Current Local Growers and Producers working with BIX
Anderson’s Maple Syrup Cumberland, WI
Axdahl Garden Farm and Greenhouse Stillwater, MN
BelGioioso Cheese Green Bay, WI
Bushel Boy Owatonna, MN
Catallia Mexican Foods Eagan, MN
Caves of Faribault Faribault, MN
Cedar Valley Cheese Belgium, WI
Costa Farm and Greenhouse White Bear Lake, MN
Donnay Dairy Kimball, MN
Ed Fields & Sons Anoka, MN
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery Ellsworth, WI
Forest Mushrooms St. Joseph, MN
Future Farm Grown Baldwin, WI
InHarvest/Riviana Bemidji, MN
Jack and the Green Sprouts River Falls, WI
Jimmy’s Dressing Stewartville, MN
Marieke Gouda Thorp, WI
Plump Chef Bloomington, MN
Revol Greens Medford, MN
Riverside Farms Elk River MN
River Valley Sprouts Houston, MN
Salemville Cambria, WI
Sparboe Farms Litchfield, MN
Stickney Hill Dairy Farms Cold Spring, MN
Svihel Vegetable Farms Foley, MN
Swany White Flour Mill Freeport, MN
Venus Soups White Bear Lake, MN
Vine Valley Farms Stewart, MN
Honey Bear Brands Elgin, MN
Pleasant Valley Produce Woodville, WI
A & L Potato East Grand Forks, MN
Valley’s Own Bakehouse Rosemount, MN
Koehler & Dramm Minneapolis, MN
MinnTofu Spring Lake Park, MN
Kemps Dairy St. Paul, MN
R&R Cultivation Roseville, MN
Mrs. Gerry’s Albert Lea, MN
Olsen Fish Minneapolis, MN
Open Hands Farm Northfield, MN
Anderson’s Maple Syrup
Cumberland, WI
Specialty: Grade A Pure Maple Syrup
57 miles from BIX
Anderson’s Maple Syrup, Inc. has been a family run and organized business for over 80 years. Steve Anderson is the third generation Anderson to carry on the family tradition. Steve’s grandfather Paul Anderson started the business in the early 20’s as just a little hobby to put some syrup on the table.
When Norman Anderson, Steve’s father was old enough to help out, he and Paul started to make the business grow. In the late 50’s they decided there was greater opportunity to be had in the maple syrup business than in farming.
They took a giant step, sold their dairy cattle and jumped head first into the maple syrup business. Anderson’s Maple Syrup is currently one of the leading brands sold in the Midwest.
Strict quality control is practiced every day at Anderson’s Maple Syrup, Inc. Either Steve or Fred, an employee of over 30 years, check every batch of syrup to make sure it is nothing less than perfect before it leaves the packaging room.
Anderson’s is also long standing members of the Wisconsin and Minnesota Maple Syrup Producers Associations and of the International Maple Syrup Institute. These are organizations that help promote and protect the maple syrup industry and its integrity.
You can learn more by visiting andersonsmaplesyrup.com.
Axdahl’s Garden Farm and Greenhouse
Stillwater, MN
Specialty: Green Beans, Corn, Pumpkins, Hard Squash, Tomatoes
19 miles from BIX
Known for their sweet corn, green beans, and pumpkins, Axdahl’s is family owned and operated out of the fertile St. Croix Valley in Stillwater, Minnesota. Axdahl’s Garden Farm and Greenhouse is proud to be licensed by Minnesota Grown and certified by Food Alliance Midwest.
“Axdahl’s grows the best sweet corn I’ve ever eaten, and I’ve eaten a lot of great corn. You could call me a corn connoisseur! I’d never buy fresh produce anywhere else but Axdahl’s Garden Farm,” says Nancy Bartie, loyal customer of Axdahl’s. Axdahl’s Garden and Greenhouse is owned and operated by Brian and Leslie Axdahl.
“We have lots of great employees from the area during our busy harvest season,” says Leslie. “Stop by for a visit, and you may well see one of your neighbors working with us out in the field or at our garden farm and greenhouse.”
You can learn more by visiting axdahlfarms.com.
BelGioioso Cheese Inc.
Green Bay, WI
Specialty: Mozzarella, Ovolini, Ciliegine, Perlini, Curds Gorgonzola, Mascarpone, Grated Pecorino Romano
258 miles from BIX
“Classic Italian Cheese made in the U.S.A.” Located in Green Bay, Wisconsin, BelGioioso Cheese has been specializing in all-natural, award-winning Italian cheeses for over 20 years. The Wisconsin based company consists of five state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities located in the areas surrounding Denmark and Pulaski, Wisconsin.
