CASTROVILLE, Calif. (August 2, 2023) – Ocean Mist Farms, the leading grower and marketer of fresh artichokes in North America, was presented with the IFPA Foodservice Conference’s Chef’s Choice Award at the annual show in Monterey on Friday July 28, 2023.
The award-winning dish was developed for the artichoke giant – and prepared at the show by – Ocean Mist’s longtime Corporate Chef, Tony Baker. According to Chef Tony, artichokes are “the incredible edible thistle…healthful, nutritious, fun to eat and easier to prepare and cook than most people think.”
Tony’s history with artichokes in particular is long and impressive. From recipe development, pitching artichoke recipes to national chains, and training chefs nationwide on the many ways to cook and showcase artichokes, to chef demos and presentations at many shows (winning multiple awards along the way, including American Culinary Federation Chef of the Year in 2018), and working with Chef Curtis Stone to develop artichoke ideas for his former artichoke-themed menu at his Beverly Hills restaurant, Maude. It’s safe to say, Chef Tony is very passionate about artichokes.
“We had a great turnout at the show,” said Hilda Medina, marketing manager for Ocean Mist Farms, “with many people coming back for seconds of Chef Tony’s famous Baby Artichoke Risotto.” Continuing, “It’s always great to see industry friends, colleagues and customers at the show, and winning this prestigious award was a great ending to another successful Foodservice show.”
This risotto recipe can be found on Ocean Mist’s website along with a variety of other artichoke recipes. “We have spent many years developing and perfecting recipes including our premium artichokes and other fresh vegetable offerings, and have compiled quite an archive of wonderful, diverse ways to prepare artichokes that goes far beyond the obligatory dip or appetizer recipe, said Medina.”
Ocean Mist Farms Baby Artichoke Risotto Recipe can be found at: https://www.oceanmist.com/recipes/risotto-of-baby-artichokes
###
About Ocean Mist Farms
Ocean Mist Farms, a fourth-generation family-owned business in Castroville, Calif., the largest grower of fresh artichokes in North America, is committed to delivering the highest standards in the industry for food safety, product quality, customer service, innovation and sustainability. The company’s full line of 30+ fresh vegetable commodities include their premium coveted green and purple artichokes, as well as their valued-added line and Season & Steam products. To learn more about Ocean Mist Farms, visit oceanmist.com or follow them on their socials on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn.
CASTROVILLE, Calif. (May 24, 2023) – Ocean Mist Farms, the leading grower and marketer of fresh artichokes in North America, is pleased to announce veteran agricultural industry marketer Lori Bigras has joined Ocean Mist Farms as Communications Manager. With this hiring, Ocean Mist Farms has brought on an experienced professional with over twenty years in the produce industry.
In her new role, Bigras will be responsible for leading the day-to-day management of Ocean Mist Farms social media marketing initiatives. She will also manage all trade and consumer public relations activities, develop, write, and manage the company’s bi-weekly fresh produce blog, and create comprehensive marketing plans to boost brand image, increase customer engagement and improve conversions.
“I’m so excited to join the marketing team at this almost 100-year-old legacy company and industry giant,” said Bigras. “This role will allow me to use my experience to help elevate both consumer and trade brand awareness for Ocean Mist Farms.”
Prior to accepting the position, Bigras has worked for industry-leading agriculture companies in the fresh segment for much of her career. She studied business and marketing at Vermont College (Montpelier, VT) and UCSC (University of California, Santa Cruz) where she studied design. A native New Englander, Bigras has called Santa Cruz, Calif. home since the 80’s.
“The experience Lori brings to this position is unmatched,” said Mark Munger, Director of Sales & Marketing at Ocean Mist Farms. “With her proven track record and experience in produce marketing and the agricultural industry at large, Lori will bring immediate value to Ocean Mist Farms and the marketing department.”
About Ocean Mist Farms
Ocean Mist Farms, a fourth-generation family-owned business in Castroville, CA, the largest grower of fresh artichokes in North America, is committed to delivering the highest standards in the industry for food safety, product quality, customer service, innovation, and sustainability. The company’s full line of 30+ fresh vegetables include their award-winning green and purple artichokes, as well as their Season & Steam value-added line of products. To stay up to date on the 2023 artichoke season, follow Ocean Mist on Instagram. To learn more about Ocean Mist Farms, visit www.oceanmist.com. For great recipe inspiration and preparation tips, consumers can follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.
