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In the Grove and On the Record - Marc Craen
Marc Craen, COO, Lambeth Groves Juice Company
Wearing the hats of both grower and processor, Craen has spent twenty years learning the ins and outs of the Florida citrus industry.
What is your job title and description?
Chief Operating Officer – I run the day to day operations of the business. I have two working partners; one takes care of sales the other on finances and planning.
Can you give me some background on the company you work for?
Lambeth Groves Juice Company specializes in the manufacture, marketing and distribution of the highest quality citrus juices. We focus on fresh squeezed and super premium pasteurized for both foodservice and retail in the eastern half of the US. Our team has been doing this for over twenty years.
Where are you from and is your family in the citrus industry?
I was born and raised in England, so it’s fair to say that I’m the first of my family in citrus. There aren’t too many orange groves in England!
Who or what were the key influences in your life related to your involvement in the citrus industry?
Gilbert Bowen and Ric Freeman have both been mentors to me with regard to the fruit business. And in my early days as a fruit buyer, a number of growers gave me some pretty expensive lessons!
What do find the most challenging about being in the Florida citrus industry?
Initially my biggest challenge was not being born in Florida. Twenty years ago having an English accent meant it was hard to be taken seriously in citrus, but now there are many different accents heard in the industry. Today though the challenges are the same that everyone faces, disease, movement and the economy.
What do you think will change about the Florida citrus industry in the next five years?
_It is increasingly difficult for smaller growers and smaller processors to do business. The costs of fighting disease, complying with regulations, battling for market share are tough obstacles. All this and an uncertain economy may result in further shrinking or consolidation in the industry. Fortunately, Lambeth
is fairing pretty well in these difficult times._
If you weren’t in citrus, what would you be doing instead?
It’s hard to think of being outside of citrus; I’ve come to enjoy it so much. If circumstances allowed, some form of charity work would be rewarding. Of course some might say that being a grower is charity work!
How is your company different than other larger processors?
Lambeth is focused on producing only the finest tasting juices. We use the best fruit and we squeeze all year round. We are constantly looking for good fruit not just during the regular season, but early (Oct Nov) and late (July Aug). We are meticulous in following the highest quality and safety standards and we maintain very close relationships with our customers.
How has citrus greening affected your business?
As with everyone in the industry, greening is having and will continue to have an affect on us. As a processor, higher fruit prices, as a grower potential devastation. The industry has to focus every effort on fighting this threat.
How do you balance being both a grower and a processor? What is the biggest challenge in that respect? Surprisingly it’s not too hard. It’s just a question of balance, understanding that both pieces need to make a margin in order to survive. In the bigger picture the citrus industry is the same. Both sides need each other; it won’t work if only one side gets the home run every year.
Why do you believe it is important to be a member of Florida Citrus Mutual?
Florida Citrus Mutual is more relevant today than it’s ever been. Growers large and small need professional guidance, representation and involvement in all areas of our business if the industry is to survive and flourish.
