08/25/05 More presence for organic leader

The latest marketing merger among fruit industry giants is getting notice for its connection with the organic sector. Domex's Eric Patrick explains his company's recent organic partnership with Blue Bird. PATRICK: Blue Bird has had organics for several years. And we have been marketing Blue Bird's conventional fruit and this has expanded the Domex offerings by offering organic fruit into our portfolio of products. Under the new program, an organic specialist has been hired by Domex to pitch the new "Organic by Domex" line, some of which has already reached consumers. PATRICK: We had a small amount of organic cherries that we marketed. And we are now jumping in feet first with organic pears and apples for this 2005 crop season. Patrick says he expects the "Organic by Domex" program and organic partnership with Blue Bird to total about five to six per cent of the company's total product mix, which will amount to about 400,000 boxes annually. That will be fueled by Blue Bird's recognition in the industry. PATRICK: Their pears have an excellent reputation. The pears that they grow are recognized as the best in the country, and in many places, the world. Out of that Peshastin Valley area & a lot of them. So a great name out there with pears. And this just continues to further enhance Domex group and our growers.