Jul 10, 2023

Misionero celebrates 50th anniversary

Leafy greens grower Misionero, which markets organic and conventionally grown produce, is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Founded in 1973 by Floyd Griffin, Misionero has a deep-rooted history and commitment to organic practices, offering organic products and innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of consumers.

Griffin founded Misionero with an unwavering passion for life and a genuine love for people. He envisioned a company that would achieve success while treating its employees respectfully, mindful of the delicate balance between growth and maintaining quality. His legacy lives on, as Harbinger Group acquired Misionero in 2016 and is dedicated to upholding his vision and values.

“At Misionero, our commitment continues to go beyond producing outstanding organic products,” Nicole Minnich Zapata, marketing director, said in a news release. “We embrace new technologies and adopt comprehensive, long-term ethical practices in growing, processing and harvesting.

“Recognizing our crucial role in shaping the American diet, we strive to provide the finest organic products available,” she said in the release. “Our diverse product range encompasses a variety of high-quality salad and lettuce offerings, each meticulously crafted to deliver a superior food experience.”

Misionero is committed to being at the forefront of innovation. In addition to organic produce, Misionero embraces cutting-edge techniques such as hydroponics and collaborates with partners in Mexico to offer controlled environment agriculture offerings. Dedication to innovation is also reflected in premium kits, which combine the finest ingredients with thoughtful pairings and innovative recipes, enabling individuals to enjoy convenient and wholesome meals.

“As we celebrate our 50th year, we recognize the numerous opportunities ahead,” CEO Joe Merenda, said in the release. “Increased consumer awareness and demand for organic products present a favorable market environment.

“We capitalize on these opportunities by partnering with retailers, exploring collaborations with like-minded organizations, and continuously striving to understand and meet the evolving needs of our consumers,” Merenda said in the release. “Through market research and innovative product development initiatives, we provide diverse options that resonate with our target audience, enhancing the customer experience and solidifying our position as a leader in the organic industry.”

Misionero takes great pride in ongoing commitment to social accountability and continuous improvement. With Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) certification for the past five years, Misionero demonstrates dedication to fair labor practices, worker well-being and responsible sourcing. Collaborating closely with EFI, Misionero pursues initiatives to reduce waste, optimize processes, and enhance the skills and well-being of their workforce. Misionero’s long-term commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, and ethical business practices drives them to exceed industry standards and positively impact the lives of employees, communities, and the environment.

Visit Misionero at the Organic Produce Summit at booth No. 513, on second day of the July 12-13 event in Monterey, California.