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Home , Peach

OUR DISTRIBUTION

Richter & Company, Inc. distributes produce from its family of farms’ growing regions to virtually all parts of the , as well as into Canada and Mexico. GROWING REGIONS

1 Clanton,

2 Lee,

3 Lake Park,

4 Vidalia, Georgia

5 Kline,

6 Monetta, South Carolina

7 McBee, South Carolina

8 Martinsburg, West

9 Hartford,

CANADA

9

8 UNITED STATES

7 6 1 5

4 3 MEXICO 2 OUR FARM PROFILES The finest come from the finest labels in the South.

MCLEOD FARMS Although Georgia calls itself “The State,” South Carolina is actually the leader in peach production in the Southeast, followed by Georgia and Virginia. Since 1916, McLeod Farms has grown peaches in the sandy, loam soil surrounding the small town of McBee, South Carolina. Fourth-generation owner Kemp McLeod and his son, Spencer, grow peaches on land that has been in his family for a century. The nearly 30 varieties they grow include the Cary Mac variety, developed exclusively by McLeod Farms and named for Kemp McLeod’s grandfather. Voted the South Carolina Farm of the Year in 2011, McLeod Farms has a national reputation for being one of the top-notch farms in the United States. They utilize a variety of high-tech equipment, including a modern drip irrigation system and high-speed wind machines. These wind machines work with nature to pull warmer air from the upper atmosphere down into the to raise ground level temperatures and save crops from devastating cold and frost damage. In spring and early summer, hail prevention equipment crushes hail by generating high-frequency sound waves to protect from potential damage. Although peaches are their number one crop, McLeod Farms also grows strawberries and blackberries in the spring, which have become very sizable crops. Kemp McLeod’s hands-on, meticulous approach throughout every step of the growing and packing processes makes the Mac’s Pride-labeled peaches one of the most flavorable, juiciest peaches in the world.

COTTON HOPE Cotton Hope sits comfortably on “the Ridge,” near the small town of Monetta. It sounds like a landmark, but the Ridge is a slice of heaven on earth, known for the peaches that grow there in juicy abundance. It’s South Carolina’s most famous peach growing region, and it’s one of the most popular sources of the fruit worldwide. Peaches are said to just be sweeter here. Cotton Hope’s owners, cousins Tristan and Clark DuBose, have farmed peaches since they were kids. They can get peaches from to table in two days or less — almost as fresh as picking and eating them in the orchard. The cousins know the secret to growing a peach that requires a napkin to catch the juice that drips from chin to elbow. Cotton Hope officially opened in 2005, but the family partnership is decades strong — the DuBose family has grown peaches in Monetta and neighboring Ridge Spring for 75 years. Tristan and Clark were born into farm families, their fathers grew peaches, the cousins worked the , fertilized, plowed, picked by hand and did whatever was required. After graduating together from Clemson University, both DuBoses continued to work with their fathers. Eventually they found independence of their own but stayed within the family tradition. Clark DuBose continued with peaches and was the original owner of Titan Farms before selling it in 2002. Meanwhile, Tristan and his sons developed a loyal following from folks who appreciate the taste of a sweet Carolina peach. In 2005 the cousins decided to invest heavily in a new packing shed to better process and ship their peaches. Since then, they have become one of South Carolina’s top peach producers. Together, they grow 35 varieties each year, most of which are sold commercially. OUR FARM PROFILES The finest peaches come from the finest labels in the South.

JIMMY DURBIN FARMS The Durbin family has been growing peaches since 1940 when Jimmy Durbin’s father started farming with two mules and hand labor. The Durbin family has built their reputation on a work-hard ethic, strong religious convictions, and honest relationships. Today, Jimmy Durbin Farms, located in Clanton, Alabama, consist of more than 600 acres of peaches. In 2014, the farm updated to a new packing line that has increased the packing efficiencies of the farms’ overall operation. In addition to peaches, the farms also grows other local crops, such as strawberries, tomatoes and bell peppers. Jimmy Durbin Farms’ “SUNSHINE BRAND – CHILTON COUNTY PEACHES” – are well known and much sought after for their flavorable, chin-drippin’ peaches. In today’s modern world, Jimmy Durbin Farms still picks peaches one fruit at a time by hand, harvested only after they have reached full maturity. Jimmy Durbin often proudly remarks, “When we say tree ripe, we mean it. We want our customers to experience juice running off their chins when they eat one of our peaches. After all, there’s still a little bit of a kid in all of us!”

