On Tuesday, April 23, Wayne Bailey Co., headquartered in Chadbourn, NC, shipped its last carton of sweet potatoes. The company’s sales team, along with its existing inventory, has been acquired and retained by Jackson Farming Co. in Autryville, NC.
George Wooten, president of Wayne Bailey, told The Produce News that after successfully exiting Chapter 11 in September 2018 and with expectations of a good crop in both quality and volumes, it was only days later when the region was scathed by Hurricane Florence — and then again by Hurricane Michael in mid-October.
“There were simply too many challenges coming down at one time,” said Wooten. “Jackson Farming was looking to increase its sweet potato production and marketing, so it made a good fit for our expert sales team.”
The Wayne Bailey sales team, comprising Yesenia Forbes, Michelle Jacobs, Ronnie Mercer, Nicky Herring and Renee Dudney, transferred to Jackson Farming Co. April 25.
“Shipments to fulfill existing and future orders will all be honored on schedule,” added Wooten. “We don’t anticipate skipping a beat — especially with the entire sales staff now on Jackson Farming’s team.”
He noted that going forward Jackson Farming will ship Wayne Bailey’s popular brand names, including GoodBuy, Nutritional Allstar, We be Yammin, Playboy, Sampson King and Georges Foods. The company looks to expand upon these brands.
Jackson Farming Co. was founded by Brent and Debbie Jackson as a small family farm in 1981. Today their oldest son, Rodney, has taken over operations of the family farm as president and chief executive officer.
In addition to sweet potatoes, the company is a grower, packer and shipper of seedless and seeded watermelons, eastern cantaloupes, eastern honeydews, specialty melons, strawberries, pumpkins and broccoli.
Although the company has expanded over time and has endured many changes, the Jacksons still keep the small farm concept at the forefront of their business.
Matt Solana, vice president of operations and supply chain for Jackson Farming, said thecompany is excited about the expansion of its sweet potato division.
“Sweet potatoes were the only crop that Wayne Bailey focused on in the past, so the sales team brings an extremely high level of expertise,” said Solana.
“Our primary focus is to continue to provide the high-quality level of service that Jackson Farming is known for, and to extend this high level of quality to our now expanded sweet potato operation,” he continued. “It will be a seamless transition and one that we feel will enhance our operation.”