Each plant specializes in a specific cheese that is produced daily by the same cheese makers. All BelGioioso cheeses are crafted using only the freshest Wisconsin cow’s milk. The cheeses are manufactured, aged, finished, packaged and shipped solely from their facilities, giving us full quality control of the products from start to finish.
BelGioioso cheeses are all natural and crafted from rBST free milk. Vegetarian, gluten free, and kosher certified products are also available.
You can learn more by visiting belgioioso.com.
Bushel Boy
Owatonna, MN
Specialty: Tomatoes
63 miles from BIX
Bushel Boy Farms was founded in Owatonna, Minnesota in 1990 with a simple desire to grow fresh, vine-ripened tomatoes year-round. Yes, even in the middle of January.
Bushel Boy finds real satisfaction in eating locally-grown vegetables rather than food that has been trucked in from Mexico or Canada. There’s a huge difference between eating a tomato right off the vine versus one that was picked green, crated up and shipped thousands of miles.
Their expert team has created the perfect growing environment combining the latest in greenhouse design and technology with the hands-on TLC it takes to produce the sweetest, juiciest tomatoes. Bushel Boy tomatoes are always picked ripe on the vine, carefully packed and trucked directly to stores for maximum freshness and flavor. They hope you enjoy the fruit of their labor as much as they do.
You can learn more by visiting bushelboy.com.
Produce Company
3060 Centerville Road, Little Canada MN 55117
651-487-8000 • bixproduce.com
Catallia Mexican Foods
Eagan, MN
Specialty: Flour Tortillas, Corn Tortillas, Pre-Cut Tortilla Chips 12 miles from BIX
Founded in 2005, Catallia is built on the heritage and values of its founder, Cathy Cruz Gooch, a third-generation Mexican American whose grandparents immigrated to the United States in the early 1900s.
They take pride in delivering soft, tender tortillas made with authentic recipes, top ingredients and the same care that Mexican families have put into their tortillas for generations.
Sharing their cultural traditions, Hispanic food expertise, and 25 years of tortilla manufacturing experience, Catallia works hand in hand with their customers to deliver authentic products and innovative solutions to meet today’s market needs.
You can learn more by visiting catallia.com.
Caves of Faribault
Faribault, MN
Specialty: AmaBlu Blue Cheese Crumbled & Wheels, Fini Sharp Cheddar, AmaBlu Gorgonzola, Blues & Brews Variety Blue Cheese 55 miles from BIX
Faribault, Minnesota is on nearly the same line of latitude as Roquefort, France. The atmosphere within the caves is ideal for the curing and aging of blue cheese.
In December 1936, Mr. Felix Frederiksen purchased the caves and set up shop for the first blue cheese to be made in the United States. He named his company Treasure Cave, Inc.
Today, Caves of Faribault is the only U.S. cheese maker still curing and aging blue cheese exclusively in caves. This traditional process allows the AmaBlu Blue, Gorgonzola and St. Pete’s Select blue cheeses to distinguish themselves with a complex, complicated yet delight-fully intimate flavor. The caves allow them to work in tandem with nature to create truly legendary cheeses.
You can learn more by visiting cavesoffaribault.com.
BIX® Produce Company
3060 Centerville Road, Little Canada MN 55117
651-487-8000 • bixproduce.com
Cedar Valley Cheese
Belgium, WI
Specialty: Cheese
274 miles from BIX
The Cedar Valley Cheese Factory was founded in 1947. As a part of many expansions, the Cedar Valley Cheese Store opened in May of 2006 with 2000 square feet of space.
The store is jointly owned by Tracy Hiller and Sue Okray. It was decided early on that cheese was going to be the primary focus and is front and center when customers walk in the door.
This led to finding over 300 different cheese choices a customer can find to buy. The most popular cheese for purchase is the Factory Fresh String Cheese, which is made daily at the attached factory.
Many customers are amazed at how fresh and stringy this cheese really is; a huge difference than what is purchased in a grocery store. It is a true Wisconsin favorite!
In May of 2010 a new addition doubled the store size, including more coolers, storage and a prep room. There was also booth seating added for anyone wishing to relax and have some ice cream.
In November 2010, the store obtained a license to sell wine on the premises. Many Wisconsin wines are featured. Every Saturday there is wine and cheese tasting all day long.
You can learn more by visiting cedarvalleycheesestore.com.
