Company highlights sustainability, partnerships with college athletics, and community-focused programs for the upcoming season.
Shuman Farms is gearing up to participate in this year’s Southern Innovations. This key industry event allows the company to showcase its premium sweet onions and introduce upcoming fall promotions according to a recent conversation with The Produce News.
The Georgia-based farming operation, led by President and CEO John Shuman, aims to strengthen relationships with retail partners and discuss its commitment to increasing produce consumption and driving incremental sales in the produce department. Shuman Farms will be present at booth No. 301.
At the forefront of the company’s presence at Southern Innovations is its dedication to sustainability, produce quality, and innovative marketing initiatives. According to John Shuman, the event is an opportunity to connect with retail partners and explore new business avenues while also emphasizing the company’s broader mission of supporting the Southeastern U.S. produce industry and contributing to the region’s economic vitality.
Shuman Farms is not attending Southern Innovations alone. Its sister company, Healthy Family Project, will also be at the event to promote its initiatives for the fall season. Healthy Family Project focuses on encouraging the consumption of fresh produce, particularly through its back-to-school campaign. This program promotes nutritious lunchbox ideas and after-school snacks to help parents incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their children’s diets.
As part of its broader mission, Healthy Family Project will also be promoting the Mission for Nutrition program, which provides valuable content to retail dietitians and K-12 nutrition professionals who play a critical role in educating young people about healthy eating habits.
In addition to its efforts to promote healthy eating, Shuman Farms is aligning itself with college athletics to expand its brand presence. This fall, the company’s sweet onions from Peru will be featured as the official sweet onion of tailgating. The partnership with the University of Georgia and Georgia Southern University will see Shuman Farms’ premium onions integrated into tailgating recipes, stadium promotions, and other fan engagement activities, enhancing the overall game-day experience for football fans. The initiative strengthens Shuman Farms’ visibility among a dedicated fan base, further establishing its leadership in the sweet onion market.
John Shuman emphasized that these partnerships not only bolster brand awareness but also reflect the company’s commitment to local institutions and community engagement. “By aligning with UGA and GSU, Shuman Farms demonstrates our commitment to supporting local institutions, building community ties, and celebrating the spirit of college athletics in Georgia,” he said. Shuman Farms looks forward to engaging with college football fans through a variety of promotions throughout the season.
This season also marks a transition for Shuman Farms as it shifts from its successful Vidalia onion season to the Peruvian sweet onion program. The company expects to begin shipping its premium sweet onions from Peru by mid-September, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality onions for its customers. As John Shuman noted, the transition from Vidalia to Peruvian onions is seamless, with a strong emphasis on maintaining the same level of quality and consistency that Shuman Farms is known for.
As the holiday season approaches, Shuman Farms will continue its annual Feeding America bag promotion, a program that allows retail partners to support both a meaningful cause and their sales. The initiative is expected to provide 100,000 meals to families in need during November and December, aligning with the company’s ongoing commitment to community outreach and social responsibility.
