The Giumarra Companies Bring "Organic Category Champions" and Expanded Innovations to Organic Produce Summit; Gary Caloroso Comments

LOS ANGELES, CA - Surety of supply and an innovative produce pipeline are two areas of industry strategy that continue to win over retailers time and time again. Giumarra Companies is one such company consistently marrying these advantages and bringing new and exciting products and initiatives to market. As Gary Caloroso, Regional Business Development Director, shares, the July 14-16 Organic Produce Summit (OPS) is the perfect time to collaborate with customers on what is here now and what is coming down the line.

"We are committed to supporting our retail partners in driving organic produce sales through compelling storytelling and consumer engagement," Gary shares with me. "We believe organic growers have a unique opportunity to create meaningful emotional connections with shoppers. Our goal is to help retailers effectively communicate both the functional benefits and the personal values associated with choosing organic produce, strengthening consumer awareness and demand for these products."

Giumarra's eye is on the prize at this year's OPS, working to increase awareness of its expanding availability of organic offerings, including apples, avocados, blueberries, bell peppers, and melons.

"With a global competition-inspired booth called Team Giumarra 26, we are highlighting our 'Organic Category Champions.' As grocers continue to see growth in the organic sector, consistent availability is key. The Giumarra Companies can support our retail and foodservice partners with consistent program coverage and reliable supply, particularly during periods of market tightness," Gary reveals.

As consumer demand for organic produce has grown in recent years, companies have adapted their strategies to leverage this impact across production and product development.

"Consumer demand for organic continues to increase. Data support that this is a long-term shift in behavior, not a passing trend. Particularly, Millennial and Gen Z consumers prioritize values-driven, health-focused purchasing," Gary expresses. "We have strong confidence in the long-term growth and success of organic within the fresh produce industry. For our high-volume core items, such as avocados and blueberries, we offer Certified Organic products year-round in line with our conventional products. Retailers can source both from us to maintain consistent availability in these categories."

For bell peppers and watermelons, which Giumarra sources from Mexico on a semiannual seasonal basis, the company has organic product that mirrors Giumarra's conventional product availability.

And let’s not forget about exclusive varieties.

"For Lemonade™ apples, a yellow club variety exclusive to The Giumarra Companies and our partners, we started offering organic this past domestic season and have seen great success with a couple of retailers. This upcoming fall season, we will be expanding organic volumes to be able to offer it to more retailers," Gary reflects. "As one of the largest avocado suppliers in North America, we also offer one of the industry's most extensive organic avocado programs. A cornerstone of our strategy is sourcing the highest-quality produce from premier growing regions worldwide. We continue to expand our family of domestic and international growers to increase the availability of organic fresh produce across our portfolio. In addition, we support our retail partners with comprehensive, customized marketing programs designed to help them effectively promote and merchandise our organic offerings to consumers."

A broad, versatile lineup is only half of what Giumarra brings to OPS. Its talented, service-driven team is the other half—you can meet them at booth #504 this July.