L&M announces an exclusive marketing relationship with long-time Yakima Valley grower/shipper, Eakin Fruit, furthering L&M’s expansion in Washington State. This move will substantially add to L&M’s organic apple program, along with increasing the mainline varietal volume. Italian Prunes, as well as Empress Plums, and President Plums are also among the list L&M is excited to add, complementing current soft and stone fruit product offerings. L&M looks to continue expanding the distribution of plums and prunes.
“This move further solidifies our base and is a strategic match for both of us”, said Richard Gonzales, General Manager of the Washington Division. “The loading in Union Gap, offers easy access for the trucks and will provide cross-docking opportunities in central Yakima.”
In addition, Eakin Fruit’s Michael Riehl and Zane Schwabauer will join L&M as fulltime Sales Specialists. L&M will begin marketing Eakin’s fruit beginning July 1st.
The new relationship is the second major partnership in the last six months and the fourth overall shipper to be added to the Company in the past three years. Earlier this year, L&M added Conrad & Adams, a vertically integrated grower/shipper of apples, pears, cherries, peaches, and nectarines.
Mr. Gonzales also said, “It’s about building our business with the right suppliers and the right customers to create a true win-win for both the customers and for the growers. Their product mix, and our ability to find a home for it, provides further evidence that the independent grower has an indelible place among the corporate farms, offering niche and core products that larger farms find it difficult to effectively combine in the same orchard.”
About L&M
L&M is a fully integrated, year-round supplier of fresh produce, focusing on four core categories: apples, pears and cherries; limes, mangoes and Texas grown; potatoes and onions; and vegetables. Over 46 years in the industry, L&M has been grounded in helping their customers succeed by giving them control throughout the supply chain – farming, packing, logistics and sales. Getting the right product to the right person at the right time is what drives every member of the L&M team, every day. Get well grounded at www.lmcompanies.com
Source: L&M
