Georgia Grown Profile: Vidalia Valley

Originally published in the Nov. 27, 2013, issue

 

Sweet onions key to company’s sweet success

By Jenna Saxon, press office

Stanley Farms, a staple in the Vidalia sweet onion business, became vertically integrated in 2005 by establishing its own processing company, Vidalia Valley. In 2005, a new state-of-the-art facility was built in the Vidalia countryside, most often called “The Valley.” This facility became the Vidalia Valley headquarters where the company now produces its own relishes, dressings, salsas and sauces as well as other processed foods and ingredients.

The Stanleys proudly use their homegrown Vidalia onions as the key ingredients that make up their extensive product list. In fact, Vidalia Valley is the only manufacturer in the country that grows its own Vidalia onions and processes them into gourmet and country-style products on its family farm.

Vidalia Valley is a proud Georgia Grown member and works to promote not only its homegrown Vidalia onions, but all vegetables produced in Georgia.

“Georgia Grown has a huge presence in connection to Vidalia Valley products. We include the Georgia Grown label on our product labels, promote Georgia Grown through our social media campaigns and also attend Georgia Grown events,” said Lauren Dees of Vidalia Valley.

Vidalia Valley loves connecting with other Georgia Grown members throughout the state and watching trends with their category. The company has the capability to provide co-packing services for other Georgia Grown members and encourages any Georgia Grown member who may be interested to contact them.

“Using locally grown ingredients keeps the integrity on which our business was founded,” Dees said.