Ocean Mist Farms, a fourth-generation family-owned business located in Castroville, CA., and the largest grower of fresh artichokes in North America, is committed to delivering the highest standards in the industry for food safety, product quality, customer service, innovation, and sustainability. The company’s full line of over 30 fresh vegetables includes the award-winning Season & Steam line. To stay up to date on the 2023 artichoke season, follow Ocean Mist on Instagram. To learn more about Ocean Mist Farms, visit https://www.oceanmist.com/. For recipe inspiration and preparation tips, follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.
CASTROVILLE, Calif. (April 24, 2023) – Ocean Mist Farms, the leading grower and marketer of fresh artichokes in North America, announces the launch of its annual spring promotion conveying the health and nutrition benefits and accolades of their famous Gold Standard artichokes. The Gold Standard Giveaway will run from April 24 – June 1, giving participants the opportunity to win one Grand Prize VISA gift card valued at $1,000 or one of five VISA gift cards valued at $100.
With this promotion, Ocean Mist Farms is highlighting their artichoke expertise to ensure their trade partners are aware of all that goes into the Gold Standard distinction, as well as shine a light on the exceptional nutritional qualities of fresh artichokes.
“Throughout each year, we are proud to share our Gold Standard artichokes,” said Mark Munger, senior director of marketing at Ocean Mist Farms. “Ocean Mist Farms artichokes are THE Gold Standard for providing immune-boosting nutrition and a top source of fiber, with one whole cooked artichoke packing nearly 7 grams of fiber -- about a third of the daily minimum target. This superior nutrition profile, coupled with Ocean Mist Farms rich legacy and artichoke expertise, bring the Gold Standard to your produce department.”
For nearly 100 years, Ocean Mist Farms has cultivated premium quality artichokes – including many patented proprietary varieties – in the coveted microclimate and nutrient-rich soil of Castroville, CA. This is home to Ocean Mist Farms’ spring artichoke production, with the heaviest supply production being in April.
Decades of farming proficiency and excellence, coupled with their exceptional harvesting practices and land stewardship, further define this brand as worthy of the Gold Standard designation. Ocean Mist Farms is supporting retail sales for the Gold Standard promotion with a variety of marketing activations.
On-pack messaging will reinforce shopper awareness of Ocean Mist Farms branded artichokes and their Gold Standard commitment. The brand will also drive visitors to the artichoke nutrition webpage and encourage shoppers to purchase artichokes at their local grocery store with the help of their Destini locator tool found on www.oceanmist.com.
About Ocean Mist Farms
Ocean Mist Farms, a fourth-generation family-owned business located in Castroville, CA., and the largest grower of fresh artichokes in North America, is committed to delivering the highest standards in the industry for food safety, product quality, customer service, innovation, and sustainability. The company’s full line of over 30 fresh vegetables includes the award-winning Season & Steam line. To stay up to date on the 2023 artichoke season, follow Ocean Mist on Instagram. To learn more about Ocean Mist Farms, visit https://www.oceanmist.com/. For recipe inspiration and preparation tips, follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.
CASTROVILLE, Calif. (February 21, 2023) – Ocean Mist Farms, the leading grower and marketer of fresh artichokes in the U.S., announces the availability of their proprietary purple artichokes. This seasonal, limited edition to the Ocean Mist Farms artichoke family is a colorful variety selected for superior flavor and appearance.
WHO: Ocean Mist Farms
WHAT: Ocean Mist Farms proprietary Purple Artichokes are back for a fourth consecutive year. For nearly 100 years, Ocean Mist Farms has cultivated superior artichoke varieties in California. Tapping into this experience, they have developed a purple artichoke variety to enjoy alongside the lineup of other Ocean Mist Farms products and their traditional green varieties.
Characteristics of the Purple Artichokes include a vibrant purple exterior that when cooked may transform into shades of green and purple depending on seasoning and cooking method; the look and flavor of a Mediterranean old-world variety; tender, meaty leaves; and a rich, earthy artichoke flavor.
