Awe Sum Organics: Deep Roots in Organic History

Awe Sum Organics, the largest importer of organic apples and kiwifruit in North America, has deep roots in the history of organic and has grown to be one of the leaders of international organic trade in the country.  

Founded in 1985 by President David Posner, Awe Sum has been instrumental in establishing trade between growers in the Southern Hemisphere and the organic produce market in North America.

Working with New Zealand’s largest organic apple producer, Bostsock New Zealand, the company also has strong relationships with organic apple growers in Chile and Argentina, which has resulted in significant growth over the past five years.

Awe Sum Organic Golden Delicious variety grown in Chile

“Rather than looking at ‘organic’ as a category, for us it’s just what we do and have always done. Growth in this area is a natural extension of consumer consciousness overall, which has been vital to our growth as a company”, says Matt Landi, General Manager at Awe Sum. “Growth of apples specifically is also driven by the growing diversity of flavor. This goes beyond club varieties since every eater starts at different level. If all you’ve eaten is Red Delicious, varieties like Fuji, Cripps Pink, Gala and Braeburn can provide a new experience. The plethora of new varieties available now just expands on that.”

Awe Sum also strives to make a difference in the lives of those who grow and pack their fruit. Fair for Life certified apples are available in most of varieties. This certification helps growers and their communities benefit from fair wages, good working conditions and funding for education, healthcare and wellness programs.

Additionally, the company’s year round offering of organic kiwifruit spans numerous countries. Italian and California kiwifruit fill supply gaps, while tapping into the world’s largest marketer of kiwifruit, ZESPRI, during North American summer months, provides for year round distribution.   Organic green Kiwifruit and gold Kiwifruit from New Zealand are tested throughout the growing season and only when the Brix and dry matter levels reach the ZESPRI® spec does the grower have clearance to harvest their kiwifruit. Awe Sum Organics utilizes the ZESPRI® specs with all their Italian and California growers as well.

Awe Sum Organic Fuji variety grown in Chile, Argentina and New Zealand. 

One of the largest importers of organic pears and blueberries, Awe Sum also supplies organic grapes to North America in the winter months. They partner with Sol Sol, a farm on the outskirts of the village of Sol Sol just outside Piura, a fertile region of northwest Peru, nestled under the majestic Andean mountains. The grapes are Fair for Life certified which affords funding for village electrification, wells and water lines, education and health centers.

Posner and his leadership team make frequent visits to all the fields, orchards, processing and packing facilities, providing expertise for steps during the organic growing process.

Through Fair for Life, Awe Sum Organics growers and their communities benefit from fair wages, good working conditions, funding for education and health care and wellness programs.

“Without growers working in harmony with the land and Mother Nature, we don’t have food - it’s really that simple; they are the literal origin of human sustenance,” said Landi. “With our growers in particular, David has worked tirelessly for over three decades to cultivate mutually beneficial relationships that provide long lasting livelihood for all involved. This remains at the core of what we do in 2018. If we don’t add value for the grower, we aren’t doing our job.”  

Looking ahead, Awe Sum is expanding their focus to new and different opportunities that provide organic products to consumers in categories where there may not currently be many options available. Similar to the importance of the organic agriculture movement which began over 30 years ago, Awe Sum believes there is now a similar need to focus on human health and wellness from a holistic standpoint. 

The future is awesome for organic, and Awe Sum Organics is dedicated to creating a future with a commitment to sustainability to ensure the health of their customers, employees, partners, and the planet, Landi said.