CASTROVILLE, Calif. (March 28, 2022) – Ocean Mist Farms, the leading grower and marketer of fresh artichokes in the U.S., will appear at CPMA this year and feature their spring artichoke production and value-added product line. The company is looking forward to being back in Canada after the past two years. For more information, please reach out to contactus@oceanmist.com.
WHO: Ocean Mist Farms
WHAT: 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 and Ocean Mist Organic product lines.
WHEN: April 5-7, 2022
WHERE: Booth #1018
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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 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 https://www.oceanmist.com/. For recipe inspiration and preparation tips, follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.
CASTROVILLE, Calif. (March 7, 2022) – 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 addition 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 third 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 March 27 – April 23
WHERE: Grown in Castroville, California and available nationwide
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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 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 https://www.oceanmist.com/. For recipe inspiration and preparation tips, follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.
CASTROVILLE, Calif. (February 7, 2022) – Ocean Mist Farms, a fourth-generation Grower Shipper located in Castroville, CA, is pleased to announce the promotion of Bobby Bellew to Director of Farming, Serafin Ruiz to Director of Harvesting, and Glen Alameda to Director of Supply Chain and Compliance.
In Bellew’s new role, he will oversee and guide Ocean Mist Farm’s Northern California farming operations and work to increase cost efficiencies, quality, and yield. Bellew’s expertise and detailed focus on farming will allow him to continue building and coaching talent across the Production and Farming Department and focus on areas where Ocean Mist Farms can utilize science and technology to foster efficiency.
“We couldn’t be more pleased with the performances of these three individuals,” said Chris Drew, President and CEO of Ocean Mist Farms. “Bellew, Ruiz and Alameda have all shown growth in their individual areas of expertise year over year. As a result of this development, the promotions of these three key figures at our company positions Ocean Mist Farms for a new era of continued success.”
Ruiz’s background and experience with Ocean Mist Farms harvesting operations and equipment engineering has propelled him to lead the way to increasing efficiency, minimizing product loss, capitalizing on higher yields, and placing a stronger focus on mechanized harvest opportunities. In his new role, Ruiz will manage the Commodity Management Department including both internal and external harvest companies and procurement operations across Ocean Mist Farms’ different production regions.
Alameda’s past role as Logistics Manager has allowed him to glean knowledge of Ocean Mist Farm’s entire supply chain, how it works, and where we have opportunity to improve. In his new role Alameda will oversee all our post-harvest supply chain operations including inventory management and flow, packaging, QA, as well as Customer and Regulatory Compliance.
“We look forward to seeing the shining future these three individuals hold at Ocean Mist Farms and greatly anticipate their work ahead,” said Drew.
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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 2021 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 24, 2022) – Ocean Mist Farms, the leading grower and marketer of fresh artichokes in the U.S., announces the launch of the Coachella artichoke production season. Growing in the region for over 20 years, 2022 also marks the fourth consecutive year of Ocean Mist Farms’ highly successful Peace Love & Artichokes messaging campaign.
“Every year is different, with Mother Nature being in charge. said Jeff Percy, VP Production in Coachella for Ocean Mist Farms. “Artichoke harvest is in full swing a bit earlier than last year, and we are pleased with the demand for our Frost Kissed® chokes. Looking at production volumes we have good quality and supply for the balance of the Coachella artichoke season.”
Promotable volumes of Ocean Mist Farms artichokes will be available for the majority of the Coachella season and Artichoke buyers are encouraged to connect with their Ocean Mist Farms salesperson to discuss opportunities.
Artichokes traditionally grow in a Mediterranean-like climate, as the vegetable requires mild temperatures and plenty of moisture. However, Ocean Mist Farms has honed a desert-grown 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 is able to maintain their high-quality standards year-round.
Ocean Mist Farms will be issuing a bi-weekly video field report as part of their Trade Email campaign to show off Coachella artichoke production during February. This is just one trade activation being employed to elevate Ocean Mist Farms branded artichokes with decision makers.
