Top Brass Marketing all about table grapes and organic potatoes

Known for premium potatoes and table grapes cultivated from the California heartland, Top Brass Marketing is excited about its summer season of crops. "Our California central valley grape season kicked off in July and we are really excited about this year," said Brett Dixon, president of Bakersfield, CA-based Top Brass.

With table grapes being a summer staple for produce departments, Dixon noted an enthusiasm and energy from retailers. "We are hearing from our retail partners that they are looking forward to our California season," he said.

Top Brass will open its table grape season with Red Flames and its novelty black seedless Sweet Bonds, followed by Sugraones, and the candy varieties: Candy Crunch, Candy Drops and Candy Snaps. "We are planning on a strong season across all of our green, red, and black varieties," said Dixon.

Top Brass offers a full portfolio of top-grade, tri-color table grapes running the length of the California season, available now and into November.

As a fourth-generation family farm, Top Brass grows other commodities besides table grapes, including wine grapes, pistachios and almonds, but is popularly known for its manifold of organic potatoes.

Regarding the California spud season, Dixon said, "our potato season at Top Brass has been very good, while supply was tight very early in the season (May), that has improved as the season has progressed.

"We have excellent quality and availability of organic potatoes — the central valley weather has been typical and has resulted in excellent quality and quantity," Dixon continued. "Our retail partners have given us great feedback on our quality. We really focus on the quality of our potatoes and our commitment shows in every box that we grow and ship."

Top Brass grows and sells organic red, gold and yellow, and Russet. "Our organic red, gold, and yellow potatoes started at the beginning of May and will run through approximately the end of July, followed by our strong russet program which kicked off in June and will run through the mid-August," said Dixon.

Dixon was candid concerning the myriad of challenges facing this year's produce industry. "All markets are feeling unprecedented cost pressures this year and potatoes are no exception, we anticipate the same with the upcoming grape season," he said.

Increased transportation costs coupled with logistical complexities are creating challenges for everyone from growers to distributors to retailers. "We have to work closely with our partners to ensure that they are getting the highest quality produce available at a fair and reasonable cost," said Dixon.

In facing whatever challenge the season may hold, Dixon noted it all comes down to communication and trust. "Communication between Top Brass and our retail customers is key to mutual success. This has been a strength of our salespeople and it is even more important these days with all of the cost pressures and logistical challenges in the marketplace," he said.

Top Brass Marketing is confident in its people and premium-grade produce, moreover they are committed to helping retailers navigate what's sure to be a strong summer season of potatoes and table grapes.