West Mathison, President of Stemilt Growers has been featured in the latest edition of AndNowUKnow’s print publication, The Snack Magazine. During the feature piece, West shared what makes Stemilt tick as well as the strategies and mindset which has led his family to its enviable position within the Washington produce community.
Check out The Snack article by clicking here, or read the full article below:
Make Your Own Luck with West Mathison
“Humility is probably one of strongest leadership characteristics you can possess,” West Mathison, President of Stemilt Growers, tells me. And humility is something that West has in spades. But don’t let that fool you. As humble as he may be, West also exudes the leadership, wisdom, and ambition of an industry veteran twice his age. Partner that with his drive to evolve the treefruit powerhouse and his strong Mathison values, and West is laying the groundwork for the continued growth of Wenatchee, WA-based Stemilt Growers.
“Produce is a challenging industry,” West reflects. “We are subject to weather, market fluctuations, supply gaps, and labor issues, to say the least. It is how we address those issues and apply the right processes that will really differentiate our business and support strategic growth.”
Take cherries for instance. “With a top-selling category like cherries, you are dealing with a highly perishable fruit in a highly competitive category. The supply chain requires vigilance, precision, and sensitivity,” West tells me. “So we create a culture that encourages our team members to be proactive and promotes communication throughout the supply chain. In an industry like ours, you are only as strong as your weakest link.”
“Any conflicts we have are laid out on the table and we work together to solve them quickly,” West notes.
One of Stemilt’s most challenging hurdles came about 8 years ago, as the company simultaneously entered into a time of large scale growth and increasing market demand. As more and more fruit came under the Stemilt organization, the Mathisons realized they needed to integrate non-family members into the business in order to more efficiently streamline its operations and address the mounting responsibilities.
“The challenge came in creating a supportive environment for our transition and succession plan. We wanted to redevelop our management model, while also maintaining the best attributes and culture of a family owned and run business.” West tells me. “We thought the best way to accomplish this was by establishing trust through communication and transparency.”
Under West’s leadership, the company clarified its mission and strategy, which in turn created more clarity between the different teams. Systems were put into place that allowed for more access to information.
“When everyone is empowered with the most current and relevant information, then all departments can remain connected and aligned. We needed the entire company on the same page in order to continue moving forward,” West notes. Once everyone had a hand in establishing transparency throughout Stemilt’s business and visibility of strategic goals spread throughout each department, trust seemed to follow.
Conquering the company’s growing pains is a priority at Stemilt. From instituting better growing practices to innovating new marketing initiatives, West’s leadership has taken him into uncharted waters and also into some familiar ones, such as dealing with torrential rain or late freezes. And then there’s the market.
“The way Stemilt approaches variables like weather and market risk in an industry where we have little control over the conditions is by focusing on the decision making that comes in the wake of a challenging event,” West says.
“It isn’t so much about the circumstances,” West tells me. “It is more about asking ourselves, what are we going to do about it now? Make your own luck. It’s about what you do in the aftermath,” West notes.
When Stemilt gets into difficult markets or encounters inclement weather, the company has situated itself to react quickly, relying on a host of numerical data and metrics that tell the company how to best respond. “Again, it’s about that transparency of information and ensuring it is readily available to help us make better decisions,” he tells me.
Along with culture and growth, sustainability initiatives remain consistently a part of Stemilt’s evolution. “Sustainability is really about a mindset of incremental progress. Where we may be constantly investing in those big result-driven projects, it’s really more about asking ourselves the question…How do we continue to harvest the little wins along the way?” West says.
Stemilt truly is a champion of the land. Take West’s father Kyle Mathison and his sustainability initiatives. Kyle started a compost farm atop Stemilt Hill with the goal of feeding Stemilt’s beloved trees with a high-quality, natural, and prescription compost that was made by regenerating green waste from Stemilt orchards and packing facilities. “Composting is just one of the ways that we address sustainability,” West notes, “with water conservation, sustainable packaging, recycling, and integrated pest management also playing their roles in our effort.”
It has been a journey for West, who succeeded his grandfather and Stemilt founder, Tom Mathison, as President back in 2005 at the young age of 28. Before becoming President, West received a degree in International Business from the University of Puget Sound and worked as a consultant for Accenture, where he was able to further develop his data-driven personality and organizationally-oriented nature. “You can’t grow it if you can’t measure it,” he tells me.
But, being a grower and working with the land was in his DNA, eventually leading him back home to Wenatchee and with Stemilt Growers. When West jumped back on board, he regained his bearings by tackling Stemilt’s strategic processes and systems including production, sales, and human resources. West now works with his father Kyle Mathison, and brother Tate Mathison, with the goal of bringing differentiation and innovation to the fresh produce industry.
