Interview with Bob Spence, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Fresh Prep

With over a century of history behind it, Boskovich Farms. stands as a paragon of quality and innovation in the produce industry.

This family-owned enterprise, now in its fourth generation of leadership, has continually evolved to meet the changing demands of consumers and the marketplace.

Central to Boskovich’s success is Fresh Prep, a dynamic entity that focuses on developing value-added products from its fresh-grown produce.

Bob Spence, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Fresh Prep, brings over several decades of experience in the produce industry.

He exudes enthusiasm for being part of a company that is not just a grower and shipper but also a marketer of quality produce to the U.S. market.  

“I have been in the produce industry for over 30 years” said Bob.

“Boskovich is over 120-year-old; with a reputation for quality produce and service. Now on the fourth generation of leadership, continues to reinvent itself.”

This legacy of reinvention is evident in Fresh Prep’s approach to processing and packaging.

The company’s investments in expanding capabilities, capacity, and food safety reflect a deep commitment to delivering top-notch products.

Fresh Prep is one of three companies that comprise Boskovich Inc., alongside its growing and commodity sales divisions.

Fresh Prep’s role within this trio is crucial, as it processes and packages the farm’s fresh produce into innovative products.

Spence highlights the significance of this division, noting that Fresh Prep is the processing company that develops value-added products that leverage their portfolio of fresh-grown produce from their farms.

These products range from packaged commodities to salads, both conventional and organic.

One of Fresh Prep’s most notable achievements is the introduction of the Fair Earth product line.

Spence explains, “One of the most innovative product lines is the new Fair Earth, organic in the only BPI-certified compostable clear packaging.”

Developed with the expertise of Andrew Hunter, Wolfgang Puck’s chef, the Fair Earth line offers restaurant-inspired recipes that cater to consumers’ desire for fresh and exciting taste experiences but also align with consumers’ growing environmental consciousness.

Fresh Prep has made a significant impact on the food service sector under the leadership of Mike O’Leary.

“With Mike O’Leary’s leadership, Fresh Prep is a significant player in the Food Service business, supplying quality packaged produce to regional and national customers.”

The company’s reputation for creating customer solutions and providing exceptional service is well-recognized in the industry.

The formation of Fresh Prep underscores Boskovich’s commitment to innovation and meeting the needs of modern consumers.

This entity was born from the company’s pioneering efforts in developing value-added products as early as 1990.

Fair Earth products feature fresh and exciting taste experiences | Image: Fair Earth’s Instagram

Fresh Prep’s ability to customize products is a key differentiator in the market.

“Additionally, Fresh Prep, with its capacity and capabilities, can customize products based on our customers’ needs,” Spencer states.

This flexibility enables Fresh Prep to cater to a wide range of customer requirements, ensuring that their products meet the highest standards of quality and freshness.

The company’s vertically integrated system further enhances its control over product quality. By managing the entire process from farm to table, Fresh Prep can ensure that their produce is harvested and processed under optimal conditions.

This system also provides the flexibility to adapt to different growing seasons, ensuring that popular product combinations are available year-round.

Spence’s comments reflect the pride and dedication that drive Fresh Prep’s success.

The company’s innovative spirit, inherited from its parent company Boskovich Farms, is evident in its product offerings and market presence.

Boskovich’s history of pioneering value-added products has paved the way for Fresh Prep to expand its capabilities and introduce new, exciting products.

The involvement of renowned chef Andrew Hunter in developing the Fair Earth product line showcases Fresh Prep’s use of external expertise to exceed consumer expectations for taste and quality.

Fresh Prep exemplifies the innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction that have defined Boskovich Inc. for over a century, positioning it well to meet the evolving needs of consumers and the marketplace.