Size 12 and 18 will be the first purple artichokes harvested at the start of the season and will then transition to a medium size to fit into the 4-count clamshell Ocean Mist Farms will offer. This will be in addition to the loose artichokes with the tag (pictured above).
WHEN: Ocean Mist Farms expects the heaviest production period to be February 20 – April 23
WHERE: Grown in Castroville, California and available nationwide
About Ocean Mist Farms
Ocean Mist Farms, a fourth-generation family-owned business in Castroville, CA. and the largest grower of fresh artichokes in North America, is committed to delivering the highest standards in the industry for food safety, product quality, customer service, innovation and sustainability. The company’s full line of over 30 fresh vegetables includes the award-winning Season & Steam and Ocean Mist Organic product lines. To stay up to date on the 2023 artichoke season, follow Ocean Mist on Instagram. To learn more about Ocean Mist Farms, visit www.oceanmist.com/. For recipe inspiration and preparation tips, follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.
CASTROVILLE, Calif. (February 7, 2023) – Ocean Mist Farms, the leading grower and marketer of fresh artichokes in the U.S., launches the “Eat Your Heart Out” Sweepstakes. This multifaceted campaign, launching today and lasting through March 17, includes email marketing to a robust community of artichoke shoppers and produce buyers, social media advertising, and sweepstakes prizes – all to drive demand and in-store sales.
With this promotion, Ocean Mist Farms is supporting awareness of their winter artichoke variety during peak availability. Aiming to increase consumption during these early months while health and nutrition are still top of mind, Ocean Mist Farms is regularly educating consumers on the health benefits of artichokes, such as their immune boosting properties.
“Our winter artichoke crop has delivered on high quality and abundance, therefore marking this as a perfect time to drive consumer demand through our Sweepstakes,” said Mark Munger, senior director of marketing at Ocean Mist Farms. “We want consumers to know that our artichokes are grown to deliver consistent flavor as well as premium health benefits. Artichokes contain prebiotic fiber and other immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties that will help you eat well, rest well, and play well in the new year.”
Participants can enter the Sweepstakes for a chance to win prizes. There will be 10 Grand Prize winners who will receive one (1) $100 Visa gift card. Over on Instagram, Ocean Mist Farms will host two flash promotions throughout the duration of the Sweepstakes. Flash promotion #1) there will be 3 winners who will receive a $25 Visa gift card and Flash promotion #2) the first 25 entries will receive a free 6ct Artichoke shipped overnight to their doorstep!
Artichokes traditionally grow best in a Mediterranean-like climate, as the vegetable requires mild temperatures and plenty of moisture. However, Ocean Mist Farms has honed a proprietary seed variety specifically for the Coachella Valley climate. By utilizing Coachella’s optimal growing conditions during the winter-to-spring months, Ocean Mist Farms can maintain their Gold Standard quality year-round.
To learn more about Ocean Mist Farms, visit www.oceanmist.com. To receive weekly trade information, please sign up HERE. For more recipe inspiration and tips, follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
About Ocean Mist Farms
Ocean Mist Farms, a fourth-generation family-owned business in Castroville, CA. and the largest grower of fresh artichokes in North America, is committed to delivering the highest standards in the industry for food safety, product quality, customer service, innovation and sustainability. The company’s full line of over 30 fresh vegetables includes the award-winning Season & Steam and Ocean Mist Organic product lines. To stay up to date on the 2023 artichoke season, follow Ocean Mist on Instagram. To learn more about Ocean Mist Farms, visit www.oceanmist.com/. For recipe inspiration and preparation tips, follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.
CASTROVILLE, Calif. (January 10, 2023) – Ocean Mist Farms is expecting an outstanding 2023 winter artichoke season with abundant volume and excellent quality throughout February and early March. In time to meet shopper demand around healthy eating choices, as well as being a staple ingredient in comfort food during the winter months, this increased supply of artichokes provides retailers an opportunity for a seasonal boost in category sales.
Ocean Mist Farms winter artichoke crop is grown mostly in the Coachella Valley, with smaller volumes coming from farms in Baja, Mexico. The strong volume of artichokes is due in part to growing conditions, with few weather-related interruptions in Coachella. Quality is excellent, with the crop showing an abundance of larger sizes.
