US: Growers capitalize on demand for organic leafy greens

Supplies of organic leafy greens are comparable to volume found at this time last year. “Our supply is on par with what we expect for this time of year,” says Nathalie Fontanilla of San Juan Bautista, Ca.-based Earthbound Farm. “However we are always at the mercy of Mother Nature and never know what she has in store for us this upcoming season.” In fact, Fontanilla is hoping for cooler temperatures to settle in or return to normal temperatures as Earthbound looks ahead. “Higher than normal temperatures tend to force fast rates,” says Fontanilla.

Desert growth
Supplies of organic leafy greens are largely hailing from the desert growing regions including Yuma, Ariz., Imperial in California and Mexico.

Meanwhile demand is strong for such greens. “Around 80 per cent of shoppers buy packaged greens so we see demand coming from all over the U.S., Canada and Mexico,” says Fontanilla. “Consumption of leafy greens has been on a strong growth curve for years now and we have no reason to think that’s going to change, especially as chefs continue to focus on delicious ways to prepare them.”

New products for consumers
Building on that demand, Earthbound has just launched two new organic chopped salad kids—Sweet Kale and Caesar—as well as a riced cauliflower line with three varieties: Cauliflower, Cauliflower and Broccoli and Cauliflower Medley.

Southern Exposure
These new products can be found at the upcoming Southern Exposure 2018 show March 1-3.

“Southern Exposure is always a well-attended, productive show,” says Earthbound’s Jessica Harris. “The show format makes it engaging but also quick, providing an environment where we see a lot of our eastern customers in a short amount of time. So this year we want to reinforce our existing relationships and connect with potential customers.”

Visit Earthbound Farms at booth 449 at Southern Exposure.

For more information:
Samantha Cabaluna
Earthbound Farm
Tel: +1-831-293-4279
betheunvarnished@gmail.com
www.earthboundfarm.com