Tate Mathison has become one of the primary leaders of Stemilt Growers, having recently assumed the position of Director of Sales. Like West, Tate has been part of the Stemilt tradition since birth, and he has taken his expertise to the company’s blog, The Stem, as a farming expert. With his strong intuition and fervent passion for growing the best tasting fruit, combined with his knack for market dynamics, Tate is ensuring that the company is well-guided into the future.
Under West’s leadership, the company has also made its mark with new apple varieties like Piñata!® and SweeTango®. While these continue to head up Stemilt’s portfolio, West is also working on bringing new fruit varieties and flavor signatures to the company. Genetics have played a huge role in evolving the produce landscape for flavor and eatability, and West considers genetics the next place to really focus the Stemilt platform.
“It’s a really exciting time in produce,” West tells me. “As growers, we are now talking directly with the retail community and bringing something new to market to create even more brand recognition and loyalty for our customers and consumers.”
Still in their infancy, Stemilt has two new programs that promise to bring a buzz to the fresh produce industry. Not even named yet, the company is working on an apple cross with the Honeycrisp variety. Currently, Stemilt is ramping up production to debut the apple with promotable volumes in the next three years when it will be harvested at the end of July and first week of August. This new variety has fracture similar to a Honeycrisp but with more juice and a sweet acidic finish.
The question I am asking myself is…could this be the new “Honeycrisp”?
The company is also working with the breeders of Skylar Rae®, a new late season blush cherry variety that will further enhance Stemilt’s extensive cherry program. And let’s not forget about more of the company’s signature programs like high altitude “Moon” cherries and Kyle’s Pick™ cherries, named after 4th generation cherry grower Kyle Mathison. Lil Snappers™ also offers retailers an award-winning line of kid-sized fruits. Apples and pears are packed in kid-centric 3 lb. pouch bags to deliver convenience and quality to today’s busy and health-conscious consumers.
The Mathison mindset is what keeps Stemilt ahead of the curve and moving forward with its pioneering efforts. It’s taken five generations to get here, and West finds himself lucky to have been able to work with the company’s patriarch himself, Tom Mathison.
“I worked really closely with my grandfather, Tom, professionally starting in 1996. We spent a lot of time together until he passed away in 2008. I believe we worked so well together because our ideas aligned. We may have had different management styles, but they complemented each other,” West tells me. “I am more process oriented. I enjoy thinking about how to take an idea and develop it into a pilot, then bring it into a test environment and then execute its commercial reality. My grandfather saw the larger picture, and how it stretched from our humble beginnings to who we are today.”
Tom took the reins of his family's small farming business in 1947, and in 1958 he returned a mere $88 on his 100-ton cherry crop. That year forced Tom to change his go-to-market practices. He opened a small packing operation and began packing fruit for neighbors. In 1964, Tom founded Stemilt Growers with the goal of delivering high-quality fruit to people everywhere. Fifty years later much has changed, yet family values and traditions continue to guide Stemilt.
“I was young when the baton was passed to me, but Tom made sure I was ready,” West notes. “My family taught me you should try and effectively use the two ears and one mouth God gave you, which means listen twice as much as you speak,” West laughs.
These days West has little students of his own, a daughter and a son whom he brings to the orchards to enjoy the experiences he was so lucky to have had. Like their dad, the children enjoy seeing fruit on the trees and riding 4-wheelers. Apart from the farming and business life, the young family spends its free time on the ski slopes. West started skiing when he was in Kindergarten and used to race snowboards on a national level, and the passion has already carried forward to the next generation, with both kids on skis at just two years old. Family time is also for hiking and eating sushi, he tells me, something that he and his wife love to do.
The family-man knows that the success of Stemilt has been driven by its legacy. A tremendous group of people have built this treefruit company into an industry leader and well respected advocate of the consumer experience.
“The results we’ve had keep exceeding my expectations,” West says. You can hear the smile in his voice. As much as Stemilt is growing and evolving, it’s important to the company that every milestone aligns with the company’s long-time mission of maximizing return to the land by building consumer demand.
With multiple generations now running through the orchards of Stemilt Hill, you can see that it is the legacy of family that brings Stemilt its spirit, drive, and values.
SALINAS, CA - The holiday's are a time to relax, kick back and...dance around in a bunny suit? Mann Packing's newly released 2014 blooper reel gives an inside look into what it's like to be a Mann Packing employee. I've gotta say, it looks like fun to me.