“We are expecting excellent quality, with sizes peaking at mostly 12’s and 18’s,” said Ben Wilson, Ocean Mist Farms Artichoke Commodity Manager. “After a smaller than normal holiday crop, our winter crop will provide retailers with excellent promotional opportunities, especially on our largest sizes.”
Ocean Mist Farms will be supporting retail partners during this heavy supply season with a full assortment of merchandising tools, including Ocean Mist Farms’ eye-catching stand-alone display units. The company will also be running a national consumer promotion supported by a strong digital media presence and collaborations with popular food influencers. With this increase in volume just a few weeks away, now is the time for retailers to begin setting up artichoke ads and winter promotions for their shoppers.
“We know this holiday season brought its own set of weather-related challenges for retailers when it came to receiving their supply,” said Rick Bravo, VP of Sales & Marketing at Ocean Mist Farms. “We very much look forward to working with our retail partners and those looking for additional artichoke volume in their stores during our February and March peak harvest.”
For more information, please reach out to contactus@oceanmist.com.
About Ocean Mist Farms
Ocean Mist Farms, a fourth-generation family-owned business in Castroville, CA. and the largest grower of fresh artichokes in North America, is committed to delivering the highest standards in the industry for food safety, product quality, customer service, innovation and sustainability. The company’s full line of over 30 fresh vegetables includes the award-winning Season & Steam and Ocean Mist Organic product lines. To stay up to date on the 2023 artichoke season, follow Ocean Mist on Instagram. To learn more about Ocean Mist Farms, visit www.oceanmist.com/. For recipe inspiration and preparation tips, follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.
CASTROVILLE, Calif. (January 10, 2023) – Ocean Mist Farms has the fresh solution for busy families looking to add flavor, color and convenience to their healthy eating New Year resolutions. Consumers can start the new year with Ocean Mist Farms recently expanded fresh-cut vegetable convenience line. The line includes nine unique packs of farm fresh vegetables that are sure to compliment any new year, healthy eating mealtime.
Ocean Mist Farms' Fresh-Cut Retail packs are washed and ready-to-use for a quick and easy microwavable meal prep solution. The labor-saving packs provide shoppers a 100% usable, recipe-ready solution for high-quality, cost-effective meals at home or on the go. All fresh-cut items are grown, harvested, and processed with the same commitment to food safety, quality and flavor customers have come to expect from the Ocean Mist Farms brand for nearly a century.
The Fresh-Cut line now includes:
“Our recently expanded fresh-cut value-added line is the perfect complement to Ocean Mist Farm’s award-winning Season & Steam products. This growing line of value-added vegetable solutions provides consumers an even wider selection of healthy eating options to kick-start 2023,” said Mark Munger, Senior Director of Marketing at Ocean Mist Farms. The company also offers Brussels sprouts, Broccoli florets and the vegetable medley in larger family sized packs.
Ocean Mist Farms encourages retailers to showcase the Fresh-Cut line alongside proteins and other items that can be used to create a quick, easy, and nutritious meal anyone can enjoy. Recipe inspiration may be found on the Ocean Mist Farms website which includes digital cookbooks free to download. To learn more about Ocean Mist Farms’ Fresh-Cut line, please visit www.oceanmist.com/fresh-cut.
About Ocean Mist Farms
Ocean Mist Farms, a fourth-generation family-owned business in Castroville, CA. and the largest grower of fresh artichokes in North America, is committed to delivering the highest standards in the industry for food safety, product quality, customer service, innovation and sustainability. The company’s full line of over 30 fresh vegetables includes the award-winning Season & Steam and Ocean Mist Organic product lines. To stay up to date on the 2023 artichoke season, follow Ocean Mist on Instagram. To learn more about Ocean Mist Farms, visit www.oceanmist.com/. For recipe inspiration and preparation tips, follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.
CASTROVILLE, Calif. (November 22, 2022) – Ocean Mist Farms Brussels sprouts are currently headed into the peak fall crop, just in time to meet shopper demand during the busy holiday season. Known for their Gold Standard Artichokes, Ocean Mist Farms also provides high quality, exceptional Brussels sprouts which are being harvested out of Castroville, CA. through January, and will be coming out of Coachella and Mexico beginning in late-December.
