Denver, CO – There’s a homegrown business paving the way for Colorado’s growing economy. Grower’s Organic, the state’s only 100-percent organic produce company, has recently been named a 2012 Colorado Companies to Watch winner.
This award, hosted by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) in partnership with the Edward Lowe Foundation, is now in its fourth year and attracted over 360 nominees. With nearly 100 companies selected as finalist, Grower’s Organic prevailed along with 49 others to receive the distinction of being named the Colorado Companies to Watch Class of 2012.
“We are thrilled for this recognition. As more and more people are buying fresh organic fruits and vegetables, the organic industry in Colorado continues to grow at a breakneck pace and we are proud to be at the forefront,” said Brian Freeman, co-founder and leader of Grower’s Organic. “We plan to continue our growth and enriching the community with outreach and education around the benefits of organic produce for both consumers and the environment.”
Incorporated in 2005, Grower’s Organic was established to provide customers a direct link to the local farmers that harvest the food used each and every day. From the city’s trendiest restaurants to small and large grocers, there’s a chance that the fresh produce from Grower’s Organic has been put on your table.
Grower’s Organic purchases certified organic produce from 60 farms across Colorado alone as well as farms in California and Mexico. The company distributes the farm fresh fruits and vegetables to more than 150 restaurants, grocery stores and local co-operatives located in Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, and Texas. From Colorado farms such as Friends Fields, Hazel Dell, Green Earth, White Buffalo Farm, White Mountain Farm and many more, Grower’s Organic makes the farm-to-table philosophy a reality for some of the best restaurants in Denver and Boulder, Colo. such as Linger, Root Down, Vesta Dipping Grill, Z Cuisine, Rioja, The Kitchen, and Il Posto. Grocery store clients include Whole Foods, Marczyk Fine Foods, Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Alfalfas and more.
Grower’s Organic takes a holistic approach to making sure they treat their farmers, customers, community and employees right. The staff is offered a wellness and education program as well as other perks like weekly food boxes filled with organic fruit and veggies to take home to their families and regular massages. Grower’s Organic has grown from 14 full time employees in 2008 to now over 64 as they continue to hire more staff. It’s a small organization doing big things to lead green and sustainable business practices both locally and nationally. Unsold product is donated to organizations such as We Don’t Waste and Adams County Food Bank.
According to the Organic Trade Association (OTA), the consumer-driven U.S. organic market alone surpassed $31 billion in 2011. That’s 9.5 percent overall growth, proving the industry continues to show steady and healthy growth. Grower’s Organic is a true testament to the growing industry having doubled its revenue in 2011.
In the near future, Grower’s Organic has its goals set on building a LEED certified warehouse constructed out of recyclable materials using renewable energy to control both temperature and lighting. Additionally, they are looking to add a fleet of trucks, with the hopes to add hybrid vehicles if possible, to expand their regional coverage.
About Colorado Companies to Watch
Colorado Companies to Watch, presented by CapitalValue Advisors, energizes the state of Colorado by recognizing second-stage companies that are developing valuable products and services, creating quality jobs, enriching communities, and creating new industries throughout the state. Second-stage companies fuel the economic fire of Colorado by accounting for much of the economic growth and economic independence of individuals throughout the state. For additional details, please visit http://colorado.companiestowatch.org/.
About Grower’s Organic
Grower’s Organic is the largest supplier of organic, local produce in Colorado serving restaurants and grocers with the highest quality and freshest organic fruits and vegetables year round. Grower’s Organic provides a vital link in the food chain between the consumer and farmers, while holding values of organic sustainability and environmental stewardship. The Grower’s Organic team is dedicated to promoting fair trade and parity for farmers while sourcing grocers and restaurants with the finest and freshest produce. For additional details, please visit http://www.growersorganic.com and their social communities Facebook and Twitter.
Source: Grower’s Organic
