BY ARDIE ARVIDSON Morning News aarvidson@florencenews.com May 28, 2019

McCall Farms and Dewey L. Carter Elementary School became school-business partners, and on Friday, a sign was unveiled to announce the partnership. Adults in the photo with Dewey Carter students are Claudia Soto (from left), a parent and employee at McCall Farms; Darryl Davids, the vice president of human resources at McCall Farms; Joey Gainey, assistant principal; Wendy Frazier, principal; Katie Cullen and Gray Hunter, lean leader at McCall Farms and member of the founding Swink family.

This article can be seen at SC Now here.

McCall Farms recently earned the 2018 SC Branded Award for best Farm, Forest & Field in South Carolina by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.

The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with The Brand Leader, will present the 2018 SC Branded Awards on November 26 at The Sanctuary Hotel at Kiawah Island. The SC Branded Awards honor local initiatives, locations, products, and events that make up the brand that is South Carolina. Continue reading →

Beginning September 12 at 5:00 PM, McCall Farms will be closed until further notice due to Hurricane Florence impacting the state of South Carolina. We will address any questions or issues as soon as we return to normal; however, we would appreciate your patience as it may take us up to a week to address all consumer/buyer questions and concerns.

Students Receive Encouragement and Life Lessons From Acclaimed Author and Wilson Graduate, Varian Johnson.

Nationally acclaimed young adult author and 1995 Wilson High graduate, Varian “Chad” Johnson, recently visited Wilson High School to discuss his journey from Florence to national publishing fame. Varian Johnson is the author of nine novels for young adult and middle grade readers, including The Great Greene Heist, named ALA Notable Children’s Book and Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year 2014. McCall Farms sponsored Johnson’s visit.

Varian was born in Florence, South Carolina, and attended the University of Oklahoma, where he received a BS in Civil Engineering. He later received an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Varian now lives outside of Austin, TX with his family.

His latest book, The Parker Inheritance, will be available on March 27.

(Photo, below): Johnson is second from right. He is pictured with Wilson students, from left, Jacobi Williams, (teacher Molly Copp), Annie Kate Watson, Grace Hinson, and Jeremy Roberts.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – McCall Farms, the South Carolina-based manufacturers of Margaret Holmes, Glory Foods, Peanut Patch Boiled Peanuts and Bruce’s Yams, is investing $35 million to expand its existing Florence County operations. This investment is expected to bring 150 new jobs to Effingham, S.C.

Founded by James McCall in 1838, McCall Farms has grown significantly since its inception. Today, as one of America’s leading producers of fresh canned vegetables and fruit, the family-owned company grows its products on 2,000 acres of family farmland in Effingham, S.C., with an additional 25,000 acres contracted throughout South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

This past September, as part of their long-term growth initiative, McCall Farms acquired the brands of Sager Creek Vegetable Company from Del Monte. The nationally-distributed retail and foodservice brands include Allens, Veg-all, Popeye, Princella and Freshlike. McCall Farms will also be purchasing machinery and equipment from Sager Creek as part of its plant expansion.

Hiring for the new positions is projected to begin in the third quarter of 2018, and interested applicants should visit www.mccallfarms.com for more information.

QUOTES

“Leading brands like Allens fit perfectly with our heritage of making authentic, southern-style vegetables that can be served as a meal, side dish or used as a key cooking ingredient. The opportunity we have to expand the branded products we offer is made possible thanks to our employees. They are truly dedicated and passionate about McCall Farms being known as the preferred supplier for the highest-quality vegetables available in retail and foodservice.” –McCall Farms Co-President Woody Swink

“South Carolina has a rich history in agriculture, and our manufacturing industry is one of the fastest growing in the country. To see McCall Farms continue to succeed here sends an important message to the world that companies are finding what they need to grow and thrive right here in South Carolina.” –Gov. Henry McMaster

“McCall Farms has been a longtime member of the South Carolina business community, and we congratulate them on this latest expansion. Agribusiness continues to be a powerful driver of our state’s economy, and announcements like this one are proof of that.” –Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt

“This latest expansion by McCall Farms is a wonderful example of how companies continue to flourish in Florence County. McCall Farms is an exceptional company that takes pride in their products and community. We look forward to helping them continue to grow their business.” –Florence County Council Chairman Kent Caudle

