US: Duncan Family Farms to distribute under own label
Duncan Family Farms grows their strawberries in Goodyear, Arizona and claim to be the only organic commercial strawberry grower in Arizona. Their composting program aids in building up the biodiversity of the soils and water retention. Local dairies, horse racing tracks, golf courses and municipalities bring their green waste to Duncan’s facilities to be turned into compost.
“After our strawberries went out under the Dole label last year, we noticed tremendous interest from our local customers. They loved the berries but really wanted to see a local brand on them, so that’s when we decided to move production to the Duncan Family Farms label,” said Patty Emmert, Specialty Crop Manager at Duncan Family Farms.
Although their strawberry program is in its third year, it’s the first time they’ll be distributing organically-grown strawberries under the Duncan Family Farms label. After a test run in their first year of growing berries in the West Valley near Phoenix, they ramped up their efforts in 2015 and are now ready to distribute under their own label for 2016 and into the future.
Patty believes the shortened delivery time of local strawberries and the times they choose to harvest should make for better strawberries for consumers. “It’s a great opportunity for all retail outlets within the Phoenix metropolitan area, and even the state of Arizona, to profile a local berry and take advantage of product that’s going to have superior flavor and shelf life.” Patty claimed.
Duncan Family Farms plans to start harvesting their berries in mid to late December and expect harvest to last until either the end of March or beginning of April, depending on what the weather brings.
For more information:
Patty Emmert
Duncan Family Farms
Tel: 623 853 9880
patty@duncanfamilyfarms.net
duncanfamilyfarms.com