Jul 9, 2019

TerraFresh Organics fruit company launched by industry veterans

Six years after selling Purity Organic, Greg Holzman and Steve Akagaki have rejoined forces to create TerraFresh Organics, a new organic fruit company that will supply organic stone fruit, grapes, citrus and mangos, to North America.

TerraFresh Organics, in partnership with Harbinger Group, shares a commitment to organics with Misionero, Green Wave Farms and Vertical Foods. The company has established grower partnerships and plans a full roll-out of organic fruits under Misionero’s Earth Greens label.

“We are excited to join with the Harbinger Group of companies,” said Greg Holzman, co-founder and managing partner, of TerraFresh Organics. “The Harbinger Group’s working knowledge, grower network, distribution model and commitment to the organic space is unparalleled. The opportunity to work with Green Wave Farms, Vertical Farms and Misionero is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us and I’ve never been more excited about our future. As a veteran of the produce business, I believe the time’s right to reengage with organic farmers as the category continues to thrive.”

Supplying fresh, organic fruit has remained a passion for Holzman and Akagaki since they began working together over 30 years ago. In 1985, Holzman invested in an apple orchard and within two years, successfully converted it into an organic farm. Shortly after, Holzman recruited Akagaki for his vast experience in the produce industry and Purity Organic/Pacific Organic Produce was born.

The two set out to not only support organic farmers, but to seek conventional growers whose farms could be converted into organic farms. Holzman and Akagaki strategize to fill windows in the market to supply organic fruit year-round.

“We are thrilled to be reviving past partnerships and developing new, strategic relationships with growers and farmers,” said Steve Akagaki, co-founder and managing partner of TerraFresh Organics. “The partnership with the Harbinger Group brings us technology and other resources that are crucial to being a top-tiered supplier. It allows us the ability to service our customers and build programs that meet the growing expectations of today’s consumer. The world has gotten smaller, the choices greater and the competition has become fiercer. I believe TerraFresh Organics is well-positioned to be a leader in the organic category.”

Greg Holzman and sales VP Jason Laffer will be attending the Organic Produce Summit this week.