MCALLEN, TX - You’re not alone. It’s what we all need to hear sometimes as we face hardships, whether it be in our personal lives or our professional ones. In the produce industry, we pride ourselves on our determination and grit, but challenges can sometimes seem overwhelming, especially when they come at us from all angles. However, Tony Incaviglia, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at GR Fresh, took time to share some honest insights that can unite us all as we do what our industry does best: persevere.

“How often have you heard that the produce industry is built on old, strong relationships with customers and, more importantly, those you depend on to help fill supply gaps so you can service those customers? Heck, it’s how I’ve built business for 30 years. Still, sometimes those relationships disappoint and force you to rethink and make critical business decisions,” says Tony, laying the foundation for our conversation while touching on a point not often shared so openly. “Last summer was one of those times, and over the last six months, Mother Nature, whom we rely on even more, turned on us as well, causing some serious challenges.”

For GR Fresh and undoubtedly other growers across the industry, there were light plantings in August’s early stages due to concerns about water availability. Hurricanes Lidia and Otis also damaged shade houses. As the year closed out, a cold spike hit late December or early January, wiping out those replanted crops.

“It was the perfect storm that beat us down pretty bad for many months,” details Tony. “How about those cucumber markets? Ouch, if you had contracts to fill. Due to lost ranches and supply, you had to buy open market in a cucumber market never seen in my almost 30 years. I hate to say it, we may still have another hurdle to overcome on the back end of this season, as water availability for the month of May is still in question in the state of Sinaloa to finish this growing season. Stay tuned.”

While it may have been hard to see through the darkness in these moments, GR Fresh stuck to its guns, working hard and never stopping to overcome these challenges. Over the last few months, the company has almost returned to producing exceptional quality and yields, with good markets to help stop the bleeding.

“As a result of these hurdles, we hit the brakes and are returning to our strengths, back to producing and offering those items we grow and control from field to shelf. So, for the summer beginning in June and running into October, Roma tomatoes, green bell peppers, cucumbers, and carrots will be available for summer contract commitments,” Tony relays. “Along with those commodities, open-market items will include avocados, hot peppers, and a few other surprises. We will keep it simple and re-visit the color bell peppers, eggplant, zucchini, and yellow squash for future growth under our control to better service our retail and foodservice partners.”

If you are in need of some helpful insights or a reliable industry partner, stop by the GR Fresh booth #910, at Viva Fresh to speak with Tony and the rest of the team.