Grimmway Farms/Cal-Organic Farms' Lisa McNeece and Bob Borda Talk Organics, Foodservice, and Southern Innovations
BAKERSFIELD, CA - Industry giant Grimmway Farms is counting down the days till Southern Innovations Organics and Foodservice Expo in Nashville, Tennessee, next month as the company experiences heightened demand for both its foodservice and organic items.
As the industry generates more and more excitement around the event, Lisa McNeece, Vice President of Foodservice and Industrial Sales, and Bob Borda, Vice President of Organic Sales, join me to dish on the upcoming program and why attendees should consider Grimmwayand Cal-Organic Farms a destination at the show.
“We’re excited to showcase our Grimmway Farms Foodservice product line as well as the full set of Cal-Organic Farms vegetables at SEPC Southern Innovations,” Lisa shares with me in the run up to September. “Many of our customers are interested in our rainbow varieties, so we’re bringing all of our bright, colorful offerings as well.”
In addition, Bob tells me that from planting the seed to shipping the company’s finished organic products, the team passionately cultivates its crops and selects only premium quality vegetables to be packed under the Cal-Organic Farms label.
“As a family farm, we have full control of our organic operations and grow all of our produce in the USA, both attributes which have helped us build consumer trust in our brand,” Bob reflects. “Within the foodservice industry specifically, we’re beginning to see more opportunities for organics as an increasing number of restaurants are looking to promote healthy lifestyles and capitalize on the shift in consumer preferences toward organic foods.”
When I ask Lisa what she is looking forward to getting out of the show this year, she talks about continuing to build value into the company’s relationships.
“We’re greatly looking forward to seeing our customers, learning more about their current goals, and finding ways to supply them with our premium quality produce,” she says.
Grimmway’s story is one of family, evolution, as well as a commitment to stewardship of the land and to customers—something I believe is at the foundation of the company’s success.
“Our steady commitment to convert more of our farmland to be certified organic has helped us develop a consistent, premium-quality organic vegetable program,” Bob shares with me. “In addition, ongoing collaboration with our retail and foodservice partners allows us to share valuable insights and ultimately develop successful organic programs across the country.”
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for all things organic and foodservice! See you all in Nashville in a couple weeks!