Costa Farm and Greenhouse
White Bear Lake, MN
Specialty: Sweet Corn, Bell Peppers, Poblano Pepper, Jalapeño Peppers, Eggplant, Green Beans, Tomatoes, Kale, Cucumbers
11 miles from BIX
Peter Costa Sr. established Costa Farm around 1925 in Little Canada. Since then the farm has become a third generation farm recognized for growing high quality fresh produce.
On 80 acres in Mahtomedi you will find melons, green beans, new potatoes, cucumbers, the “sweetest” corn, bell peppers, eggplant and tomatoes.
Along with 8 green houses that grow bedding plants, perennials, hanging baskets and herbs, “Generations of experience is the key to our successful crops.”
You can learn more by visiting costaproducefarm.com
Donnay Dairy
Kimball, MN
Specialty: Chevre Cheese
66 miles from BIX
Donnay Dairy was started with the simple concept of creating a high quality, farmstead, artisan goat cheese they can deliver fresh directly to executive chefs and restaurant owners.
The heritage of their farm began years ago with their great-grandparents, Matt and Catherine Donnay. Their family is the fourth generation to farm these lands since the early 1900s. They strive to keep a strong tradition of family farming and the value of hard work alive.
Donnay’s Dairy consists of a small herd of Saanan dairy goats nestled in the hills of Stearns County, Minnesota. They believe healthy goats are the key to high quality cheese. No hormones are used on their farm.
Donnay Dairy prides themselves in using traditional methods to ensure the highest standards for every batch of cheese produced. They always maintain the highest quality control to ensure freshness and consistency vat after vat.
They invite you to explore their award-winning Chevre and the excitement of their family farm. Their dedication to producing handcrafted farmstead goat cheese, with an unprecedented flavor, will surely tantalize your taste buds.
You can learn more by following them on Facebook.
Ed Fields & Sons
Anoka, MN
Specialty: Carrots, Hard Squash, Radishes, Parsnips
22 miles from BIX
Ed Fields and Sons has been family owned and operated since the 1940’s. They are in their third generation and counting.
Ed Fields and Sons proudly grow and pack fresh vegetables including: radishes, carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and green onions.
You can learn more by visiting them on Facebook
3060 Centerville Road, Little Canada MN 55117
651-487-8000 • bixproduce.com
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery
Ellsworth, WI
Specialty: Cheese
44 miles from BIX
Ellsworth Dairy Cooperative is based in the Heart of Wisconsin’s Dairyland in the town of Ellsworth, Wisconsin, and was proclaimed the “Cheese Curd Capital of Wisconsin“ by Governor Anthony S. Earl in 1984.
Today they produce about 160,000 pounds of 100% all natural premium cheddar cheese curds each day. Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery accepts only farmer certified rBST free milk!
In June of 2011 the Ellsworth Cooperative bought Blaser’s Premium Cheeses, located in the small town of Comstock in northwestern Wisconsin.
The Comstock Creamery manufactures naturally flavored cheeses under the Blaser’s, Antonella, Ellsworth Valley rBST-free cheese, Kammerude, and Golden Age labels.
What was known as Blaser’s USA, Inc. started with a creamery, the Comstock Co-op, built on the site in 1901, accepting home-separated cream from area farmers and manufacturing butter from the sweet cream. In 1948 the company’s focus turned to cheese production.
You can learn more by visiting ellsworthcheese.com.
Forest Mushrooms
St. Joseph, MN
Specialty: Mushrooms, Fresh and Dried
76 miles from BIX
Forest mushroom locally owned and operated since 1985; distributes, researches and cultivates edible mushrooms. 90 miles Northwest of Minneapolis their production facility is nestled in the city of St. Joseph.
At this facility they cultivate different varieties of fresh mushrooms, such as Shiitake and Oyster mushrooms. With their own packaging facility you will come to expect the freshest fresh mushrooms delivered to the Twin Cities.
You can learn more by visiting forestmushrooms.com.
3060 Centerville Road, Little Canada MN 55117
651-487-8000 • bixproduce.com
Future Farm Grown
Baldwin, WI
Specialty: Hydro Bibb Lettuce 45 miles from BIX
“Sustainable”, “Green”, and “locally grown” are becoming household terms in our society today to signify a “growing’ revolution in regards to where our food comes from and how it is produced.
Future Farm Grown is dedicated to consistently delivering high quality greens into Minnesota and Wisconsin year round. Since 2010, Steve Meyer and his team have been producing aquaponically and hydroponically grown lettuce, herbs, and greens in their 27,000 square foot facility located in Baldwin, Wisconsin.
