SALINAS, CA - Growth for growth's sake is one strategy to adopt. Growth in response to demand, customer needs, and evolving the category—now that is Naturipe Farms' approach. As the Organic Produce Summit (OPS) nears its kick-off on July 9 in Monterey, California, the company’s Director of Business Development, Brian Vertrees, joins me to discuss Naturipe’s OPS platform and the hallmarks of the operation’s growth in fresh berries.

“At OPS, we are proud to showcase a standout season for organic blueberries, fueled by strong supply, sophisticated growing practices, and flavor-forward proprietary varieties,” Brian tells me. “What sets Naturipe apart is the scale and sophistication of our organic program. In the past two years, we’ve increased our acreage in the Pacific Northwest. Our second and third-generation growers have revitalized the land with deep expertise, care, precision farming practices, and new plantings. The results have been exceptional fruit and promotable volumes.”

From farm to shelf, Naturipe is leveraging the resources and investments at its disposal to develop a superior berry program for its customers. How exactly is the company doing this?

“The short answer? We’re listening to what our customers want,” Brian says. “That’s why Naturipe is making serious, long-term investments in organic berry production. We’re expanding acreage, improving infrastructure, and developing proprietary varieties that actually thrive in organic systems, not just survive. And this isn’t happening in one or two places. It’s across the board—wherever we grow organics—and even in some new regions we’re excited about.”

Already reporting strong double-digit growth in organic strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries—and momentum that is only going to build through the rest of 2025 and into 2026—the advantages of a Naturipe partnership are expressing themselves across the category.

If this is not a great message to lead with, I am not sure what is.

Check out Naturipe Farms’ program at booth #305 at the upcoming Organic Produce Summit. See you all soon!

COVINGTON, KY - BM2 Freight Services, Inc., a leading third-party logistics provider with nearly 20 years of experience serving the North American supply chain, is proud to announce the addition of Tim Hickey as Business Development Manager, focused on expanding the company’s services in the fresh produce sector.

Hickey brings more than a decade of experience in the produce industry, most recently serving as Vice President of North American Sales at Yentzen Group, publisher of Vision Magazine North America, FreshFruitPortal.com, and other produce-focused media platforms. Prior to that, he spent 10 years with Blue Book Services, where he helped hundreds of produce companies grow their visibility through strategic media and advertising.

While at Blue Book, Hickey worked closely with produce businesses across North America—visiting with members in person and assisting them not only with marketing solutions but also with rating guidance and the other business-critical services that Blue Book provides.

“When I was with Blue Book, companies trusted me with their sensitive business information—now they can trust me, and the team at BM2 behind me, to help get their produce shipments where they need to go, at the right temperature, and in the time frame they need,” said Hickey in the recent release. “BM2 has been moving produce for nearly two decades, and their commitment to transparency, 24/7 communication, and real-time shipment visibility is exactly what this industry needs. I’m excited to bring my produce relationships into a place where logistics meets follow-through.”

Founded in 2008 by a team with first-hand experience in produce shipping, BM2 Freight has grown into a trusted transportation broker serving multiple verticals, including Produce, Food & Beverage, Manufacturing, Retail, and HAZMAT. The company has built its reputation on exceptional service, vetted carrier relationships, and a relentless focus on communication and claims prevention.

“Tim’s deep ties to the produce industry and his reputation for integrity and professionalism make him a natural fit for our team,” said Matthew Mason, Principal at BM2 Freight. “He understands the stakes for produce companies and brings a solutions-driven mindset that’s aligned with everything we stand for.”

BM2 Freight offers a full range of services to produce shippers, including:

• Refrigerated and perishable FTL coverage across the U.S. and Canada
• A vetted network of carriers with proven experience in fresh produce
• 24/7 communication and shipment tracking
• Dedicated account management
• A proactive team approach to claims prevention and resolution

“I’ve spent my career building trust in the produce industry, and now I get to pair that trust with one of the most capable freight teams in the business,” Hickey added. “If you give me a shot, I’ll show you the BM2 difference.”

BM2 Freight is headquartered in Covington, Kentucky, with an additional office in Des Plaines, Illinois. The company continues to grow by staying true to its core values of integrity, accountability, and transparency — values that resonate deeply in the produce sector, where time, temperature, and trust all matter.

To connect with Tim Hickey directly, call or text him at (859) 412-4683 or email [email protected].