Organics Unlimited Helps Their Community GROW
Founded in 2000 by Mayra and Manuel Velazquez, Organic Unlimited has been supplying OGC with exceptional organic bananas and papayas for decades—but they built their business to do a whole lot more. As third-generation banana growers, the couple saw a unique opportunity to invest in their community, so they made social responsibility a key part of their mission by launching GROW.
OGC Accelerates 2025 Mission Fund Grants to Support Nonprofits
Every year, OGC awards Mission Fund grants to organizations that are making a difference in our food system and communities. This year, we accelerated our giving in response to the federal funding freezes that are hitting nonprofits hard.
2025 Summer Update
Summer is in full swing at OGC, and the flavor is next-level. From dry farmed melons that save water and burst with sweetness, to successfully grafting Persian cucumbers, our Northwest farms are serving up the season's best.
We’re also celebrating the people and projects behind the produce—farmers crafting flavor, teams reducing waste (hello rescued potatoes!) and new ways we’re investing in healthier air.
Download OGC’s Plum & Pluot Tools
It’s an understatement to say that there are many varieties of organic plums and pluots to choose from. To guide purchasing plans and increase category knowledge, download and print OGC’s primer describing the various shades, flavor profiles and windows of availability for the over 55 gems in this delicious category.
Melon Minute Video Series
With grower partners from Mexico, up through California and the Northwest, OGC will keep your shoppers in a melon state of mind all season.
OGC Mission Fund Recipient Tilth Alliance is Changing the Food System for the Better
“Our work is all about transforming the food system and getting more organic, sustainably grown food on people’s plates,” shared Melissa Spear, Tilth’s executive director. “There’s a lot of joy in what we do. We also love teaming up with partners like OGC – I even served on the advisory committee for Organicology this year!”
NW Melon Season is Off to a Tasty Start
Melons have been on since May from Mexico and California and as the Northwest season kicks off, OGC’s melon buyer Rachel Pienovi is sourcing delicious melon from growers in Hermiston, Oregon and Eltopia, Washington.
Organic Honeydew: More Than Meets the Rind
This summer, it's time to take a closer look at the honeydew melons your shoppers are craving. Don’t judge a melon by its rind – these three varieties pack unexpected flavor and color inside.
Meet Garleek
It’s hard to argue with the culinary perfection of a gorgeous leek or a spicy clove of garlic – the two alliums are essential building blocks for delicious meals and well-stocked produce departments alike. But flavor-focused Row 7 Seed Company decided to combine them, and, well, you’ll be glad they did.
Crush Summer Sales with Great Grapes
Organic grapes are a staple for retailers nearly year-round, and an item shoppers look for on their weekly visits. Understanding seasonality in this important commodity is key to maximizing sales.
Grape Toolkit
From organic seedless table grapes and candy seedless specialty varieties to Northwest-grown options and Ladybug Brand recyclable grape totes, there’s a lot to know and love about this tasty category.
Go Big with Reed Avocados
Reed avocados are extra big, extra creamy and extra flavorful. But one trait has kept them from becoming extra famous.
This Summer, Move Muchos Mangos
Our friends at Crespo are offering fruit for exciting Mango Mania promotions now through July that celebrates the bounty of the harvest. With so many varieties to choose from, and a range of sizes and packs, there’s a perfect pick for every department and shopper.
Harvesting Wisdom: Unlock the Magic of Melons
Organic melons kick off their season in April/May from Mexico with a limited selection. As harvest moves north to California, two primary regions contribute: the desert offers fruit in June/July, while the Central Valley starts in early June and extends through the fall. The Northwest season begins in mid-July, peaks in early August, and concludes as the weather cools in early September. OGC wraps up the season with a limited offering from Mexico in October and November.
Astoria Co-op’s Produce Glow-Up, Powered by OGC’s Mission Fund
Walk into Astoria Co-op these days and you’ll notice something right away: the produce department pops. That’s thanks to a recent upgrade to their wet rack shelving and the addition of LED lighting – a project that got a big boost from OGC’s Mission Fund.
It’s Time for Months of Melon Magic
Last week, a team from OGC headed down to California’s Imperial Valley to wander through melon fields, chat with growers and get a taste of first-of-the-season fruit.
Melon Toolkit
Use this collection of resources to educate, entice and delight staff and shoppers, keeping melon sales strong past Labor Day!