CAPISTRANO BEACH, CA - We are a relationship-driven business, constantly impacted by the most urgent issues of the day—weather, pricing, supply chain—and always under the consumer microscope. In the face of such volatility, it is our human connection, our ability to reach across the divide to each other—not through a spreadsheet—which is so essential to building solutions in our line of work. This is the message I hear loud and clear from Anthony Innocenti, Managing Partner, LIV Produce, as we look ahead to the Organic Produce Summit (OPS).

“We need to remember that our strength as a fresh produce community, first and foremost, is the human-to-human solution-building that comes from conversations, not just emails; from discussions, not just texts and spreadsheets,” Anthony tells me. “Yes, the numbers and the data are essential, but I think that we lean on them too heavily without balancing on real-world experience and direct communication. The Organic Produce Summit is the perfect opportunity to reconnect and drive this relationship-building that helps us uniquely thrive.”

LIV Produce is unwavering in its commitment to the human connection that has been foundational to the company’s success.

“We speak weekly with our customers and our growers, constantly improving our solutions and efficiencies. Speaking every six months may work for a center story contract, but fresh produce changes daily,” Anthony expresses. “We feel that the more informed our customers are, the more nimble we can be for them and our growers.”

Also supporting this relationship-driven message is, of course, a program fit for retail success.

“We are significantly expanding our citrus acreage and grower partnerships—both conventional and organic—with a focus on Mandarins,” Anthony details, noting that there will be more to share at the show.

The company will also be adding organic Heirloom Navels and is expanding its capabilities with the ability to pack private label for any retailer in the country.

“We're very excited for the fall, and I believe our best years are yet to come,” Anthony says.

The depth of commitment with a company like LIV Produce ripples out and I am excited to see how the conversations emerge at OPS. Plan on having one yourself, and visit LIV Produce booth #300 at OPS. See you all soon!

BAKERSFIELD, CA - For more than 20 years, Anthony Vineyards has been farming organically with a deep commitment to a surety of supply, excellence in quality, and customer service. As we near the Organic Produce Summit in Monterey, California, this week, Rob Spinelli, Sales, joins me to share a glimpse of the company’s program and some of the highlights we can look forward to at the Central Coast event.

“The demographic for California table grapes remains strong, and organics, in particular, are thriving in the marketplace,” Rob tells me.”One of the early season highlights will be our Candy Snaps®, which is new to the organic line for Anthony Vineyards. This variety offers optimum brix and a crisp eating experience.”

Candy Snaps, known for their high-flavor profile, bring notes of pineapple or melon, which are further distinguished by strawberry undertones. This sensory delight is a palate-pleaser that drives consumers to the table grape destination, especially in organic offerings.

These grapes will be packed in stand-up pouch bags or 1lbs. clamshells under the Anthony’s Organics label—a program dedicated to eye-catching visuals and reducing shrink for retail.

This season, in addition to a full line of table grapes, Anthony Vineyards will offer customers organic mangos grown in the Coachella Valley in Calfiornia.

“We have grown mangos out of the desert for years now, but this season, we will be marketing the Keitts ourselves,” Rob says. “We're one of a couple of companies that grow down there and the crop looks amazing.”

Check out OPS booth #608 for more details on Anthony Vineyard’s organic program and what it has in store for the exciting season ahead.

PORTERVILLE, CA - Organic produce is the name of the game for Homegrown Organic Farms (HGO)—literally. That’s what makes the grower a perfect addition to the Organic Produce Summit (OPS) show floor.

“We will showcase our year-round portfolio of organic programs, including citrus, stonefruit, berries, table grapes, and fall fruit,” Elise Smith, Marketing Manager, began telling me. “In addition to organic certification, each program features EFI-certified acreage and a growing number of Regenerative Organic Certified farms. We are proud to partner with the Equitable Food Initiative team to provide education on the program and certification at booth #400.”

Building on the excitement, Elise teased the unveiling of a new microbrand launching this fall. The berry exciting new brand is sure to wow taste buds and win hearts at the supplier’s booth as well as in the organic innovations showcase.

Since the event's inception, the HGO team has supported and participated in OPS. Every July, the entire team eagerly anticipates the opportunity to connect with the organic industry and customers.

“Everything about the summit, from the location and sponsors to the events and educational sessions, reflect the highest quality, and it's truly fantastic to be a part of it. The summit does an excellent job of creating an environment that fosters networking and relationship-building opportunities,” Elise continued. “We also look forward to learning from our peers and staying updated on the latest trends and discussions.”

Nine smiling faces from Homegrown Organic Farms will be waiting to greet you at booth #400. HGO hopes attendees will stop by to connect with the sales team, learn more about its history in organics, and sneak a peek at the newest microbrand.

“Our goal for the show is to share our 25-year legacy in organics with the industry. As trailblazers in adopting the highest standard certifications for social responsibility and sustainable farming, we offer Regenerative Organic Certified and Equitable Food Initiative Certified programs,” Elise stated.

In addition to its impressive booth setup, HGO’s Chief Executive Officer, Scott Mabs, will participate as a panelist in the "Strategies & Insights: Expanding Organic Fruit Sales" discussion.

“We also encourage attendees to join us for lunch hour at the plaza, where our organic blueberries will be featured on the menu and our regenerative organic certified stonefruit will be used in a live chef demonstration,” Elise concluded.

For all of this and more, be sure to swing by booth #400 as OPS gets underway later this week.