Their environmentally controlled facility allows them to maximize plant growth while conserving water so they can get the freshest and most nutritious produce possible. They take pride in their clean growing methods where they are certified in Good Agricultural Practice through the USDA, use only Non-GMO seeds and do not use any harmful pesticides in an effort to give their customers the cleanest possible produce.
Their farms are good for the earth, good for the plants and fish, and good for the people enjoying Future Farm Grown produce! Future Farm Grown takes their responsibility to preserve the environment seriously, and they are proud to supply the best quality foods to the local area all year round.
You can learn more by visiting futurefarmgrown.com
InHarvest/Riviana
Bemidji, MN
Specialty: Rice, Rice Blends, Grains and Legumes 190 miles from BIX
From their humble beginnings, InHarvest has steadily grown to be the country’s premier provider of rice and rice blends, exotic grains, and legumes to many of the industry’s top creative chefs and restaurants.
Located in Bemidji, Minnesota, in prime Wild Rice country, the company’s original name, Indian Harvest, was a reference to the spirit and heritage involved in the harvest of the wild rice grain, the company’s primary focus in its early years.
You can learn more by visiting riviana.com/brand/inharvest/.
Jack and the Green Sprouts
River Falls, WI
Specialty: Alfalfa, Broccoli, Daikon, Clover, Crunchy Mix, Sunflower Sprouts and Wheat Grass. 30 miles from BIX
Located in River Falls Wisconsin, Jack and the Green Sprouts supply alfalfa, alfalfa/onion, broccoli, daikon, clover, Crunchy Mix, (green pea, adzuki, lentil and garbanzo beans), sunflower sprouts and wheat grass.
You can learn more by visiting jackandthegreensprouts.com
Jimmy’s Dressing
Stewartville, MN
Specialty: Coleslaw/Salad Dressing and Dips 83 miles from BIX
In 1990, Jimmy’s son Tom, purchased the salad dressing business and renamed it Jimmy’s Salad Dressing & Dips, as a tribute to his father and the creator of the original recipes.
Since its inception, Jimmy’s has always been committed to producing the highest quality dressings and dips.
Jimmy’s makes everything in small batches using only the highest quality, freshest, and best tasting ingredients possible with nothing artificial, no preservatives and zero trans fat.
This is why you will always find Jimmy’s in the produce section next to the fresh fruits and vegetables. Every person at Jimmy’s has the same passion and commitment to bring your family the very best products available.
You can learn more by visiting jimmysdressing.com.
Marieke Gouda
Thorp, WI
Specialty: Gouda Cheese
Woman owned business and nationally renowned cheeses from Thorp, Wisconsin. At Marieke® Gouda and the Penterman Farm, they take pride in modern family farming and handcrafting their award-winning Marieke® Gouda cheese. It’s their passion!
Marieke® Gouda is their signature cheese made with an authentic Old World Gouda recipe. The equipment, cultures, herbs and spices are all imported from Holland. The rBGH free cows milk from the Penterman Farm cows couldn’t be fresher being piped directly from the first milking of the day directly into the processing vat. All cheeses are made with the raw milk of their own cows at Penterman Farm. Then culture and rennet are added. Herbs are added to make different flavors (for example foenegrek, mustard, cumin, etc.). After this process the cheeses are being salt brined before they go into the aging room.
The curd is hand packed into 18 pound forms before going under the press. It is then brined for 60 hours. The wheels are then transferred to the special curing room and aged on Dutch pine planks which absorb the liquid as the cheese ages. For the first 14 days the cheese is turned (flipped over) daily to ensure that the butterfat is evenly distributed throughout the cheese.
You can learn more by visiting mariekegouda.com.
BIX® Produce Company
3060 Centerville Road, Little Canada MN 55117
651-487-8000 • bixproduce.com
Plump Chef
Bloomington, MN
Specialty: Seasonings
20 miles from BIX
Plump Chef, Peter Christenson originally created his very own mix of spices to be used in recipes served to his customers, friends, relatives (close and not-so-close), co-workers and even patrons requested “just a little in a baggie” to take home.
Today Plump Chef spices are sold in stores, boutiques, supermarkets, specialty meat shops and fine restaurants throughout the entire Midwest. Peter Christenson, is a Certified Executive Chef with extensive experience in creating menus with tantalizing results, managing all phases of food and beverage service, including larger multi-site operations as well as more intimate upscale private club settings.
Chef Christenson, educated in the classical style at the renowned C.I.A. in Hyde Park, New York; continues professional development at annual conferences and events to discover the latest culinary and management trends.
You can learn more by visiting plumpchef.com.
