GOODYEAR, AZ - We came, we saw, we conquered. This year’s Organic Produce Summit (OPS) was a roaring success, met with an impressive attendee turnout and a vast array of unique fresh produce items. Duncan Family Farms (DFF) is one supplier that had its full lineup on display, and I had the chance to catch up with Patty Emmert, Community Relations and Marketing Manager, after the show.

“OPS is a great venue to spotlight organic production, and we always find this show valuable to showcase Duncan Family Farms and the products we grow. Our goal was to walk away from this show and increase the awareness of our multi-regional farming model that allows for local, regional, and national distribution for foodservice, retail, and home delivery accounts,” Patty told me. “We are also continuing to build awareness and attract new partners for our certified organic culinary herb line, which was launched last year.”

Multiple sizes of organic basil, a 0.25 oz pack of organic bay leaves, a 0.66 oz pack of rosemary, and many, many more items were on display at DFF’s booth. As Patty told me, the company aimed to create a better understanding of who exactly Duncan Family Farms is and that it is a trusted organic herb partner unlike any other. Not only are DFF’s herbs certified organic, but they are Certified Sustainably Grown as well.

“We plan to expand through continuous communication with the trade industry via a multitude of PR and marketing strategies. We will be adding to and building out an entire line of DFF-branded items that will be focused on flavor-forward, seasonal offerings that are a little more unique,” Patty continued. “This line will support our commitment to sustainability and showcase our diverse growing regions with local, regional, and national distribution available.”

Part of that continuous communication with the industry is facilitated through trade shows, something DFF is quite familiar with.

“OPS does a great job of bringing in speakers and panelists that provide relevant information in regard to current industry trends, innovation, and challenges,” Patty added. “While we found all the sessions we attended to be insightful, we found Plastic Bank’s innovative approach to dealing with ocean plastic most inspiring. It is a stellar example of how thinking outside the box can foster creative solutions to big challenges while also impacting communities in positive and empowering ways.”

That’s a wrap! For more news in the fresh produce industry, you know where to find us.

Duncan Family Farms