Highline Mushrooms has launched something new that organic mushroom lovers are sure to get excited about.

Simple Sides are sauté kits that include sliced fresh organic mushrooms with two alternatives of sauces, Herb & Garlic or Sesame & Ginger, and are ready within only six minutes.

“Trends indicate that consumers want more convenient, fresh, and sustainable food that does not compromise flavor,” said Sabrina Pokomandy, sales account manager for the Leamington, Ontario-based company. “That is why Highline Mushrooms is offering these innovative kits that meet the needs of the consumers that need fast and flavorful sides."

Sabrina Pokomandy, Sales Account Manager, Highline Mushrooms

The company’s unique growing practices and controlled environment yield cleaner and denser organic mushrooms, which allows Highline to innovate new items and grow its product line.

“Trends indicate that consumers want more convenient, fresh, and sustainable food that does not compromise flavor.” - Sabrina Pokomandy

“Currently, we offer White, Mini Bella, Portabella, Shiitake, and Oyster on organics, which have had much attention since the pandemic where consumers are increasingly concerned about their health and are changing their purchasing habits accordingly,” Pokomandy said.  

Founded in 1961 by Dr. Murray O’Neil, Highline Mushrooms began as a small family farm in Canada with big dreams of growing into something more.

“Dr. O’Neil was fascinated by mushrooms and determined to learn how to grow the best-quality mushrooms and feed nutritious mushrooms to families,” Pokomandy said. “As the doctor he was, he would give ‘rounds’ through the growing rooms to ensure they were up to the cleaning and sanitation standards and would take time to talk to the associates to ensure they had all the resources to do a good job.”

“Currently, we offer White, Mini Bella, Portabella, Shiitake, and Oyster on organics, which have had much attention since the pandemic where consumers are increasingly concerned about their health and are changing their purchasing habits accordingly.” - Sabrina Pokomandy

Since then, Highline Mushrooms has been through many expansions and changes, but the efforts to carry Dr. O’Neil’s family values and work ethic continue until today. 

In 2001, Highline Mushrooms became one of Canada’s first mushroom companies to be certified organic and the first to implement a certified organic wash process for sliced mushrooms.

The company’s position as an industry leader was further solidified in 2010 when it became the first Canadian mushroom grower to obtain a Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification, a rigorous food safety management system recognized by retailers worldwide.

In 2018, Highline Mushrooms concluded its Western Canada expansion, significantly increasing organic growing capacity and solidifying the company’s position as the world’s largest organic grower of mushrooms with coast-to-coast product availability. 

“Dr. O’Neil was fascinated by mushrooms and determined to learn how to grow the best-quality mushrooms and feed nutritious mushrooms to families.” - Sabrina Pokomandy

“As the interest in organics increases, full organic programs are an excellent opportunity for retailers to connect, educate, and retain consumers who prioritize sustainable produce options free from synthetic inputs,” Pokomandy said. “Our team is excited to support these customers with our premium organic mushrooms, sustainable packaging, and educational resources.”

Today, Highline grows fresh organic mushrooms all year long. From the nutrient-rich substrate to water recycling, Highline Mushrooms has embraced every aspect of growing organically from enhanced soil and water quality to reduced pollution and no synthetic pesticides.

Highline Mushrooms remains passionate about nourishing people, the community, and the environment by embracing the core values Dr. O’Neil instilled in the company.

“As the interest in organics increases, full organic programs are an excellent opportunity for retailers to connect, educate, and retain consumers who prioritize sustainable produce options free from synthetic inputs.” - Sabrina Pokomandy

“We always consider the human element and care about what is best for our diverse team of associates and the families we feed,” Pokomandy said. “Quality is at the forefront of what we do, and we continue developing new processes, procedures, and packaging to serve our industry, customers, and consumers better.” 

That takes a team effort—and the people behind the scenes have always been a big part of the company’s success.

“Growing premium-quality mushrooms is what we do, and we couldn’t do it without the excellence of our dedicated team,” Pokomandy said. “We take good care of our associates and the communities we serve, making it a priority to build and sustain a happy and healthy environment for our people and their families.”