WILDER, KY – As demand across organic produce continues to grow, Castellini Company LLC is making strides to respond to the changing consumer buying behaviors. In the run up to PMA Fresh Summit 2016, the company is revealing its newly achieved Quality Assurance International (QAI) Organic Certification to pack organic red and yellow potatoes to complement Castellini's line of conventional potatoes.
Sales Executive Dan Milheim joined me to discuss this newest endeavor and to share the vision behind this product launch and new standard of production.
"The increased demand for organic produce is obvious, and organics are now part of the mainstream," Dan told me, as we discussed the segment's growth. "We are always looking for ways to fulfill the needs of our customers. Our new line of organic red and yellow potatoes will complete our current offerings, and is part of our strategy to be the 'One Source' in the industry."
When I asked Dan how organic overall fit into Castellini's business model, and how the company is looking to evolve, he tells that the team is continuously looking ahead and adapting to the changing demands of the marketplace.
"Our business model allows us to create customized programs tailored to our customers’ needs, and offering organic potatoes is a part of that," he shared.
Castellini will be packing at its facility in Wilder, KY, just across the river from downtown Cincinnati, OH. Currently, the company has one packing line dedicated solely to organic potatoes.
Dan and I continued to talk about how this new certification helps to differentiate Castellini's program. Dan reflected again on the fact that Castellini develops customized potato programs to fit the specific needs of each customer.
"We can offer a wide variety of product alternatives. Every customer has different strategies and goals for their own program. We are not at the mercy of a single crop and the quality it produces. Instead, we maintain the flexibility to 'follow the quality’ to various growing regions which offers flexibility to deal with some of Mother Nature’s curve balls. We have long-standing relationships and partnerships with some of the best growers in the world. Instead of offering only a few options, varieties, brands, and quality specifications, we have the ability to tailor each potato program to the specific needs of each customer," Dan offered.
The company also offers private-label, and next-day-delivery to almost anywhere east of the Mississippi River.
"The addition of organic potatoes to our program is exciting," he said.
As the company continues to expand its opportunities, providing its customers even further options, stick with AndNowUKnow for the latest report.
