Continue to expand our organic line
In January of last year, NatureSweet expanded into the organic segment with the launch of its Vine…In January of last year, NatureSweet expanded into the organic segment with the launch of its Vine Ripened Tomato and Roma Tomato programs under the name Brighthouse Organics®. “Given that the consumer’s path to purchase varies between organic and conventional, a different name was chosen with a distinct brand,” says David Ferman with NatureSweet. “With a different brand, we are able to meet more consumer needs and capture more of the market,” he added.
Since the launch, the organic product portfolio has more than doubled in size with the addition of organic mini-sweet peppers, sweet bell peppers, long English cucumbers and grape tomatoes. “All our organic varieties are grown in Mexico,” Ferman mentioned. “The climate is ideal and allows us to grow for quality and freshness year-round,” he added.
Creating synergies
Although the organic category has become a significant focus for NatureSweet, the company continues to put emphasis on the conventional category as well. “We continue to increase both our conventional and organic acreage to accommodate the continued growth in both categories,” shared Ferman. “We are also able to create synergies between the two lines. Our organic grape tomato for instance is the perfect marriage of our knowledge and experience on small tomatoes with NatureSweet, combined with our high-tech organic greenhouse technology,” he said.
Launch of new varieties
“Our Brighthouse Organics® line has been rapidly growing and changing as market demand for organics continues to grow. We continue to learn about the organic consumer preferences, habits and practices as well as the breadth of our capabilities,” commented Ferman. In line with the growth of the organic program, a tomato medley and cocktail cucumbers will be launched in the fall of this year.
The packaging, including bags and containers, for all products from the Brighthouse Organics® line is 100 percent recyclable and made from recycled materials. The containers consist of a 60/40 PET mix; 60 percent is made of recycled materials and 40 percent is considered virgin or new materials.