Giumarra expands Vidalia program, including more organic

In its third year of a Vidalia onion program, The Giumarra Cos. will be marketing organic onions and is increasing overall volumes.

G&R Farms, Glennville, Ga., grows and packs the onions with Giumarra’s Nature’s Partner brand, according to a news release.

“We know that organics are of growing importance to consumers, and we are excited to offer our customers an organic option for this summer favorite,” Kristina Lorusso, regional business development director for Giumarra, said in the release.

The Georgia Department of Agriculture, after consulting with growers and the Vidalia Onion Committee, set April 20 as this year’s shipping date for Vidalia sweet onions. Giumarra is shipping conventional and organic Vidalia onions the third week of April in bulk and bags.

“This year, we will have increased volume available throughout the season,” Stu Monaghan, division manager of Giumarra Southeast, said in the release. “Quality is looking excellent and we have been discussing marketing opportunities with our customers who consider Vidalias a cornerstone of their onion category.”

Guimarra ships sweet onions year-round, with supplies from Peru in Vidalia’s off season, all shipping from the G&R Farms facility, according to the release.