To further incentivize shoppers to put artichokes in their baskets, Ocean Mist Farms is launching a multifaceted campaign, launching next week and lasting through April 8. The campaign will include email marketing to a robust community of artichoke shoppers and produce buyers, social media & Google advertising, and sweepstakes prizes – all to drive sales, brand engagement and in-store demand.
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.
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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 2021 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. (Dec. 20, 2021) – Ocean Mist Farms, the leading grower and marketer of fresh artichokes, welcomes the first Frost Kissed® crop of the season. The Frost Kissed artichokes are shipping now and will be intermittently available throughout the winter. Each Frost Kissed® Artichoke includes a petal insert to let the shopper know about this unique condition.
Once the temperature drops below 32 degrees, the artichokes’ skin darkens due to the freezing conditions, which seals in more flavor and provides a nuttier flavor profile for Ocean Mist Farms’ Frost Kissed artichokes. While this limited time offering has a slightly darker exterior, the brown outer layer peels off once cooked resulting in the green artichoke shoppers are familiar with.“Frost Kissed artichokes offer a unique flavor for a limited time that many shoppers look forward to experiencing when available,” said Diana McClean, senior director of marketing at Ocean Mist Farms. “These artichokes have a unique color to them that is strictly cosmetic and does not impact the quality and actually intensifies the artichoke flavor that artichoke aficionados enjoy.”
In an effort to elevate the Frost Kissed artichokes as a satisfying menu item, Ocean Mist Farms will provide recipe inspiration through its social media channels, as well as sharing information on the website to educate consumers. All Frost Kissed artichokes are packed with a Frost Kissed® petal insert so shoppers can easily recognize them on shelf, and Frost Kissed POS materials are available for order on the Ocean Mist Farms’ website HERE.
“The Frost Kissed artichokes are a seasonal treat we look forward to as we don’t see a freeze every season,” added McClean. “This fall, we’re working to ensure our shoppers are educated on ways to prep the artichoke so they too can enjoy its unique flavor for a limited time when they are available.”
For additional Frost Kissed® inspiration and to learn more, visit www.oceanmist.com/products/frost-kissed-artichokes and follow the brand on Instagram, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.
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About Ocean Mist Farms
Ocean Mist Farms, a fourth-generation family-owned business based 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 2021 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. (December 13, 2021) – Ocean Mist Farms, the leading grower and marketer of fresh artichokes in the U.S., will showcase its conventional & organic commodity lines and feature the Season & Steam product line extension in the “New Product Showcase” at this year’s New York Produce Show in booth #242.
The value-added Season & Steam product line extension includes five new additions to the award-winning microwavable cut vegetable product line. The entire line includes 10 varieties, each with the same convenience, customizable seasoning and exclusive resealable bag technology shoppers love.“We look forward to being back at the New York Produce Show and to speak to customers in person about our Season & Steam product line extension for the first time,” said Diana McClean, senior director of marketing at Ocean Mist Farms. “We had great engagement and conversations with our trade partners in 2019 considering the Northeast is known for its heavy distribution of artichokes. This show gives us a great opportunity for us to put our new items from Season & Steam on display.”
The Season & Steam varieties from Ocean Mist Farms include:
To learn more about Ocean Mist Farms, stop by booth #242 at the New York Produce Show December 13-16 or visit https://www.oceanmist.com/trade-resources. For recipe inspiration and preparation tips, follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.
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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 2021 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. (December 7, 2021) – Ocean Mist Farms, the leading grower and marketer of fresh artichokes in the U.S., is pleased to announce Jeff Hutterer has joined Ocean Mist Farms as Director of Value-Added Sales and Christa Schuck has joined as Sales Representative.
As Director of Value-Added Sales, Hutterer will be responsible for developing value-added business for Ocean Mist Farms. Prior to accepting the position, Hutterer served as Director of Retail Sales at Mann Packing. He earned his Bachelor of Science, Marketing at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
“We are glad to have Jeff join our team and to have his experience in developing our value-added business,” said Rick Bravo, VP of Sales & Marketing at Ocean Mist Farms. “With his experience, he will make us stronger, and we look forward to his work with us.”
