Titan Farms Vice President of Sales Daryl Johnston Discusses Growing Peach Category and Company Plans
RIDGE SPRING, SC – As consumers continue to clamor for peaches, Titan Farms is expecting its own quality crop this year, with an added focus on expanding the category as a whole.
As Daryl Johnston, Vice President of Sales, recently told me, Titan Farms is experiencing excellent quality peaches from its varieties this season, with over 50 varieties harvested for maximized yield, flavor, and supply.
“We are ending our Summer Gold, Red Skin, and July Prince varieties, and going into O’Henry, Flame Prince, and August Lady among others,” Daryl tells me of the company’s current crop and transitioning varieties. “The remaining varieties are some of our best tasting peaches, with high-color and great size.”
Titan Farms recently partnered with Florida-based Sizemore Farms to extend its peach season. The company is now able to offer its partners quality peaches from April until early September.
“Overcoming some impact from weather, Titan Farms has had a consistently great product to offer our customers,” Daryl says. “We’ve also grown our specialty pack business with bags and club packs at the retail level to help spur impulse sales and attract new consumers. We’ve also expanded our basket business overall.”
Daryl says that the company is seeing lower volume this season compared to last as the chill hours received over the winter occurred in a condensed timeframe. Daryl credits Titan Farms’ comprehensive irrigation system for successfully fielding the hottest summer to date.
To match a quality in product, which Daryl says is the best the company has seen in years, Titan Farms is offering a wide array of packaging specifically focused at driving consumption through increased purchases.
“We’ve done market studies to follow peach consumption, and see there is a lot of growth potential,” Daryl tells me of the company’s retail-based mindset. “By offering different purchase options, we are able to reach more consumers and appeal to a more diverse customer set.”
Titan Farms is also offering retailers POS materials such as shelf talkers, stanchion signs, educational handouts, and display bins with branding from the company’s various programs.
Daryl says that for seasons ahead, the company is continuing to focus on research and development on new packaging trends, consumer interest, and growing specialty packs. Additionally, the company is keeping its sight set on the growing demand for its peaches in Canadian and Mexican markets.
“We pride ourselves with an ongoing commitment to the trade to maintain and utilize the best agricultural practices to provide the best quality and eating experience,” finishes Daryl. “We are always investing in our partnerships, and in the development of our partners’ growth.”
Looking for even more Titan Farms news? The company plans to aggressively grow its bell pepper, eggplant, and broccoli programs for the spring and fall to help its partners transition throughout gaps in the season.
As Titan Farms continues to invest in the growing peach segment, AndNowUKnow will have our ear to the ground of the company's expanding operations.