Value Added?

Angie Day • March 8, 2026

More Value from Value-Added Products

Providing Value Added products is a long-standing option for using excess produce AND increasing the value of that produce.  Most farms have explored these options and determined what is best for their customer base, but there are many options out there, if you continue to look for new opportunities.  The Business Development section of our Members-Only Education Center has expert content to help you find your next great product.


Partnerships

In addition, we have partnerships with vendors who can also assist you on this path.  Today, we want to highlight one of them - Hillside Orchard Farms!  In their own words:


What makes Hillside Orchard Farms Cannery different than other private label producers?  We are a multi-generational family-owned farm and food manufacturer.  We pride ourselves on sourcing right from the farmer locally (in the Southern US) as much as is feasible.  We also make all our products in small batches, hand packed, and available for private label.


When Robert Mitcham Sr started the business back in 1983, he wanted farmers to have a way to use their "seconds" or not-for-fresh- market fruit in a way that would be sustainable and bring money instead of costing money.  Our first two products were Apple Butter and Bread and Butter Pickles.


Growing Fast

As we grew and added more farms, we added more products.  If a farmer asked my father for something, he couldn't tell them no - he figured out a way to make it.  This is why our catalog has become so vast.  In the early 1990s, we came out with our fruit specific ciders.  We know most people have their own Apple, but what about Peach, Strawberry, Blackberry, Blueberry, Muscadine, or Peach?


Hillside's business plan since our beginning focuses on producing top quality products for farm markets, roadside stands, mom & pop places, boutique stores, and small businesses.  We, as a family, choose not to pursue grocery stores, big box chains, large online retailers or any similar business.  This keeps us farm and family oriented.


Private Label

Hillside helps with private label design; we take your logo and incorporate it into a label that works to promote many jar products and ciders.  We are also there if you are "close by" to take your seconds and/or extras and process your fresh products into a value added product to increase shelf life.


Our motto is "We want to be the Farmers Cannery."  Reach out to use with any questions or if you want to learn more.  We invite you to come see us if you are ever in the Mountains of Northeast Georgia - we will show you around our farm and cannery.

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