Revol Greens
Medford, MN
Specialty: Baby Leaf, Romaine, and Spring Mix Lettuces
68 miles from BIX
Founded in 2017, Revol Greens has quickly grown to the largest greenhouse lettuce producer in the U.S. With locations in Minnesota, California and Texas (coming 2022), Revol Greens harvests and delivers local lettuce and greens within 24 hours of harvest, resulting in the freshest taste and peak nutrition value. With an experienced growing team and state-of the-art greenhouses, Revol Greens is paving the way to a more sustainable future.
Revol grows their lettuce inside a secure and protected greenhouse keeping animals, pests, and contaminants out. They move through the greenhouse on water flumes to an automated harvest and packing process. From seed to packaging, no human hands touch their baby leaf lettuce and greens.
No pesticides or herbicides are ever used at Revol Greens. As a matter a fact, no chemicals whatsoever are sprayed on their lettuces and greens. Unlike “triple washed” outdoor grown salads, no chemical cleaning or chlorine is used in the packing process. Since they are grown indoors without the use of chemical sprays, there’s nothing to wash off. Revol want their greens to taste like greens, not a swimming pool.
You can learn more by visiting revolgreens.com.
BIX® Produce Company
3060 Centerville Road, Little Canada MN 55117
651-487-8000 • bixproduce.com
Riverside Farms
Elk River MN
Specialty: Cucumbers, Green/Red Cabbage, Corn, Hard Squash, Peppers, Pumpkins, Rhubarb, Zucchini
28 miles from BIX
Joe and David Nathe have operated Riverside Farms in Elk River since 1980. With the help of Joe’s son Eric and other family members, they farm 450 acres of sweet corn, cabbage, green peppers, summer and winter squash, and pumpkins.
They take pride in the extremely high quality of their products, labeling every box, “Quality that Counts.” Concern for future generations has prompted Joe and David to use environmentally friendly farming methods, including proper land stewardship.
You can learn more by following them on Facebook.
River Valley Sprouts
Houston, MN
Specialty: Bean Sprouts
116 miles from BIX
Founded in 1979, River Valley Sprouts is family owned and operated. The unbeatable quality offered by River Valley will get your attention!
Salemville
Cambria, WI
Specialty: Smokey Blue Cheese
254 miles from BIX
The Salemville brand’s award-winning blue-veined cheeses are sustainably produced by an Amish community in Cambria, WI.
Cows are hand-milked twice daily without the use of machines or electricity and milk is delivered to the factory in traditional 10-gallon milk cans. All Salemville cheeses are farmer-certified rBGH free, rich in calcium and contain no preservatives or chemical additives.
You can learn more by visiting salemville.com.
3060 Centerville Road, Little Canada MN 55117
651-487-8000 • bixproduce.com
Sparboe Farms
Litchfield, MN
Specialty: Shell Eggs Available in Medium to Super Jumbo Sizes, as well as Cage Free 24 miles from BIX
58 year heritage of quality and service, Sparboe Farms started as a day-old chick company and has grown over the last 58 years to become one of the top 10 egg companies in the United States. Robert Sparboe hatched the idea for the Sparboe Chick Company in 1954.
Feeding families has always been a part of Sparboe’s heritage and will continue to be an important part of what they do each day, caring for their hens and producing safe, wholesome and affordable eggs. In 2006 Sparboe became the first egg producer to become certified SQF (Safe Quality Food) 2000 Level.
You can learn more by visiting sparboe.com
Stickney Hill Dairy
Cold Spring, MN
Specialty: Fine Cheese
66 miles from BIX
Stickney Hill Dairy is a world leader in the development, marketing and sales of goat’s milk products for commercial, food service and retail market segments.
Easily, the most diverse goat milk products company in the US, Stickney Hill through its partnership with Midwest goat milk producers has evolved from a farmstead goat milk company to a world class international merchandiser and manufacturer of goat milk products.
You can learn more by visiting stickneydairy.com.
Svihel Vegetable Farm
Foley, MN
Specialty: Corn, Cucumbers, Green Cabbage, Hard Squash, Peppers, Pumpkins, Gourds 57 miles from BIX
On 180 acres the Svihels take pride in growing extra tender sweet corn and other varieties of fruits and vegetables. John’s characterized farming style and commitment to the environment has earned them the Food Alliance Certification.
John’s certification and efforts to grow his crops with minimal environmental impact has opened new markets for him to sell his products. John assures his customers his products are eco-friendly, as well as melt in your mouth tender.
You can learn more by visiting svihelvegetablefarm.com.
