CASTROVILLE, CA - Big news has come through from Ocean Mist® Farms, as the grower has added its latest state-of-the-art form and fill bagger to its production facility. Jeff Hutterer and Glen Alameda filled me in on this latest addition that expanded the company’s capacity and packing capabilities.
“Customer interest in our value-added program has been outstanding,” says Jeff, Director of Value-Added Sales. “Ocean Mist Farms has a very strong reputation for quality, consistency, and service, and our customers recognize that we put those same principles in all of our programs. This recent expansion continues to build on the success and growth of our value-added program.”
Ocean Mist entered the value-added business just five years ago with the introduction of its award-winning Season & Steam packs, focusing primarily on artichokes, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli florets. Three years ago, the company expanded its value-added offerings with a line of form and fill offerings.
Since then, demand for Ocean Mist’s value-added program has been so strong that earlier this year, the company added a second shift to increase production capacity. Now, the company has brought on an additional pack line.
“The addition of another machine is consistent with our commitment to continue to grow our fresh-cut convenience program,” notes Glen, Director of Supply Chain. “We are aligned closely with our top retail and foodservice customers, and this growth is both strategic and customer-driven.”
As an added benefit, customers who are already loading Ocean Mist Farms’ fresh vegetable commodities can easily add on value-added items, allowing for efficient one-stop loading.
Currently, Ocean Mist offers 13 value-added SKUs in retail, club, and foodservice size formats, including whole and halved Brussels sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower florets, vegetable medley blend, cauliflower rice, and most recently added broccoli slaw.
With eyes on the horizon, Ocean Mist is actively working on several new items with plans to launch within the next year.
AndNowUKnow will keep our eyes and ears open, so leave that tab open too.
