Matt Mandel Details the SunFed Supply
MEXICO - My hope is that January will bring nothing but rainbows and clear skies for growers in Mexico, as rain and wind have bombarded many operations as of late. They say that the best thing to do when it’s raining is to let it rain, and that is exactly the attitude I’ve encountered when touching bases with our friends in the industry. SunFed and its Perfect Produce® line are more than familiar with the inclement weather, but Matt Mandel, Vice President of Finance and Legal, and Gretchen Kreidler Austin, Director of Marketing and Business Development have maintained a pep in their step through it all.
“Mother Nature doesn’t play by any set rule book, and just when you think you have a handle on where things are going, she turns on a dime,” said Matt. “We’ve fought uncharacteristic rains and wind on a recurring basis since the beginning of October, which has affected both production and quality.”
The unavoidable and untimely storms delayed picking operations at SunFed, and even some shade houses became inoperable. As Gretchen mentioned, though, this is of little concern in the face of a brand that consistently delivers perfect produce.
“Due to our strict packing protocols, weather will not change our quality standards for our SunFed and SunOne label products, though we may not have the same percentage of product available in our SunFed label (so, place your orders early and often!),” Matt added.
SunFed is currently harvesting conventional and organic soft squash, bell peppers, romas, cucumbers, Euro cukes, and eggplant. It will also begin to build out a larger portfolio of organics, hot peppers, and onions in the near future. Additionally, the company continues to support its retail partners with high-graphic bins and packaging that is ever-evolving. In doing so, SunFed is continuing to strive toward a year-round, uninterrupted supply of new items that work with its farmers and mix of products.
Bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow there’ll be sun! That’s the tune blasting on repeat across the industry (maybe with a little rain dance for good measure). Meanwhile, us at ANUK will be scouting out a silver lining somewhere over the rainbow, so stay with us.
