Oct 18, 2023

Vegetables part of BelleHarvest expansion

BelleHarvest is celebrating the success of its local Michigan vegetable program.

Additionally, BelleHarvest has hired Nick Teriaca as director of sales and procurement. Teriaca will play a key role in driving the program’s growth plans, according to a news release.

Based in Belding, Michigan, BelleHarvest is one of Michigan’s oldest grower-owned distributors of fresh apples.

The expansion of BelleHarvest’s Michigan Fresh brand extends beyond apples. BelleHarvest’s local program is now bolstered by products sourced from Arizona, Georgia and South Carolina. The company’s network of growers stands at the forefront of new farming practices to maximize yield while embracing sustainable principles to produce the high-quality vegetables customers demand, according to the release.

“This achievement not only reaffirms their unwavering commitment to providing fresh, locally sourced produce, but also marks an exciting turning point for the company as they embark on an expansion journey,” company officials said in a news release.

The expanded offerings includes an array of fresh produce such as green beans, bell peppers, eggplant, celery and cabbage.

In a record year, BelleHarvest’s comprehensive vegetable program sourced top-quality produce from family farms across the state of Michigan. BelleHarvest has started a goal of establishing a 12-month vegetable program.

“This initiative exemplifies their dedication to local produce, steadfast commitment to quality, and strong support for local farming communities,” according to the release. “By extending their offerings throughout all seasons, BelleHarvest aims to meet the diverse needs of their valued customers while strengthening relationships with local growers.”

The milestone is a testament to BelleHarvest’s dedication to quality and locality, Casey Jarrard, BelleHarvest’s vice president of sales and marketing, said in the release. “Our commitment to delivering exceptional products and service to our customers remains resolute,” he said in the release. “With Nick joining our team, we’re even more excited about the opportunities that lie ahead, as we continue our mission to support local farming communities.”

With more than 15 years of hands-on expertise, Teriaca has demonstrated his ability to drive growth and innovation. Having previously owned and operated regional farmers markets, Teriaca possesses an acute understanding of consumer preferences and market dynamics. Teriaca’s passion for the fresh produce industry is unmistakable, and his deep knowledge of the field positions him as a valuable asset for BelleHarvest, according to the release.

“I am thrilled to embark on this exciting journey with BelleHarvest,” Teriaca said in the release. “Our collective goal is to elevate our local Michigan vegetable program to new heights, ensuring a continuous supply of top-quality produce to our customers year-round. I am eager to leverage my experience and expertise to drive our expansion and ensure our success.”

Established in 1957, BelleHarvest is one of Michigan’s oldest grower-owned distributors of fresh apples. The company is founded on building deep partnerships and offering consistent, high-quality, flavorful apples, all while staying rooted within the local community. BelleHarvest partners with top growers throughout Michigan to project future flavor trends and maximize productivity while still maintaining the high-quality standards they are recognized for.

In 2021, BelleHarvest acquired Michigan Fresh Marketing, a company specializing in Michigan-grown fruits and vegetables, with a large network of grower partners. As a result, the acquisition added a robust year-round national and locally grown vegetable program and a diverse sales organization, allowing them to continue delivering the same quality, innovation, and dedication to customers.