 “Florence County is extraordinarily proud that McCall Farms continues their longstanding history of success by creating 150 new jobs and investing $35 million. We look forward to partnering with McCall Farms for years to come.” –Florence County Economic Development Partnership Chairman Frank J. “Buddy” Brand

 “We are delighted that McCall Farms continues to grow their company in Florence County.  This expansion, by a hometown company, will provide ample agribusiness opportunities to our local citizens.” – S.C. Senate President Pro Tempore Hugh K. Leatherman

 “Agribusiness in South Carolina continues to thrive and expand because of companies like McCall Farms. What began in 1838 as a farm in Effingham has grown to an industry leader on the national agribusiness stage. With this latest expansion, McCall Farms is underscoring its local impact and global competitiveness.” –S.C. Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers

FIVE FAST FACTS

• McCall Farms is expanding its existing Florence County operations.
• $35 million investment to create 150 new jobs.
• Headquartered in Effingham, S.C., McCall Farms was established by James McCall in 1838.
• McCall Farms grows its products on 2,000 acres of family farmland in Effingham, S.C., with an additional 25,000 acres contracted throughout South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Florida.
• McCall Farms recently acquired retail and foodservice brands from Sager Creek Vegetable Company, a division of Del Monte, Inc., and will be purchasing some of their machinery and equipment.

About S.C. Department of Commerce

As South Carolina’s leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing business grow. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as BMW, Boeing, Continental, Giti Tire, LPL Financial Holdings, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Samsung, Toray and Volvo Cars and also supports startups, small and existing business, innovation and rural development initiatives. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. With a strong international footprint, since 2011, South Carolina has ranked among top three in the nation for attracting jobs through foreign investment on a per capita basis, according to IBM-Plant Location International. Additionally, in five of seven years, the state has won the Gold Shovel Award from Area Development magazine. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.

 MEDIA CONTACT:

Adrienne R. Fairwell, APR

Director of Marketing & Communications

South Carolina Department of Commerce

(803) 737-1998
afairwell@sccommerce.com

www.SCcommerce.com

EFFINGHAM, S.C., Nov. 2, 2017 — Glory Farms premium vegetables “See-Thru” can, the most innovative packaging introduced into the canned food industry in nearly 200 years, was named the winner of the 2017 Gama Innovation Award for Packaging at a gala celebration in Manchester, England on October 25.  The Glory Farms package was chosen by an international panel of industry judges from eight packaging finalists from around the world, all consumer-packaged goods brands.  Glory Farms is a new brand of canned premium vegetables from McCall Farms, known for its tasty line of high quality, southern-style seasoned canned vegetables and fruits.

Glory Farms ‘See-Thru’ vegetable can wins 2017 Gama Innovation Award for Packaging at Gama awards ceremony in Manchester, England. Pictured left to right: Silvia Ruiz, Innovation Director, Gama; Pat Coyne, President, Coyne & Co Brand Innovation; Marion Swink, Co-Owner, McCall Farms; Annie Ham, Marketing Director, McCall Farms; Cesar Pereira, Founder & CEO, Gama; Mark Nelson, Program Director – TruVue, Sonoco Plastics

“It’s such a thrill for our company to be recognized for our See-Thru can and win this prestigious Gama Innovation Award,” said Marion Swink, Co-Owner of McCall Farms.  “When we started this project, we had two goals: to create a package that answered a consumer demand, and to do something truly unique for the canning industry who hasn’t seen much innovation since the can was invented in the early 1800’s.  I’m very proud of the tremendous efforts of everyone at McCall Farms and our terrific partner Sonoco Plastics who worked so well together to accomplish our goals.”  Woody Swink, Co-President of McCall Farms added, “Today’s consumer wants clean labeling and to feel good that they are buying quality products.  So, that’s exactly what we’re giving them with our Glory Farms See-Thru can, quality you can see.”

New Glory Farms Premium Slow-Cooked Vegetables in a category first, ‘See-Thru’ can. Seven varieties.

The Gama Innovation Awards recognize outstanding innovation in the FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) space, with finalists selected by Gama’s global network of in-country researchers and analysts.  The Gama Awards Team wrote, “Clear cans give a new meaning to transparency in the preserved vegetable category. The Glory Farms ‘clear can’ technology could allow canned foods to compete on a more equal footing with non-preserved alternatives in perceptions of freshness, quality, nutritional benefits and flavour.”