“The fall crop is peaking now along the central coast of California, right in time for both the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays,” said Mark Munger, Senior Director of Marketing at Ocean Mist Farms. “Although Ocean Mist Farms grows Brussels sprouts year-round, the crop peaks during November, which is a reason Brussels sprouts continue to grow in popularity as a holiday favorite. The season will begin shifting to the Coachella Valley in late December and we expect the central coast harvest to continue well into January. We anticipate a very smooth transition into our desert growing region with supply coming out of all three regions during the December holidays.”
Ocean Mist Farms’ Brussels sprout volume has increased steadily over the last couple of years to meet demand. The company’s release of the “Season & Steam” pack created further interest with this convenient cook-in pack. This past year, as the company has added a wider range of value-added products, including the 16 oz. and 32 oz. family size form & fill packs as well as halved and shredded Brussels sprout packs, demand has risen sharply. During the holidays, Ocean Mist Farms also offers Brussels sprout stalks, a fun way to purchase, display and even cook Brussels sprouts. Stalks are limited to only the holiday season.
According to a recent article, shoppers spend $4.3 million on Brussels sprouts every year at Thanksgiving. This holiday season, Ocean Mist Farms encourages retailers to let their shoppers know this nutrition-rich vegetable may look like cabbage but has a denser texture and milder flavor. When it comes to providing options for shoppers, Ocean Mist Farms has a library of information, recipes, and more for consumers to learn how to prepare and cook their fresh Brussels sprouts. Recipe inspiration includes year-round ideas for weeknight dinners as well as holiday dishes, such as Shredded Brussels Sprouts With Bacon & Pecans, Supershreds Cesar Salad, and Apple Glazed Brussels Sprouts.
“We’ve found that when retailers merchandise a range of pack options, including bulk, packaged whole, and fresh-cut, sales increase significantly,” said Munger. “We also recommend displaying sprouts in the value-added case and also in the wet rack, providing a variety of convenient options within arm’s reach.”
Brussels Sprout options offered for shoppers and operators from Ocean Mist Farms:
Through Ocean Mist Farms rigorous food-safety practices and procedures, the company provides shoppers with only the best quality Brussels sprouts. Shoppers can visit this page for the latest information about where Ocean Mist Farms Brussels sprouts are currently being produced. To learn more about Ocean Mist Farms food safety commitment, click here.
For more information, please reach out to contactus@oceanmist.com.
CASTROVILLE, Calif. (October 20, 2022) – Ocean Mist Farms, the leading grower and marketer of fresh artichokes in the U.S., is pleased to announce Mark Munger has joined Ocean Mist Farms as Senior Director of Marketing. With this hiring, Ocean Mist Farms has brought on an experienced professional with over 36 years in the produce industry.
In his new role, Munger will be responsible for leading the day-to-day management of trade and consumer marketing initiatives at Ocean Mist Farms. Prior to accepting the position, Munger served as VP of Marketing & Strategy at 4Earth Farms, and before that he served as VP of Marketing at Andrew Williamson Fresh Produce. Munger’s career also includes marketing positions with Driscoll’s, the Produce Marketing Association, and various California commodity boards. He earned his BS in Agricultural Science and Management from the University of California, Davis.
“Bringing on a professional of this caliber to lead our marketing team ushers in an exciting time at our company,” said Rick Bravo, VP of Sales & Marketing at Ocean Mist Farms. “With his proven track record and experience in produce marketing, Mark will bring immediate value to Ocean Mist Farms and the marketing and sales teams. His skill set will be instrumental in our overall success.”
# # #
About Ocean Mist Farms
Ocean Mist Farms, a fourth-generation family-owned business in Castroville, CA. and the largest grower of fresh artichokes in North America, is committed to delivering the highest standards in the industry for food safety, product quality, customer service, innovation and sustainability. The company’s full line of over 30 fresh vegetables includes the award-winning Season & Steam and Ocean Mist Organic product lines. To stay up to date on the 2022 artichoke season, follow Ocean Mist on Instagram. To learn more about Ocean Mist Farms, visit www.oceanmist.com/. For recipe inspiration and preparation tips, follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.
