Exhibiting at World Tea Expo 2025

Fresh Origins is a pioneering California-based producer of premium microgreens, edible flowers, and specialty herbs for the fine dining and foodservice industries. Located in San Marcos, California, the company has established itself as the largest and most innovative grower of specialty produce in North America, setting the industry benchmark for quality, consistency, and culinary creativity.

Brief History and Company Background

Founded by David Sasuga, Fresh Origins has grown from a specialized greenhouse operation into a nationally recognized brand serving top chefs and foodservice distributors across the United States and internationally. With over two decades of expertise in horticulture and flavor development, the company combines agricultural tradition with high-tech growing environments to produce year-round harvests that meet the stringent demands of gourmet cuisine.

Core Business and Product Offerings

Fresh Origins specializes in the cultivation and distribution of high-quality, hand-harvested specialty greens and flowers. The primary product categories include:

• Microgreens

  • Micro Amaranth Red
  • Micro Arugula
  • Micro Basil Italian
  • Micro Broccoli
  • Micro Asian Mix™

• Petite® Greens

  • Petite® Basil
  • Petite® Cilantro
  • Petite® Mint
  • Petite® Sorrel

• Edible Flowers

  • Mustard Flower
  • Shiso Flower Mix
  • Mum Flower
  • Viola and Marigold varieties

• Specialty Products

  • Mini Herb Crystals® Basil
  • Micro Sea Beans™
  • Herb Tops Mixture
  • Tiny Veggies™

Each item is meticulously grown to deliver intense flavor, vibrant color, and delicate texture—ideal for fine plating, garnishing, and molecular gastronomy.

Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

Fresh Origins distinguishes itself through an unmatched commitment to freshness, safety, and innovation:

• Harvested daily and shipped within 24 hours to ensure peak freshness
• Year-round availability through climate-controlled greenhouse farming
• Certified food safety standards, including PrimusGFS and HACCP compliance
• Proprietary brands such as Mini Herb Crystals® and Petite® Greens
• Focused on natural sunlight and filtered water, avoiding synthetic chemicals

The company’s close collaboration with chefs has driven the development of hundreds of exclusive varieties designed to complement fine cuisine with unique flavor notes and visual appeal.

Financials and Market Presence

Fresh Origins does not publicly disclose financial statements, but its scale and distribution footprint indicate a robust mid-size enterprise:

• Estimated Revenue (2023): $10M–$20M
• Production Capacity: Over 1 million trays of microgreens annually
• Distribution Partners: Sysco, US Foods, and other national foodservice distributors
• Client Base: 1,500+ chefs, including Michelin-starred restaurants, luxury hotels, and catering operations

Fresh Origins' strategic location in Southern California provides ideal climatic conditions and proximity to major logistics hubs, supporting rapid and cost-effective nationwide delivery.

Shipment Records and International Distribution

Fresh Origins maintains an extensive domestic and limited international footprint:

• Primary Markets: United States, Canada, Mexico, parts of Asia and the Middle East
• Logistics: Overnight shipping via FedEx and regional distributors
• Cold Chain Management: Refrigerated transport ensures shelf life and integrity
• Export Volume: Estimated 10% of total output shipped internationally

Target Market

Fresh Origins targets the upscale segment of the food and beverage industry:

• Fine dining and Michelin-starred restaurants
• Gourmet foodservice providers
• Boutique hotels and luxury resorts
• Airline catering and private chefs
• Specialty retail stores and culinary schools

Their product portfolio supports chefs in crafting dishes that are both visually stunning and flavor-rich, making the brand a favorite among culinary innovators.

Capabilities and Infrastructure

Operating on a multi-acre greenhouse campus in San Marcos, the company combines cutting-edge agricultural technologies with artisan-level cultivation practices:

• Automated irrigation and nutrient systems
• Controlled environment agriculture (CEA)
• Integrated pest management (IPM) practices
• 24/7 climate monitoring and grow cycle optimization
• High-capacity cold storage and fulfillment center

Fresh Origins employs a highly skilled team of agronomists, harvesters, and food safety professionals to maintain quality across the supply chain.

Certifications and Compliance

Fresh Origins is committed to maintaining the highest safety and quality standards:

• PrimusGFS-certified facility
• HACCP-compliant processing and packaging
• FDA-registered and USDA-inspected operations
• Sustainable water usage and eco-friendly packaging initiatives
• Regular third-party audits and in-house microbial testing

These certifications ensure peace of mind for buyers concerned with traceability, shelf life, and food safety.

Customer Testimonials

“Fresh Origins microgreens are hands-down the best on the market. Their flavor profiles and shelf stability are unmatched.”
— Executive Chef, Michelin-Starred Restaurant, Los Angeles

“Their edible flowers and Petite® herbs elevate every dish on our tasting menu. Guests often comment on their beauty and flavor.”
— Culinary Director, Luxury Resort, Miami

Major Achievements

• Recognized by Food Network chefs and featured in multiple culinary competitions
• Exclusive supplier to 20+ Michelin-starred restaurants across North America
• Inventor of Mini Herb Crystals®, now a staple in modern plating
• Sustainable agriculture award recipient in San Diego County
• Featured in Bon Appétit, Saveur, and Modern Farmer magazines

Fresh Origins continues to define the future of specialty produce by offering a curated collection of visually stunning, flavor-forward ingredients that meet the highest standards of the global culinary community.