If the 70s were about forging quality, then the 80s ushered in a decade of innovation. The Truitt Brother's second decade of business was dedicated to the creation and careful nurturing of a special products division. Although some long-time employees refer to it as a long research and development project, the Truitts were convinced that Special Products ­ ready-to-eat meals and other shelf-stable products ­ were the wave of the future ­ were their future. Despite a volatile cannery market that marked the early 80s and eliminated weaker players at alarming rates, the Truitts weathered the downturn.

Their long decade of innovation would soon pay off, when in the early 90s, they sealed a deal with a national weight loss product company. Confirming that the special products division was more than a pipe dream, the Truitts built a plant dedicated to its production. Again, a shifting marketplace tested the Truitts mettle. Imported pears from Chile and China, forced down prices, while green bean production was moving to the Midwest where costs were cheaper. Consolidation remained a threat as well. The Truitts were committing huge volumes to big companies and found themselves at the mercy of these faceless, sterile corporations. The cannery, Peter relates, had become an unprofitable and unhappy place.

Sustainability

Over the next hill, however, lay more opportunity with an emerging sustainable food movement that had customers calling out for healthier fare and food grown under environmentally friendly conditions.

Once again, the Truitts knew a good thing when they saw it. Sustainability fell neatly in line with their values ­ quality products grown by farmers committed to stewardship of their land. The sustainable food movement led to their eventual partnership and certification with the Food Alliance organization and a Truitt Brothers branded line. These initial forays into sustainability and their plans to further explore this path have broadened the Truitt's horizons and breathed new life into the company. As the 21st century opened, Peter and David see Truitt Brothers laying a foundation for the future. With the development of their own brand, and new products lines afoot, Peter and David are feeling the stabilizing effects of diversification. And, they are enjoying the feeling of hard won success.