Glory Farms uses only premium vegetables that are slow-cooked at lower temperatures to lock-in their flavors and nutrients.  A new pop-top lid adds convenience for preparing delicious meals and side dishes.  The line is now available in over 1,000 grocery stores on the east coast. Varieties include: Garbanzo Beans, Pinto Beans, Green Lima Beans, Light Red Kidney Beans, Dark Red Kidney Beans, Great Northern Beans and Blackeye Peas.

About McCall Farms

McCall Farms is one of America’s leading producers of farm-fresh canned vegetables and fruits. Established in 1838, McCall Farms employs over 1,000 people in its 900,000-square foot manufacturing facility and corporate offices in Effingham, SC.  The family-owned and operated company produces a wide variety of high-quality, Southern-style products under nationally distributed brands including Glory Foods®, Margaret Holmes®, Peanut Patch® and Bruce’s Yams®. In September 2017, McCall Farms acquired the brands of Sager Creek Vegetable Company including Allens®, Veg-all®, Popeye®, Princella®, Freshlike® and Trappey’s®. New Glory Farms was introduced in early 2017 and continues to expand distribution. For more information on Glory Farms, visit gloryfarms.com. For McCall Farms, visit mccallfarms.com

About Sonoco Plastics

The TruVue™ plastic can was developed by Sonoco Products.  Founded in 1899, Sonoco is a global provider of a variety of consumer packaging, industrial products, protective packaging, and displays and packaging supply chain services. With annualized net sales of approximately $4.8 billion, the Company has 20,000 employees working in more than 300 operations in 33 countries, serving some of the world’s best-known brands in some 85 nations. For more information on the Company, visit our website at www.sonoco.com.

About Gama

Gama is a global provider of business information and services specializing in innovation and international trade. Through their worldwide network of over 100 specialists in 46 countries, they offer high-quality news, research, analysis and partnering services, delivering compelling insights and supporting you to unlock new business opportunities. www.gamaconsumer.com

Happy Holidays from McCall Farms! We’re happy to announce that Glory Foods and Bruce’s Yams have teamed up again this year to bring you a brand new holiday cookbook for 2016. Their 2016 cookbook features 14 delicious recipes that are perfect for holiday gatherings, but also work for everyday meals and snacks.

The stars of these dishes are the perfectly seasoned Southern style canned vegetables and fruit, such as Glory Foods Skillet Corn, Turkey Seasoned Collard Greens, New Orleans Style Red Beans & Rice, Seasoned Green Beans and Fried Apples. And the sweet potato dishes are made using Bruce’s Yams delicious Cut Sweet Potatoes in Syrup.

Wow your guests with Sweet Potato Hummus or Skillet Corn Chile Con Queso, both of which are super simple to make. Host a delicious brunch with a Sweet Potato Peach Bake and savory Quiche with Collard Greens. Skip the ham and traditional mac & cheese, and prepare a Fried Apple & Chive Stuffed Pork Loin and Pasta with Sweet Potatoes & Brie instead. End the meal on a sweet note with Gingerbread Apple Bars or Salted Cashew Sweet Potato Fudge.

We hope you’re hungry! Head over to Bruce’s Yams and Glory Foods to see even more recipes, and click here to view/print the Glory Foods & Bruce’s Yams 2016 Holiday Cookbook.

About the chef:
All of the recipes featured in our 2016 holiday cookbook were developed or tested by Michaela Rosenthal, a competitive cook, recipe developer, food stylist and photographer.

Michaela’s recipes have been featured in Cooking Light, Gourmet, Good Housekeeping, Rachael Ray Magazine, Taste of Home and the Los Angeles Times. Additionally, she has cooked on the Travel channel, Food Network and Good Morning America with Emeril Lagasse. She recently represented Glory Foods at the 2016 World Food Championships in Orange Beach, AL, and placed 13th overall in the World Recipe Championship.

Michaela’s love of Southern food started over 25 years ago when she met the late, great Chef Paul Prudhomme in California and was asked to assist him in his West Coast cooking classes. She is a brand ambassador and official recipe tester for Glory Foods, Margaret Holmes, Bruce’s Yams, Johnny’s Fine Foods and Breedlove’s.

For questions or comments about the recipes, Michaela welcomes you to contact her directly at tangerine0thyme@yahoo.com.