FRESNO, CA - Nature is bursting at the seams with premium produce, turning growers like Baloian Farms into a one-stop-shop for its partners. With an array of categories set to hit stores, I got in touch with Richard Cowden, Sales/Business Development, to see how harvest is shaping up for retail.
“We are proud to be in full harvest of our domestic production in California! Our commodities are experiencing good market demand. Volumes will continue to meet consumer demand as the summer develops and consumption increases with holidays, BBQs, and summertime activities,” Richard begins. “We are actively putting promotions in place now for June and July peak demand periods and are optimistic for a busy and challenging summer season.”
Baloian Farms’ increased crop volumes this year are in conjunction with the increased business its customers are experiencing. With a general shift in consumer habits, Baloian Farms is adapting to rising customer needs.
“As we continue to add new clients to our customer base, we will increase production as needed. We are also being sensitive to the changing dynamics in the foodservice industry amid the irregularities surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic,” Richard explains. “Our prayers go out to all those directly and indirectly affected by this situation. We are doing our best to support our customers across all fronts with retail, wholesale, foodservice, and through-direct consumer channels.”
Currently, the grower is promoting red peppers; eggplant; Italian and yellow squash; yams and sweet potatoes; and hard squash varieties like butternut, Danish, spaghetti, and kabocha squash. Baloian Farms is also harvesting and shipping its exclusive heirloom variety of Italian Flat Sweet Red Onions in Fresno, California. Thanks to cooperative weather, Baloian Farms is experiencing wonderful results for these commodities.
“This year, with the exception of a few rogue storms in April, and some unseasonably early heat at the end of May, the weather has been in our favor,” Richard continues. “Luckily, our crops have performed nicely. We are on the verge of starting new crop green peppers in Bakersfield, California, in early June, which should help elevate some of the demand pressure we are experiencing at the end of May. We anticipate excellent product quality and will excel to provide outstanding service to our customers.”
The grower offers a variety of packaging programs across its lineup of categories, including bagged vegetables, on a customer by customer basis, by the count, and also by the pound as needed to satisfy the needs of specific consumer groups.
With Baloian Farms’ suite of categories to fire up the summer, it looks like the produce aisle is the place to be. Stick around for more fresh produce updates as ANUK brings you the latest.
