North Bay Produce, a multinational co-op of growers spanning North, Central and South America, has announced the distribution of a US$16,674,000 patronage dividend among its grower-owners.
Since the co-op, based in Traverse City, Michigan, USA, began patronage dividends in 1991, the co-op, which markets fruit and veg, has returned $108,931,000 to its members.
“To be successful, our farmers need to be successful first and foremost,” said co-op president Nick Osmulski. “The annual patronage dividend that we’re able to give back to our members each year helps them to reinvest in their farming operations, ensuring their continued success into the future.”
North Bay says its grower-owned structure aligns the co-op with its producer farms, enabling investments and fostering the sharing of technology and expertise.
Recent investments include the expansion of premium proprietary varietal programs across blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, apples, and other commodities, continued development of premium genetics, and investments in packing technology and operational efficiencies.
The co-op has also constructed a new cooler facility in Miami, Florida, supporting South American imports into the USA, and a new packaging and office space supporting apple operations.
Other announcements include strategic grower partnerships in key production regions, and continued innovation in sustainable packaging and consumer engagement.
“We are going through a tremendous amount of growth around the world and in all facets of the company,” said Osmulski. “We are in a fortunate position where the structure and the financial strength of the co-operative allow us to keep up with this growth through continual genetic, technology, and infrastructure advancements without relying on outside investors, which seems to be rather unique in today’s business world.”
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Another milestone for the co-op is the recent launch of its new corporate brand identity. North Bay says this reflects its evolution “while reinforcing the values that have guided the co-operative for more than four decades, putting farmers first, delivering premium produce, embracing innovation, and strengthening partnerships from the farm to the marketplace”.
The new brand features a farmer-focused identity, adds the co-op, alongside “interactive Augmented Reality (AR) packaging that connects consumers directly with its farms and the growers.
The AR labels are designed to bring the North Bay farmer to life, guiding viewers through a 3D farm diorama and sharing the stories behind the farms.
“We are extremely excited about the outcome of this rebrand and thankful to the grower-owners of North Bay for their involvement and trust in allowing us to make such a significant change,” said Osmulski.
North Bay’s network of 30 grower owners produce goods, including asparagus to apples, berries and snow peas, with a focus on varietal development. It has marketing offices in the UK, Netherlands and China, and support teams based in Argentina, Peru, Chile, Mexico and the US.
It says its continued acreage expansion, proprietary varieties, and operational improvements position the co-op to meet growing demand for premium fresh produce.