Swany White Flour Mills
Freeport, MN
Specialty: Unbleached White Flour, Rye, Whole Wheat, Buckwheat & Organic Flour
91 miles from BIX
Swany White Flour Mills is a central Minnesota based flour wholesaler and manufacturer dedicated to providing their customers with professional service and high quality flour products. Swany White Flour was established in the late 1800s.
The Thelen family has been operating Swany White Flour Mills for over 100 years, since they purchased the business in 1903. On December 27, 2011 the historic Swany White Flour Mill was destroyed by fire. The new Swany White Flour Mill was then constructed in 2012. Swany White Flour Mills is still located in the same place right off the popular Lake Wobegon trail in Freeport, Minnesota.
You can learn more by visiting swanywhiteflour.com.
Venus Soups
White Bear Lake, MN
Specialty: Soups
6 miles from BIX
White Bear Lake native Leslie Vadnais’ stellar soup selections were first introduced in 2006. Demand from happy customers was so great that Leslie found it impossible to keep up; less than a year after their debut, Venus Soups were pulled from the markets.
For many people this may have been the end of a sad story. Not so for Leslie. In the years that followed, the private caterer devoted herself to her growing business. She worked on new soup recipes, went to St. Thomas for business counseling and sought advice from colleagues, family, friends and clients.
While she is quick to point to the support she received from others, the chef is modest about her own efforts. In the end, Leslie succeeded because she never gave up. In 2013, seven years after her product was first available, she was able to solve the production problems that had plagued her years before.
All of Venus’ soups, many of which have an exciting ethnic twist, are vegetarian–something Leslie says happened quite by accident (an issue with chicken broth somewhat forced her to experiment without it). As a result, Venus Soups have intense flavor from actual ingredients like tomatoes, lemons, mushrooms, beans, dates, carrots, nuts and spices.
BIX® Produce Company
3060 Centerville Road, Little Canada MN 55117
651-487-8000 • bixproduce.com
Honey Bear Brands
Elgin, MN
Specialty: Apples, Apple Cider
72 miles from BIX
Honeybear Brands started life in the 1970s in Elgin Minnesota when their founder Robert “Doc” Wescott planted a small orchard and farmed it with his 13 children.
Today we’re still headquartered on that same plot of land, but with Doc’s son, Fred, at the helm, Honeybear Brands has grown into one of the leading developers, growers and suppliers of premium apple varieties across North America. Their growing operations span four states and include Canada as well as southern hemisphere growing in Chile, as we work year round to bring new varieties and customer favorites to their retail partners across North America.
You can learn more by visiting honeybearbrands.com
Vine Valley Farm
Stewart, MN
Specialty: Cabbage, Winter Squash, and Cucumbers
71 miles from BIX
Vine Valley Farms Inc. is a family-owned, third-generation farm that rests in west central Minnesota. In 1947, the farm established its roots in the rural area of Stewart as a traditional farm with a focus on livestock, grains, and other legumes.
Over the years, the company has diversified its production to a wide variety of vegetables, including zucchini, cucumbers, green beans, cabbage, peppers, onions, red beets, and winter squash. Corn and soybeans are other crops that are also raised, as they play an important role in crop rotation.
Today, the family-farm is owned and operated John & Wendy Tanata and their sons Josh, Adam, and Anthony. Each of their sons devote their time into their individual areas of expertise and areas of study in college: agronomy, horticulture, and marketing.
The family plays an active role in soil conservation and stewardship with the use of sustainable farming techniques such as annual crop rotation, cover crops, field cultivation, and integrated pest management. Even though the soil is a key success to their operation, mother nature is sometimes one of the biggest challenges they face when it comes to weather, moisture, and pests.
The Tanata’s focus their time in producing quality produce and delivering fresh product to the consumer. When supplying locally grown produce to its customers, freshness is achieved by practicing just-in-time inventory management and reducing transportation time, which is very important aspect when it comes to quality.
Today, Gems of the Valley is promoted on all of Vine Valley’s products. One of the most important elements when it comes to quality is implementing and practicing food safety procedures. Vine Valley Farms goes through annual inspections with USDA with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Handling Practices (GHP).
Pleasant Valley Produce
Woodville, WI
Specialty: Chard, Kohlrabi and Collard Greens
48 miles from BIX
Pleasant Valley Produce is a community of rural and urban planters working together to preserve a sustainable future of healthy food, a healthy environment, and the family farm way of life. Pleasant Valley is a Cooperative of experienced farmers, and one of the region’s largest distributors of local, certified-organic produce to grocery stores, co-ops, restaurants, and schools.
