Ark Foods Expands Organic Pepper Program Following Successful Florida Trial; Noah Robbins and Ed Mestre Comment
IMMOKALEE, FL - Ark Foods is growing its organic program after a successful trial in Florida last fall, marking a new step forward for the specialty produce company as it builds out a broader organic offering for retail and foodservice customers.
Known for its focus on distinctive, high-flavor vegetables and specialty peppers, Ark Foods began testing organic production in Florida to evaluate quality, consistency, and customer interest. The trial performed strongly, giving the company confidence to expand the program this summer with additional SKUs and new growing locations.
“Our trial in Florida gave us exactly what we needed: strong quality and grower execution, along with a clear signal that there is room to grow,” said Noah Robbins, Chief Executive Officer and visionary behind Ark Foods, in the recent release. “Organic is a natural extension of what Ark Foods already does well. We specialize in vegetables with flavor, color, and personality, and we see a real opportunity to bring that same energy to the organic category.”
The company’s organic expansion will include a broader lineup of specialty pepper SKUs, with plans to continue scaling production across multiple regions. The goal is to build a more reliable, year-round organic program that gives buyers greater flexibility and consistency.
For Ark Foods, the move into organics is not about simply adding another label. It is about applying the same product-first approach that has shaped the company’s business: standout varieties, strong flavor, and produce that helps retailers create more excitement in the department, especially in a category that is often unexplored.
“Retailers are looking for organic items that feel fresh, differentiated, and relevant to how people cook today,” said Ed Mestre, Chief Operating Officer of Ark Foods. “Specialty peppers check those boxes. They bring color, heat, sweetness, versatility, and a lot of visual impact. As we expand our organic program, we want to give buyers more options that feel both practical and inspiring.”
Ark Foods will showcase its growing organic program as a first-time exhibitor at the Organic Produce Summit in July, at Booth #1002. The company plans to use the event to connect with retail and foodservice partners, share learnings from its Florida trial, and introduce buyers to the next phase of its organic pipeline.
To learn more, visit www.arkfoods.com or contact [email protected].