FRESNO, CA - How many people can fit into Pardini’s banquet facilities? Over 160 it seems, as friends and family of Baloian Farms came to celebrate the company’s Family Legacy Award at the Business Journal’s annual Family-Owned Business Awards (FOBA) celebration. Since 1917, Baloian Farms has remained one of the oldest family-owned businesses in the Central San Joaquin Valley.

“Our strength is our people. That’s what makes us great. We have an amazing group of people who run this company, and they do a fantastic job,” said Tim Baloian, Chief Executive Officer. “The one constant has been our faith in God, knowing he is in control. God has been faithful to us. He may not have given us what we want, but he has always given us what we need. I give all the credit and glory to God.”

Baloian Farms is vertically integrated and specializes in bell peppers, eggplant, mini peppers, cucumbers, and squash. The supplier also has a wet vegetable program that focuses on leaf, Romaine, spinach, and cauliflower.

Tim Baloian also credits the other company members who come together to help make Baloian Farms what it is today. Everyone is appreciated and loved as part of the family, from its field operations teams to all of its facilities teams, a press release explained.

The Fresno, California, Business Journal’s Family-Owned Business Awards (FOBA) program recognizes successful family-owned businesses in the Central Valley.

Big congrats to Baloian Farms for this exciting honor!

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Some fresh, modern packaging is coming to produce aisles nationwide. Just yesterday, Bolthouse Fresh Foods™ provided us with a first look at its newly designed corporate logo, which will roll out this fall. This bold rebranding, themed “Modern Roots,” combines modernity with authenticity, bringing a fresh, dynamic, and innovative spirit to Bolthouse products.

“Bolthouse Fresh Foods is committed to enhancing the health and well-being of our consumers by offering high-quality, nutrient-rich fresh products that excel in today’s ever-evolving market,” said Timothy Escamilla, Chief Executive Officer.

Beyond the refreshed corporate logo, Bolthouse is revealing its new consumer brand, Bolthouse Fresh™, and packaging for its consumer-facing portfolio of fresh carrots and on-the-go snacking solutions. According to a press release, Bolthouse partner FreshMade created the new corporate brand identity and Bolthouse Fresh packaging designs.

“Bolthouse Fresh Foods is proud of our focus on fresh produce and natural ingredients, prioritizing best-in-class agriculture practices to ensure the best quality carrots. Bolthouse Fresh Foods is taking every opportunity to reinforce our position as a category leader, and our vibrant brand look mirrors the energy our team brings to each partner and customer relationship,” said Escamilla. “Our goal is to reinvigorate the produce aisle to meet the demands of today’s consumers while building a connection with the next generation. In-store, consumers will find it much easier to gain inspiration across our extensive Bolthouse Fresh conventional, organic, and value-added fresh carrot varieties.”

Each variety features a consistent Bolthouse Fresh design, enhancing the identity of the product and the ready-to-eat convenience consumers love. This thoughtful design helps shoppers quickly identify their favorite carrots for every occasion while maximizing the visibility of Bolthouse Fresh.

“The new packaging across the fresh carrot portfolio is designed to engage consumers with eye-catching colors that highlight usage occasions,” said Karen White, Vice President of Marketing. “It was crucial that our branding ignite excitement for all shoppers, and this design has achieved just that. Months of consumer research, testing, and creative exploration brought us to the new brand and package designs.”

The Bolthouse Fresh Foods brand and Bolthouse Fresh portfolio will be fully revealed at the National Association of Convenience Stores Trade Show October 8–10, 2024, as well as the International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce & Floral Show October 17–19, 2024.

For more fresh produce updates, you know where to find us.

ISSAQUAH, WA - The coming months may bring about an influential change within Costco stores. We recently learned that the retailer plans to roll out membership card scanners at the doors—another example of how technology is streamlining grocery operations.

"Once deployed, prior to entering, all members must scan their physical or digital membership card by placing the barcode or QR Code against the scanner. Guests must also be accompanied by a valid member for entry," Costco stated, according to Fox Business.

The warehouse retailer has long been known for the friendly faces found at its doors who are checking for shoppers’ membership cards. With the new scanners implemented, it may make the interaction even quicker and more enjoyable as customers enter the store.

While further details have yet to be released, we will continue to keep you updated as we learn more.