Hummingbird Wholesale Company Profile

Background

Hummingbird Wholesale, established in 1972 as Honey Heaven Wholesale, is an organic food distributor based in Eugene, Oregon. The company is dedicated to offering high-quality, nutritious foods grown as locally and sustainably as possible. Their mission is to "sip the nectar of the Earth without harming the flower," reflecting a commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable agriculture.

Key Strategic Focus

Hummingbird Wholesale specializes in distributing a wide range of organic products, including grains, beans, flours, nuts, nut butters, seeds, dried fruits, chocolates, honey, sweeteners, oils, vinegars, pasta, and snacks. The company emphasizes sourcing from regional farmers dedicated to organic practices, with 92% of their products being certified organic, 79% of U.S. origin, and 64% from the Pacific Northwest.

Financials and Funding

As of recent estimates, Hummingbird Wholesale's annual revenue is approximately $12.6 million, with an estimated revenue per employee of $243,000. The company has experienced an 8% growth in employee count, reaching 52 employees.

Pipeline Development

Hummingbird Wholesale continually expands its product offerings to meet customer demand. Recent additions include a new Organic Peanut Butter introduced in August 2022 and a partnership with Tierra Farm in May 2023 to bring eight varieties of seasoned organic snacks to the West Coast.

Technological Platform and Innovation

The company utilizes various technologies to enhance its operations, including Amazon Web Services for cloud hosting and Google Analytics for web analytics. These tools support efficient distribution and customer engagement.

Leadership Team

Charlie Tilt: Co-Owner & Chief Executive Officer.

Julie Tilt: Co-Owner.

Ariel Ruben: Chief Innovation Officer.

Lauren Boone: Finance Manager.

In January 2023, Charlie and Julie Tilt transitioned ownership of the company to an Employee Owned Purpose Trust, ensuring the mission and values of the business are preserved in perpetuity.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The organic food distribution market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing consumer demand for organic and sustainably sourced products. Hummingbird Wholesale operates primarily in the Pacific Northwest, serving customers from San Francisco, CA, to Bellingham, WA.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include:

GloryBee: Offers bulk honey, non-GMO canola oil, and other organic products.

Mount Hope Wholesale: Provides a variety of wholesale food products.

Azure Standard: Family-owned company selling natural, non-GMO, and organic foods and products.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Hummingbird Wholesale has established significant partnerships to enhance its product offerings and support sustainable agriculture:

Tierra Farm Partnership: In May 2023, Hummingbird Wholesale partnered with Tierra Farm to introduce eight varieties of seasoned organic snacks to the West Coast market.

Camas Country Mill Collaboration: The company played an integral role in supporting a local farm to establish Camas Country Mill, the first regional grain mill operating in the Willamette Valley in about 80 years, enabling Oregon-grown grains to be locally milled into flour.

Operational Insights

Hummingbird Wholesale's commitment to sustainability and local sourcing provides a competitive advantage in the organic food distribution market. Their Distributor Supported Agriculture program and Farm Connections initiative demonstrate a proactive approach to supporting farmers and ensuring product quality.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

The transition to an Employee Owned Purpose Trust positions Hummingbird Wholesale for long-term sustainability and alignment with its core values. This structure ensures that profits are reinvested into the business and shared with employees, fostering a collaborative and mission-driven culture.