SALINAS, CA - For the buy-side, the changing of seasons primarily signals a shift in consumer trends as shoppers ramp up for the holidays. For California’s supply-side, however, this time of year also means that strategic crop transitions are getting underway. Green Giant Fresh™ licensee partners will soon be transitioning their operations from Salinas to Yuma, and the company is confident that buyers can continue to expect a premium supply that they have become accustomed to from the globally recognized consumer brand.

“The transition will take place from the middle of November until early December depending on the crop. It is important for our customers to understand the transition to the desert because it ensures that our growing partners can provide consistently high quality, delicious, and nutritious products year-round,” said Tom Byrne, President. “The desert season is no exception to this, so all of our partners should expect to continue to receive more of what they know and love!”

The company has many product lines that will make the transition in growing regions, including Green Giant Fresh-branded lines like Crumbled Veggies, Leaf Lettuces, Sweet Baby Broccoli, and Brussels Sprouts. With a portfolio as wide-ranging and influential as that of Green Giant Fresh, this transition is all the more impressive.

“Some of the most significant challenges include moving massive amounts of mechanical equipment over the course of a single weekend, coordinating the timing of when to start and end multiple crops and regions, training and building up staff across both regions, and maintaining consistent inventory and supply during the transitions,” Tom told me. “It truly is a spectacular transition that is accomplished every year with so many talented folks involved.”

Another challenge that we all inherently face in this industry is the unpredictability of the weather. Careful and calculated, the Green Giant Fresh partners work to maintain a strong reputation as one of the highest quality producers, meaning they are especially cognizant of Mother Nature’s whims as they make this transition.

“I wish we could control Mother Nature! But it is difficult to predict what impact the weather will have over the coming weeks leading up to this transition. The weather is always a critical factor that is influenced by both regions,” Tom explained. “We’ve had particularly warm temperatures in the Salinas Valley, which has impacted the end of the season and will play a role in the timing of the start of the desert season. The impacts of weather in the Yuma region are still undetermined.”

As we move closer to the end of 2020, AndNowUKnow will be right here bringing you the latest updates in fresh produce.

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