ORR FAMILY FARM During the Depression days of the mid-1930s, George S. Orr, Jr. helped his grandfather by working on his small fruit and farm. That small farm was located in the fertile area just west of Martinsburg, , on the east side of North Mountain around Arden. As a young man, George, Jr. joined the U.S. Navy and travelled to where he met his wife, Juanita. With fruit-growing in his blood, George returned to West Virginia in 1954, purchased a 60-acre orchard, and began a lifetime of growing fruit. With help from his family, he increased the size of his orchard to 350 acres by 1979. When George S. Orr, Jr. passed away in 1989 at the age of 62, he left a legacy of determination, innovation and competition. His business was bequeathed to Juanita and their three sons, Mike, Mark and G.W. At that time, the corporation of George S. Orr & Sons, Inc. owned 1,100 acres, producing 500,000 bushels of fruit annually under the brands of “MY THREE SONS” and “LORING HILL PEACHES.” In 1995, the family opened Orr’s Farm Market, a retail market that served the local community. Over the years since, the Orr family has diversified into specialty crops, a pick- your-own operation, and agritourism events and activities. Today, George Orr’s children and grandchildren are continuing the agricultural path that he paved for them. Pristine orchards are tended to by George’s son, Mark Orr. A state-of- the-art packing facility is managed by the eldest son, Mike Orr. Together they oversee every aspect of the growing and packing process, offering the finest West Virginia peaches that are known for being the most flavorable and juiciest peaches around. OUR FARM PROFILES The finest peaches come from the finest labels in the South.

CHAPPELL FARMS Located on the verdant Coastal Plains, Chappell Farms is the southernmost peach farm in South Carolina. Because of their unique location they are able to produce excellent early varieties. Mid-May is the general start date, but they have, at times, started at the end of April. The Chappells are fifth generation peach growers. Pat and Phyllis Chappell came to Kline, SC, from Candor, NC, in 1950, and planted 100 acres of peaches. Mr. Chappell’s grandfather, James, started growing peaches in the early 1900s in Candor. At present, Chappell Farms produces approximately 1,000 acres of peaches with an emphasis on early varieties. Sons Bud and Tommy, as well as daughter Lynne, and daughter-in-law Sonia work cohesively as a team. Bud’s sons, Joseph and Patrick are also active on the farm. Dedication to quality, sustainability, and the love of farming has established “Pat’s Pride” as the early high-quality peach brand. At Chappell Farms, every family member understands their responsibilities — it’s a “do whatever it takes” approach. Tommy oversees the picking of peaches at their prime time. Bud is in charge of the mechanics of operating the packing facility. Lynne is in charge of quality control and also coordinates with Richter & Co., Inc. to make sure orders go out on time and correctly. Sonia is in charge of local sales. Any and all of them can be found on the grading line every day. Patrick and Joseph are involved in the more than 4,000 acres of corn, wheat, soybeans, and peanuts that the farm also produces on an annual basis. Mr. Pat, the patriarch, shows up each morning at sunrise. At the tender age of 88, he still “farms to live and lives to farm.” Mrs. Phyllis retired at 83, but still shows up with Sunday lunch for the family. They love what they do, and it shows in quality, flavor, and customer appreciation. OUR FARM PROFILES

We will strive every day to make the world a better place for the next GENERATION.

GENERATION FARMS Cottonwood Agriculture acquired Coggins Farms in late 2013, and then acquired Stanley Farms in mid-2014. The farming locations are located in Lee, Florida, Lake Park, Georgia, and Vidalia, Georgia. This acquisition has resulted in the merging of two centers of excellence into one premier company. The Cottonwood team is positioning the new company as a catalyst for industry change, while elevating food quality, food safety and sustainability to best-in-class. Generation Farms is the largest grower, processor, packer, and shipper of carrots and sweet onions on the East Coast. Other items that are grown include sweet potatoes, green beans and bell peppers. In addition to , Generation Farms also grows premium , such as berries and watermelons. Generation Farms is committed to supporting the states in which it grows and their respective agricultural missions, while promoting the states as centers for innovation and Generation Farms is productivity. This commitment includes positioning the regions in which they grow to the industry leader and become better alternatives to West Coast supplies, while striving to be best-in-class across largest organic grower on all of its operations. Generation Farms is committed to protecting their regions’ resources the East Coast marketing its organic products under through innovative sustainability measures while elevating their images as leading centers its “Deep Roots” label. for food production.