“We had a blast shooting videos throughout the year and we thought we’d share our mistakes with our customers,” agreed Gina Nucci, Director of Culinary Innovation.
You can watch the full video for yourself below:
Great work this year, Mann Packing!
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK - The world's largest white truffle has officially been sold. The Guiness Book of World Records certified 3.93 pound behemoth sold for $50,000 to a Taiwanese bidder at an auction at the Sotheby's auction house on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, according to the New Yorker.
“To be honest, we really didn’t know what to expect,” Dan Abernethy, a Sotheby’s representative, explaining that it was the auction house's first time handling the sale of a truffle.
The New Yorker explained that ordinarily Sotheby's parent company, Sabatino Tartufi, would simply sell the truffle privately to a high-end chef or wealthy epicure. In order to avoid the tax liability which such a sale would engender while drumming up some positive publicity for the firm, the auction house instead decided on this course of action.
Leading up the sale, rampant media speculation had talk of a $1 million purchase floating through the ears of New Yorkers. After all, the previous record holder, a 2.5 pound white truffle, sold for $417,200 in 2010. Given that an Alba white truffle is the second most expensive foodie item on the market, coming in after only gold leaf, expectations were sky high for this sale.
Sadly, reality did not live up to the talk.
“Things are only ever worth as much as someone in the room wants to pay,” Abernethy explained.
The next step for the truffle will be a flight to Taiwan. I can only hope the lucky bidder invites me over to dinner.
BRITAIN - A police search of the cargo vessel Star Stratos revealed roughly 660lbs of cocaine, valued at aproximately £40 million (roughly $62 million). The authorities, led by the National Crime Agency (NCA), Border Force and Irish police, raided the boats. Once inside, authorities discovered the stash of cocaine hidden within a shipment of bananas which the vessel was attempting to transport into the port.
"Working with our law enforcement partners in the UK and Ireland we have successfully prevented a huge quantity of what is likely to be very high purity cocaine reaching our streets," shared Deputy Director Tom Dowdall. He added that authorities are still currently searching for the organized crime groups behind this event.
According to BBC, this is the second joint operation between the NCA and the Irish police, the An Garda Síochána, to have yielded a seizure of this magnitude within the last three months. Last September, roughly a ton of cocaine was seized by the Irish Naval Service roughly 300 miles off the south-west coast of Ireland.
GLENDALE, WI - Chris Warosh, an experienced foodservice, wholesale, and retail veteran of more than 25 years, has joined Maglio & Company as a Midwest Regional Sales Manager.
Throughout his career, Chris has maintained a proven track record of establishing and managing strategic partnerships, according to a press release. He was formerly the Vice President of Business Development at Sysco and a former Business Development Manager at US Foods.
Paul Schulz, Director of Sales and Marketing, noted that Chris’s addition to the sales team will be pivotal moving forward. “His assorted experience is an asset as we continue to grow with innovative solutions that align with our customers’ fresh produce strategy.”
Warosh shared, “Joining Maglio provides me with the opportunity to work with a well-respected company and a wide-ranging customer base. I’m excited about being a part of the team and helping to grow the business.”
Congratulations on joining Maglio & Company, Chris!
SACRAMENTO, CA - The 42nd annual Almond Conference kicked off today, December 9th, 2014. A 3 day event with the biggest movers and shakers in the almond industry, the event drew a record breaking attendence in 2013, with more than 2,500 growers, handlers, suppliers, distributors, marketers and researchers flocking to the convention floor.
“As the largest event for almond industry professionals in the world, The Almond Conference is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect with the people, the science, the products and the trends at the forefront of the global almond community,” the event's website shared. “It all comes together December 9-11, 2014, at the Sacramento Convention Center, where the almond community unites to gauge, explore and expand the boundaries of the industry.”
With entertainment provided by renowned comedians Juston McKinney, Taylor Mason and Mike Hammer, the event promises to be as much fun as productive. A full itinerary for the Almond Conference follows below:
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
- Registration Opens
- Grower focused Workshops
- Almond Industry Trade Show
- Opening Reception, sponsored by BASF
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
- Environmental/Production Research Updates
- Marketing Updates
- Almond Industry Trade Show
- Classroom Demonstrations on Trade Show Floor
- Research Poster Session
- Luncheon - Keynote speaker to be announced at a later date
- Evening free for you to network with key industry members on your own
Thursday, December 11, 2014
- Environmental/Production Research Updates
- Marketing Updates
- Almond Industry Trade Show
- Classroom Demonstrations on Trade Show Floor
- Research Poster Session
- Luncheon with breakout sessions
- Gala Dinner
Great work on this year's conference! It certainly looks like a great experience for industry insiders.
