SIDNEY — Freshway Foods experienced strong sales growth in 2015. Expanding business with existing customers, new retail based product introductions and forward distribution services fueled the growth.
“Not only was core growth strong, our new product development efforts are paying off as well,” said Devon Beer, president of the local value added produce and distribution company. “Looking ahead, the company will invest in additional production capacity and capability to help us expand our product offerings.”
Expansion of the company’s line of healthy deli salads continued in 2015. The new salads feature plant-based protein, vibrant flavors and unique fruits and vegetables. “Consumers today have more sophisticated palates, and they want new, exciting flavors,” said Beer. “We have reimagined the traditional deli salad and created a more upscale experience for consumers.”
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The salads were developed by the company’s Product Development Team, under the leadership of Chef Doug Bond.
The company launched a redesigned and expanded website, www.freshwayfoods.com, early in 2015. The new website features more in-depth information about the company’s products and services, and better reflects the company’s innovative approach to solving the problems faced by foodservice and retail companies on a daily basis.
As a result of Freshway’s strong commitment to customer service, the company was awarded the Cornerstone Partner Award by Gordon Food Service in 2015. The award, which is the highest that Gordon Food Service bestows, was announced at the 2015 North American Vendor Involvement Process (VIP) Award Dinner. The Cornerstone Award recognizes suppliers who excel in service metrics and exemplify strategic distinction through extraordinary efforts.
We are honored to receive this award, which recognizes the hard work and dedication of our 400+plus associates. It is a pleasure to continue to partner with Gordon Food Service to drive business growth and deliver the highest quality products and services.
Freshway continued its partnership with The Workforce Partnership of Shelby County and participated in educational activities at local schools. In May, the company participated in the Career Exploration Academy sponsored by The Workforce Partnership. This two-day event, held at the Shelby County Fairgrounds, gave students from Sidney Middle School and Sidney High School access to presenters who work in a variety of careers. Freshway associates shared information with the students about careers in Human Resources, Accounting, Food Science, Supply Chain and Engineering.
In September, Longfellow Elementary celebrated “Dress Like a Freshway Associate Day.” During this event, sponsored by POWER Women’s Initiative and The Workforce Partnership, kindergarten students had the opportunity to try on protective gear that is worn by Freshway associates at the company’s production facility.
In 2015, the Tri-County Food Manufacturers’ Council was launched in partnership with the Sidney/Shelby County Chamber. The Council, made up of food companies from Shelby, Miami and Auglaize counties hosted its inaugural meeting at Freshway in May. The meeting included a tour of Freshway’s facility, discussion about food manufacturing challenges, and sampling of Freshway’s fresh salad kits. Representatives from ConAgra Foods, Agrana Fruit US, Mama Rosa’s Pizza, Dannon, Aunt Millie’s Bakeries and the Sidney/Shelby County Chamber of Commerce were present for the meeting. The opportunity to get together as a group and share best practices helps us all to be more successful.
Freshway Foods is a fresh fruit and vegetable processor, repacker, distributor, and logistics provider focusing on customized product and service solutions to a customer base that spans the eastern half of the United States. Its customers include casual, fast casual and quick service restaurants, broadline distributors, foodservice distributors, supermarkets and club stores. Freshway sources products fresh from the field from prime growing regions, processes them to high quality standards, and delivers those products to customers using their private logistics company.
Freshway Foods/Freshway Logistics is located at 601 N. Stolle Ave., Sidney.