The farmers of Pleasant Valley have generations of experience saving rare heirloom seed varieties, rotating crops/using cover crops, planting/weeding by hand, and humanely raising animals on grass and sunshine. They are committed to living in harmony with the seasons and land and working collectively for the common good through being low waste and using no chemicals.
You can learn more by visiting pleasantvalleyproduce.net.
A & L Potato, Inc.
East Grand Forks, MN
Specialty: Red Potatoes
321 miles from BIX
A & L Potato Company, Inc., is located in East Grand Forks, MN. The current building was built in 2001 due to the flood of 1997 claiming the prior location along with the rest of the city. Since 1941 A & L Potato has been a strong ally to the farming community located in the Red River Valley.
A & L Potato was established by brothers, Albert and Lawrence Boushey with dreams of delivering the best quality Red Potatoes, while providing a competitive price point to satisfy customer’s needs. Albert and Lawrence were very active in the growth of their business from the growing practices, to the packaging procedures and then the processing of their own Potato sales. A priority discovered early on was the institution of effective management procedures on the farm and in the washing facility that still hold to this day.
A & L was experiencing professional successes, while struggling with partnership differences, eventually resulting in the 1956 split of Albert and Lawrence. Lawrence continued on with his entrepreneur methods and entered new business endeavors with his children. Albert continued on with A & L Potato and readily welcomed his two sons Thomas and Gerald to the family business. In 1974 Albert stepped aside and let his sons take over. A & L continued on with success until 1979 when Thomas and Gerald decided to part ways. Thomas took ownership of the wash plant and Gerald took over the farming portion of the company.
In 1982 A & L burnt to the ground. While facing difficult times Thomas embraced the entrance of his 3 sons Charles, Joe,and Randy. The boys played a critical role as they all drove semi, farmed, packed potatoes, sold potatoes, and just about anything else needed of them.
Soon after the boys took over the business. Chuck and Randy continued to run the washing and packaging facility in East Grand Forks, MN. Now, after several years on their own Chuck and Randy are welcoming the fourth generation in the business.
As of 2017 A & L Potato is entering back into farming with hopes of continuing growth in acres and production in years to come.
You can learn more by visiting aandlpotato.net.
Valley’s Own Bakehouse
Rosemount, MN
Specialty: Gluten Free Cookies, Muffins and Breads
26 miles from BIX
The Valley’s Own Bakehouse is a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen dedicated to hand-crafted, gluten-free goodness. In fact, their goal is to produce gluten-free baked goods that are so good everyone will want to eat them.
The commercial kitchen was built in Burnsville, MN to exclusively produce gluten-free product.
We bake daily in small batches, producing every product by hand. We care about what goes into their mix as much as we care about what comes out of the oven. Valley’s Own Bakehouse products are thoughtfully sourced with the following in mind: natural and non-GMO, organic when possible and trans fat free.
You can learn more by visiting valleysownbakehouse.coop.
Koehler & Dramm
Minneapolis, MN
Specialty: Bouquets/Arrangements and Plants
9 miles from BIX
Koehler and Dramm was founded in 1955 in a partnership by Leonard C. Koehler and Eugene R. Dramm. At the time, Koehler was a General Manager of a Chicago wholesale florist company and Dramm was President of Dramm Roses, Inc. They combined efforts to form a new wholesale floral company: Koehler and Dramm. Originally based in Chicago, Koehler and Dramm primarily sold fresh cut flowers to retail florists throughout Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Indiana, and Wisconsin.
From these roots, the company branched out to Minnesota, their current home and base of operations since 1976. The first building we occupied in Minneapolis was on Broadway Avenue. We moved to the present Hennepin Avenue location in 1990, with a total square footage of 40,000 square feet and 1,000 square feet solely dedicated to refrigeration. Their total warehouse area was expanded in 1994 to reach 65,000 square feet, including 10,000 square feet of refrigeration. Today, the total cooler capacity totals 14,000 square feet! This is more refrigeration than any other wholesale florist in the Upper Midwest. The remaining warehouse area is primarily dedicated to housing the largest selection of basic and novelty hardgoods in the Upper Midwest, and the home to the Plant Department, which carries over 200 varieties of green and blooming plants throughout the year, the Design Department, which specializes in premade bouquets and arrangements. K&D is also home to the Institute of Floristry (KDIOF), a licensed learning institution and certified AIFD pathway floral design school.
Over time, change also occurred in the ownership of Koehler and Dramm. The company remained in the Dramm family for many years beginning with Eugene, who handed the business down to his son, John, who in turn gave the company to his son, Rick. In 1998, Rick Dramm decided to sell the business to a national company, but it wasn’t long before employees of Koehler and Dramm bought it back in 2001. We are proud to say that it has been employee-owned ever since! Under the leadership of current president and CEO, Lee Spence, Koehler and Dramm employs over 100 people.