Early in the morning on December 9th, 2014, beloved industry patriarch Martin Zaninovich passed away. An icon for the table grape community for decades, he was a highly regarded member of the industry who was often looked toward for his experience and wisdom.
Together with his cousin Vincent Zaninovich, Martin founded Jasmine Vineyards in 1947. From these humble beginnings, the company grew tremendously, establishing itself as one of the premier table grape growers in the San Joaquin Valley. With a strong presence in both the table grape export and import markets, Martin created a reputation for excellence in the industry, both for quality and consistent reliability.
His legacy will be carried on by new generations of the Zaninovich family, who strive daily to uphold the industry standard that Martin established so many years ago.
AndNowUKnow would like to extends its heartfelt condolences to the Zaninovich family during this difficult time.
DALLAS, TX – Avocados from Mexico (AFM) has partnered with Old El Paso® for its Guac Fiesta campaign during the prime football season leading up to the SuperBowl.
“This Guac Fiesta campaign will showcase how Avocados from Mexico owns guacamole during the biggest guacamole consumption event of the year,” said Alvaro Luque, President, AFM. “This promotion and partnership will give our consumers the perfect excuse to get together and incorporate the versatile, always in season Avocados from Mexico into their football parties.”
This campaign is running from December 16, 2014 to February 1, 2015. It will feature a variety of consumer focused marketing efforts to encourage retailers and consumers to spice up their fiestas and win big.
According to a press release, it is going to be supported with a consumer contest, consumer savings, a digital/social media campaign and in-store support like a retail contest, in-store radio and merchandising which includes a new molcajete produce bin.
Additionally, consumers can take advantage of in-store, online savings and can enter for a chance to win a prize pack to host their own Guac Fiesta, a value of $3,500. That prize pack includes a $1,000 grocery gift card, a $2,500 gift card for fiesta supplies and a bundle of branded materials.
For retailers, stores will have a chance to win big with display designs, which AFM says in a press release, “the more creative, the bigger the prize.”
DALLAS, TX - The Fresh Market has entered the Dallas market with a new store opening. The new store, which opened on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2014, will be the company's 5th Texas location. Local growers and producers will be featured prominently in the new store, with a strong selection of fresh, locally sourced produce.
“We are excited to open our new store in Dallas and to expand our reach in Texas,” said Craig Carlock, President and CEO. “We look forward to introducing The Fresh Market’s concept of quality perishables, excellent customer service and a unique atmosphere to an expanded customer base, and we look forward to offering neighboring communities a rewarding new food shopping experience.”
The new store includes over 24,000 square feet of varied grocery offerings, including:
- A fully stocked produce department complete with over 400 items and a large organic selection.
- A bakery that produces 30 freshly baked breads and 14 different pie varieties each day.
- A full service meat counter with freshly ground beef, a wide selection of ready-to-serve entrées, fresh seafood delivered to the store several times per week, and more than 200 imported and domestic cheeses.
“The Fresh Market’s inviting atmosphere is reminiscent of European markets,” Carlock shared. “Our customers enjoy shopping in an environment that appeals to all the senses. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and bread right out of the oven, the sound of classical music, soft lighting with antique décor in an intimate setting, and the ability to select and taste fresh, high-quality products all work together to create surroundings where customers are encouraged to experience the food.”
According to a press release, this new store represents a significant investment in the Dallas community. Not only will the new store bring roughly 90 new jobs to the area, most of which will be filled locally, but The Fresh Market will be partnering with the North Texas Food Bank by providing regular donations of food.
Congratulations on the opening of this exciting new store, The Fresh Market!
LOXAHATACHEE, FL – J&J Family of Farms has hired Mari Danielson as its new Western Sales Manager.
“This is a great opportunity to be able to sell and market all varieties of high-quality produce from a well-established company with a diversified customer base. I am very excited to grow my career with the ‘Family of Farms’ that J&J represents,” said Mari.
According to a press release, Mari began her career in the Phoenix wholesale market and then became a Retail Specialist for C.H. Robinson working in procurement, sales, merchandising, representation and transportation.
After that, she opened a logistics and produce company based in Colorado and in 2006 became the Senior Sales Executive for SunFed.
“With our continued growth in the western region, J&J has now become a national supplier and this has created new opportunities for us to enlarge our sales force and operations,” said Brian Rayfield, VP of Business Development for J&J. “Mari’s produce knowledge combined with her retail and foodservice experience will be an asset to our team.”
Congratulations on this new position, Mari!