harvest Co. that incorporates Hardie's existing fresh-cut and value-added produce business with a new line of protein-added fresh options, with a planned March debut.

Hardie's Fresh Foods in Houston has had fresh-cut operations for seven years at the Houston Produce Center, said Tony Stachurski, the president of Texas Harvest Co. and Hardie's Houston. He said Jan. 30 that the full-line custom-cut fresh produce business will continue under the Texas Harvest banner.

In March, Texas Harvest will open what it calls a “USDA kitchen” in an adjacent building at the Houston Produce Center. That operation will create protein-added grab-and-go snacks like sandwiches, wraps, parfaits, salad kits and salad bowls.

The facility will pack under the Texas Harvest Co. label and will also have the ability to co-pack under private labels, he said. 

U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors will oversee food safety regulations relating to handling meat and other proteins, Stachurski said. USDA inspectors will be in the facility every time the company runs product.

“For the USDA side, we are currently in product development and we are probably going to be opening the business in March with about 100 stock-keeping units to start,” he said. “We will have a very well-balanced line that will offer a lot of value, and as customers come to us we will be able to create custom recipes and packs that meet their needs.”

Stachurski said he sees a lot of potential demand for protein-added packs from current customers and new customers in retail, foodservice, schools and convenience stores.

“This segment of the marketplace is relatively fragmented, so I think we have a great offering for customers to be able to buy through Texas Harvest Co. and have 5,000 other products that could go with it,” he said.

Texas Harvest Co. will have the ability to deliver product throughout Texas, Stachurski said. With about 55 employees in its fresh-cut division, he said that the division may add 10-15 employees by the time production begins in March.

 

Latest News

Maryland expands spotted lanternfly quarantine
Maryland expands spotted lanternfly quarantine

The state’s department of agriculture added 17 counties to control the spread of the invasive insect.

2024 NGA Show concludes with record attendance, sold-out expo hall
2024 NGA Show concludes with record attendance, sold-out expo hall

Organizers said 3,600 grocery professionals participated in the three-day event, the largest in the National Grocers Association's 42-year history.

Inspiration on the agenda: The Viva Fresh ‘Clean Eating Challenge'
Inspiration on the agenda: The Viva Fresh ‘Clean Eating Challenge'

Now in its fifth year, the Viva Fresh Clean Eating Challenge supports industry peers taking the challenge to eat more fruits and vegetables, while making the meaningful first steps to improve their health and lives.

Research examines intelligent systems to prevent freeze damage
Research examines intelligent systems to prevent freeze damage

A research team at Penn State University looks to use real-time data and an unmanned vehicle to better target heat in orchards during freeze events.

Strong Texas onion crop expected
Strong Texas onion crop expected

Barring unforeseen weather events, Texas spring onion season is expected to feature plenty of good-quality product, growers say.

TIPA adds new VP, general manager
TIPA adds new VP, general manager

Rodrigo Castaneda, who joins the company with more than 25 years of experience in various industries, is expected to help expand the company’s presence.