Families growing together for a brighter future. OUR FOOD SAFETY COMMITMENT

Richter & Company, Inc. is committed to supplying only safe quality fruits and vegetables. From our fields and orchards to the box, our products are grown, packed and shipped to exacting standards. Our farms control every aspect of our operation to assure only the freshest, safest, and best quality produce are used in our packing process. We are proud that all of our farms use Good Agriculture Practices (GAP), Good Handeling Practices (GHP), and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to insure our products are grown, harvested and packed in the safest possible conditions. In each of our packing facilities, we have extensive cleaning and sanitation programs to ensure food safety. We closely monitor every area of the packing shed that comes in contact with our fresh fruits and vegetables. The facilities and equipment are thoroughly cleaned after each operation to ensure there is no contamination of any kind. We have intensive training programs at each farm to ensure each employee is trained in the proceedure of how to properly clean and care for each part of the machines and the facility. The actions of our employees are regulated to ensure against cross-contamination of any kind, just as any food company does. In addition, we utilize state-of-the-art technology and software to ensure a first-class recall protocol. We can trace our product back from the neighborhood grocery store to the field in which it was picked. OUR RICHTER FAMILY STORY

Richter & Company, Inc. origins date from 1926, when the company evolved from the energy and vision of its founder, Moses Richter, an immigrant from the Ukraine. Moses came to America alone at the age of 13 in 1913, walking by himself from the Ukraine to to catch a ship bound to the United States. He settled in the small town of Mt. Gilead in the Uhwarrie Mountains of , which was near the Sandhills peach growing region of the Carolinas. Upon reaching manhood, Moses opened a general merchandise store in Mt. Gilead. Business was often slow in the summer, so Moses would load up his merchandise and go out to peddle to the farm families of the region. As the relationships with the farmers grew, they would discuss how they were not getting a fair price on the peaches they were loading on trains and sending to the Northern markets. Moses volunteered to go North to look after their interests, if they wished. Many of them agreed, so he boarded a train to City with determination, but no money. He slept on park benches and worked the Street market. One merchant, the firm of Leef Brandt, took a liking to Moses and gave him a Deeply desk where he could work, and a cot in the back where he could sleep. Moses and his family never forgot this kindness, and continued to do business with Leef Brandt rooted in the for over 70 years until they were bought by another company. Through Moses’ Southern hard work, enthusiasm and keen marketing ability, the company grew to represent peach growers all over the South and East and sold to a variety of customers peach throughout the United States and Canada. Moses earned the title of “Peach King” for his dedication and style of marketing Southern peaches. industry Moses’ son, Bernard, joined his father in business after serving in the U.S. Navy since 1926. during World War II. Bernard, with a very bright business mind, took over leadership of the company from the 1960s to the ’80s, and transitioned the company from the traditional method of distribution through wholesale markets into direct marketing to grocery chain stores. He laid the foundation for many of the long-term grocery

Richter Produce chain store relationships the company and industry enjoys today. In the 1970s, Bernard was joined in the business by his sons, Benjie and Lloyd Richter. Benjie and Lloyd assumed leadership of the company in the 1980s, and have expanded the reach, volume and expertise of Richter & Company. In recent years, Richter & Company has evolved and realigned the farms that they are partnered with to excel in today’s market place. Today, Richter & Company is proud to offer only the finest labels in the South, featuring the safest, freshest produce. Our business is built on industry-leading customer service. Our vision for the future is based on continued growth, diversification in an ever-changing marketplace, and continued industry-leading personal customer service to our customer base. COME GROW WITH US

PEACHES ONIONS BELL PEPPERS

GREEN BEANS STRAWBERRIES BLACKBERRIES

SWEET POTATOES WATERMELONS TOMATOES

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC PEACHES ONIONS – Florida ONIONS – Vidalia ONIONS – Imported BELL PEPPERS GREEN BEANS STRAWBERRIES BLACKBERRIES SWEET POTATOES WATERMELONS TOMATOES