LOS ANGELES – The Giumarra Companies is pleased to announce it will be working with MPG, Inc. to market persimmons beginning in late August.
“We are very honored to be working with Giumarra to bring our persimmons to market through their extensive marketing and sales network,” says Vannak Thol, head of operations for MPG. “Giumarra and MPG share a passion for growing and are equally dedicated to bringing high quality fruit to consumers.”
MPG is currently the largest persimmon grower in the U.S. The company was founded more than 15 years ago as a family operation.
The company now farms extensive acreage of Fuyu and Hachiya persimmons in California’s San Joaquin Valley. Additionally, they are a partnered grower of Spanish persimmons that will be imported following the conclusion of the domestic season, presenting an extended opportunity for programs into February.
“The quality for the upcoming season will be excellent,” says Jeannine Martin, director of sales for Giumarra Reedley. “Persimmons have a niche consumer fan base and there is enormous potential to bring them to the greater population. We are expecting a harvest of around 1 million cases, which includes fruit from both California and Spain.”
The persimmons will be available early, beginning at the end of August. Fuyu persimmons will be offered in one-layer cartons or 2-lb. high graphic handle bags in a 31.5-lb. master case and other specialized program packaging, both bearing the Kaylee™ brand developed by MPG and Giumarra’s Nature’s Partner brand. Hachiya persimmons will be shipped in a one-layer carton or consumer packs in counts of 10, 11, or 12.
“We want retailers, dietitians, and consumers to know that this versatile fall fruit is delicious and an excellent source of fiber and vitamin A,” says Kellee Harris, western region business director. “To help promote health and flavor, we developed a selection of health-conscious recipes highlighting persimmons to show consumers that they are a great addition to a variety of snacks and meals, including soups and salads.”
Fall California persimmon shipments will conclude Dec. 1, with Spanish persimmons available from November through February. Spanish persimmons will arrive via the Port of Philadelphia.
About the Giumarra Companies
The Giumarra Companies is a leading international network of fresh produce growers, distributors, and marketers that encompasses a world of freshness. Since its inception in 1922, the Giumarra group of companies has taken pride in a longstanding commitment and tradition of quality, service, and industry leadership to feed the world in a healthy way.
The Nature's Partner brand represents the core of what we do: a partnership with our people, customers, growers, and the land and its fruits. Products packed under the Nature's Partner label represent some of the highest-quality fruits and vegetables in the marketplace, having met strict standards for food safety, quality control, and flavor. The Nature’s Partner Brand Promise:
“We are committed to the people we work with and those we serve. Very simply, we look to provide the best service and improve upon it every day.”
Source: Giumarra Companies
