You already know that I had a fabulous time at the Green Giant Valley Visit last week. So, I wanted to share with you some interesting things I learned about Green Giant while there.
What I Learned at Green Giant
I learned that Green Giant started out as the Minnesota Valley Canning Company in 1903 in Le Sueur, Minneosta. The first ad with the Green Giant appeared in 1928. However, the company didn’t officially become Green Giant until 1950. Something I found to be very exciting was that even though Green Giant is a big-name brand (to me), the company still works with small family-owned farms to grow its vegetables. Then, the company harvests the vegetables at the peak of perfection in a timely manner to lock in the nutrients and taste.
Not only is Green Giant a great company, they are constantly trying to make improvements in the way things are done. For instance, we learned about the sweet corn sustainability projects (picture of board below). Over the last several years, Green Giant has dramatically increased the amount of yield (corn produced) per acre of land used. This means less land is needed to grow the corn. Plus, it helps farmers make more money with their land.
Green Giant also helps farmers use less water. They are in the process of converting broccoli farms to drip irrigation (versus traditional irrigation) which is 50 percent more efficient. I was really happy to learn that Green Giant has eliminated over 90 percent of pesticides used to grow sweet corn and cutting applications in half. They are also finding ways to have more efficient packaging and recycling packaging material.
Green Giant is really trying to become more green with many new and upcoming ideas and projects for sustainability. Plus, I know that they are constantly trying different variations/kind of their vegetables. I mean their test plant harvested many different types of corn the day I was there. I know they also do a taste-test every Thursday. Green Giant is really trying to become even better than they already are. So, kudos to Green Giant.
Did any of this information surprise or intrigue you? Are you a bigger fan of Green Giant now (like I am)?
Disclosure: Green Giant sponsored my trip. The opinions expressed are my own.
Cindy Schultz says
very cool! we eat a lot of Green Giant food in out house
Mama Bee Does says
We are Green Giant fans at our house. I’m glad to see that they are trying to become more green. That’s always a plus for me when it comes to companies.
Mama Bee Does says
Oh and Im glad you enjoyed your first trip by yourself.
ConnieFoggles says
Nice to know about Green Giant working with family-owned farms and their being eco-conscious. I can still remember those old commercials with the giant saying Ho-Ho-Ho. As a kid, it used to scare me.
Tamara B. says
I love their products and so much I didn’t know about until I read your great post. I bet you had a great time!
hannah says
I did not know that they are over 100 years old, that is really awesome! I grew up on their frozen peas and corn and it was always our favorite, especially the sweet corn one!
pammypam says
good and bad things about green giant. but most importantly, glad you enjoyed your solo trip. (RANT: i have a problem with agri business producing more corn. more corn means more corn being fed to animals who dont really need to eat corn. which leads to other problems. I’ll stand down from my soap box now)
Kelli says
Thanks for the information! I didn’t know most of it! I love that Green Giant wants and is becoming more green! Very cool.