You can learn more by visiting koehlerdramm.com.
MinnTofu
Spring Lake Park, MN
Specialty: Sprouts and Tofu 11 miles from BIX
MinnTofu is a local Minnesota startup with a singular focus on producing wholesome and environmentally sustainable plant based foods, with locally farmed soybeans. MinnTofu was started by Yan Small, a licensed food safety instructor from St. Paul who currently teaches classes to food handlers and managers since 2011.
The lack of freshly made Tofu inspired Yan to fill the void for local consumers who want fresh Tofu in their diet. Yan as an Asian American woman is passionate about the health benefits of a plant-based foods. In 2018 Yan teamed up with Rafik Moore to make her dream of providing plant based foods a reality to share with others who are passionate about a healthy diet and lifestyle.
You can learn more by visiting minntofu.com.
Kemps Dairy
St. Paul, MN
Specialty: Dairy including Milk, Cheese, and Creams 7 miles from BIX
Kemps (legal name Kemps LLC) is an American dairy company located in St. Paul, Minnesota. It has been a subsidiary of Dairy Farmers of America since being purchased in 2011 from HP Hood LLC. Dairy Farmers of America is based in Kansas City, Missouri, but Kemps continues to be headquartered in St. Paul. Products provided by the company include milk, cottage cheese, half and half, egg nog, cream, juices, sour cream, chip dips, ice cream, yogurt and novelties. Most of these products are sold at grocery stores throughout the midwestern United States, but some are available in other parts of the country as well. Kemps currently operates five manufacturing facilities in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
You can learn more by visiting kemps.com
R&R Cultivation
Roseville, MN
Specialty: Lion’s Mane, Maitake, Chestnut and Sliced Mixed Mushrooms 9 miles from BIX
At R&R Cultivation, they believe that wholesome, fresh, nutritious Mushrooms should be accessible to everyone. They know that local growers, especially in urban areas, must lead the charge. When you buy their Mushrooms, you can be confident they are sustainably produced and cultivated with love.
Now more than ever, shopping locally is a critical way to support your community and bolster your local economy. Based in Roseville, Minnesota, R&R Cultivation is proud to sell their gourmet Mushrooms at most local co-ops, farmers markets, and some grocery store locations in the Twin Cities.
You can learn more by visiting rrcultivation.com.
Mrs. Gerry’s
Albert Lea, MN
Specialty: Pasta Salads, Mashed Potatoes, and Dips
104 miles from BIX
Mrs. Gerry’s Kitchen, Inc., started business on December 4, 1973, in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Their initial building occupied only 1,100 square feet and housed production of 70,000 pounds their first year. Today, Mrs. Gerry’s has progressed through production additions, plant expansions, and sales coverage area to place Mrs. Gerry’s as a leading manufacturer of salads and side dishes.
The production facility now occupies 121,500 square feet and utilizes some of today’s best technology to produce a high-quality, consistent, great tasting products. They offer over 130 products that cover a range of categories including salads, entrees, dips, desserts and mashed potatoes. Their current distribution includes a 17-state area, utilizing a direct sales force and broker network to assure superior customer service and satisfaction
You can learn more by visiting mrsgerrys.com
Olsen Fish
Minneapolis, MN
Specialty: Herring, Lutefisk, and Stockfish
12 miles from BIX
Over a century ago, Olaf Olsen and John Norberg emigrated from Norway and began their tradition of processing pickled Herring and Lutefisk on the north side of Minneapolis, Minnesota. They founded Olsen Fish Company in 1910 and built the foundation on tradition, quality, and value. Together they created proprietary recipes and processes so unique and sustainable that the company continues to thrive today. The company has grown and proudly provides great tasting and high-quality Herring, Lutefisk and Stockfish to every corner of the North American continent.
Throughout the years, Olsen Fish Company’s heritage has lived on through its products and team of seasoned professionals. It has built reputable relationships with the best vendors and suppliers in the industry to bring you the freshest products and largest variety of packaging options to meet your needs.
Today, they continue to carry out the tradition set before them by their founders and honor the history of their products by providing the best Herring, Lutefisk and Stockfish available and backing up their products with unparalleled service. Everything Olsen Fish Company does–from purchasing to packaging–is done with integrity and tradition.
You can learn more by visiting olsenfish.com.
Produce Company
3060 Centerville Road, Little Canada MN 55117 651-487-8000 • bixproduce.com
