and other organic vegetables. We soon discovered vegetables were not our knowledge base; our expertise was in fruit.” As Homegrown settled in to its second decade of existence, the company eliminated its vegetable production. Fruit-Forward Focus: With its focus clearly on fruit, the company honed its business structure. “One of our key decisions was to structure the company into two separate categories,” Mabs said. “We have the citrus and grape team and blueberry and treefruit team.” The CEO explained that it is difficult to be an expert if you wear too many hats. The two teams focus on their commodities and have become specialists. Mabs said the result has been unparalleled growth. The two categories represent many different organic options, including many grape and citrus varieties as well as a full array of stone fruits and fall fruits, with kiwifruit being its newest addition. Geographic Footprint and Growth: Homegrown was started as a California-centric grower shipper and that’s not changing. Almost all its production comes from California, but it has expanded into the Northwest for blueberries. Mabs said further geographic expansion is always on the table. “What has been most important to us as we have grown is to have the right partners,” he said. “That’s the same philosophy we have when we branch out. It is partnering with the right people that drives success and we will continue to look for opportunities in organic production.” While expanding sourcing is always of interest, Mabs said the company is also eyeing the other end of the spectrum and looking to grow sales. He said organic produce sales have grown tremendously over the last 20 years and it is difficult to maintain the same percentage of growth as the base increases. “The next big thing for organics is growth in the export market,” he said.
Above: Scott Mabs Below: Inside the packing house.
MARCH | APRIL 2022
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Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com
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