REIDSVILLE, GA - Looking ahead, the end of summer sits on the horizon, and with it comes Shuman Farms’ transition from its famous Vidalia® onions to its popular RealSweet® sweet onion crop being grown in Peru. The grower started harvesting in Peru over 20 years ago to meet year-round demand for the premium sweet onions, and now provides retailers with the chance to offer its RealSweet onions from September to March.
“I am proud of the product we grow in Peru and the contribution we make to the economy of Georgia and the southeastern United States,” said John Shuman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Whether it's from the soils of Georgia or Peru, we will always be committed to providing American consumers high-quality, healthy produce year-round.”
Similar in taste, sweetness, and appearance to the Vidalia onion, the Peruvian sweet onion can be differentiated by its characteristic flat shape and yellow color that is instantly recognizable by consumers, according to a press release.
The quality of this year’s crop looks good and will lend well to bag promotions taking place throughout the fall. Shuman Farms will be rolling out several innovative marketing promotions within the season with its RealSweet brand in-store and in digital spaces. The grower will also be partnering with brands across the produce aisles to offer consumers meal solutions that will ultimately drive sales.
Shuman Farms imports its sweet onions through the Port of Savannah, allowing them to maintain a year-round, full-time workforce in Tattnall County, Georgia. In addition to the positive economic impacts on the region, the importing of sweet onions through the port helps support over 497,000 jobs in the Southeast U.S.
“Giving back to the communities where our products are sold has always been an important aspect of our company,” Shuman continued. “It is at the core of who we are and what we believe. We are grateful to work with organizations making a difference across the U.S. and honored to support them in any way we can.”
The grower will also continue to uphold its pillar of giving back with its specially marked pink RealSweet bags in October for breast cancer awareness. Likewise, Shuman Farms will offer Feeding America® bags in November and December to shed light on food insecurity throughout the U.S. Furthering its commitment to each cause, Shuman Farms will make donations to the Breast Cancer Research Fund and Feeding America respectively.
RealSweet onions will begin shipping from Peru in mid to late August and continue throughout March 2022.
For more updates from across the fresh produce industry, stick with AndNowUKnow.