In her new role as Sales Representative, Schuck will work closely with Director of Sales, Joseph Angelo, to develop Ocean Mist Farms’ foodservice customer portfolio. Prior to joining Ocean Mist Farms, Schuck served as Senior Director of Foodservice Sales / National Account Manager at Tanimura & Antle Fresh Foods, Inc. She earned her B.S. in Agricultural Business – Marketing from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, CA.
“With Schuck’s vast experience, we look forward to the impact she will have at Ocean Mist Farms,” said Joseph Angelo, Director of Sales at Ocean Mist Farms.
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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 2021 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. (October 14, 2021) – Ocean Mist Farms, the leading grower and marketer of fresh artichokes in the U.S. and premium supplier of fresh vegetables for nearly 100 years, is pleased to announce the promotion of Christopher Drew to President and Chief Executive Officer.
In his new role, Drew will be responsible for leading all commercial, operational, financial, and administrative aspects of Ocean Mist Farms. Drew will provide a clear vision allowing for organizational growth and financial success in addition to fostering innovation and cultivating strong relationships internally and with external stakeholders. His role as President and CEO will require the analysis and evaluation of product line offerings, building business plans to drive expansion, and ensuring Ocean Mist Farms has the proper infrastructure to support such growth.
The Board of Directors unanimously selected Drew from among many distinguished Produce and Consumer Packaged Goods executives sourced through a national search conducted by executive search partner Kincannon & Reed.
“Chris has been integral to executing the strategic growth plan and Ocean Mist Farm’s vision of becoming the partner of choice for produce solutions in his role of Chief Operating Officer here,” commented Kirk Martin, Ocean Mist’s Board Chair. “His history with our company spans nearly two decades in various roles and his knowledge base is unparalleled. The passion he has for this industry and our organization is apparent and we are confident he will be instrumental in the future success of Ocean Mist Farms.”
In his previous role as COO, Drew collaborated with teams across the organization to streamline strategies and processes in addition to overseeing the operational departments and facilities across the organization: cooling, shipping, production, harvesting, food safety, quality assurance, and value-added operations.
Prior to joining Ocean Mist Farms, Drew earned his Bachelor of Science in Crop Science from California Polytechnic University – San Luis Obispo followed by his Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix – San Jose.
Drew is active in several affiliations including the Cal Poly - SLO Horticulture and Crop Science Advisory Council, where he is Chairman of the Board and is a member of the California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement Advisory Board among others.
“Chris embodies the spirit of Ocean Mist Farms and embraces our company values,” Martin commented. “We are excited to be a part of this next chapter with him.”
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About Ocean Mist Farms
Ocean Mist Farms, a fourth-generation family-owned business based 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 2021 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. (October 14, 2021) – Ocean Mist Farms, the leading grower and marketer of fresh artichokes in the U.S., welcomes the Cardone vegetable for retail distribution and shopper consumption ahead of the annual holiday season.
“Cardone is an Italian favorite that we seasonally grow between October and Jan in two California regions, Castroville and Coachella,” said Diana McClean, Senior Director of Marketing at Ocean Mist Farms. “We take pride in growing Cardone that is extremely tender with a robust flavor, anticipated each holiday season Ocean Mist Farms Cardone is among the finest examples of the vegetable in North America and is anticipated each year by home cooks and professional chefs alike.”
Ocean Mist Farms provides tips, like storage and eating, as well as recipes for how to incorporate Cardone into weeknight meals on their website for shoppers to learn more about the multifaceted vegetable.
Cardone, also known as Cardoon, is a traditional Mediterranean vegetable considered a delicacy by many who specialize in traditional French and Italian cuisine. A cousin of the artichoke, Cardone has an edible stalk like celery; however, it is not eaten raw. The best Cardone stalks are a grey-green color very similar in color to the artichoke plant. Stalks should feel heavy and moist. They will not be crisp like celery.
The Cardone stalk is hand-harvested from the plant and packed and cooled within four hours. Ocean Mist Farms’ strict cut-to-cool standards ensure quality product is delivered to retail stores. To learn more about Cardone and Ocean Mist Farms, please visit https://www.oceanmist.com/products/cardone.
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About Ocean Mist Farms
Ocean Mist Farms, a fourth-generation family-owned business based 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 2021 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.
