Earth Fare promotes Mitch Orland to SVP of merchandising and procurement

Asheville, North Carolina-based retailer Earth Fare, a natural and organic grocery store, has promoted Mitch Orland to SVP of merchandising and procurement, the retailer announced earlier this week.

In his new role, Orland will oversee the selection of products Earth Fare shelves—ensuring that each item adheres to the grocer's rigorous food philosophy that bans the use of harmful additives and artificial ingredients.

Orland previously served as Earth Fare’s executive chef from 2005 to 2012 and is responsible for many of the menu items beloved by long-time Earth Fare fans, the grocer said. He rejoined the natural and organic grocery chain in 2020 in a similar role.  

“In addition to being a visionary leader, chef, entrepreneur and innovator, Mitch’s approach to healthy and natural foods embodies everything we value at Earth Fare,” said Henry Kugler, COO of Earth Fare, in a statement. “We would not be who we are today as a company without his contributions over the past two decades, and we are extremely lucky that Mitch has brought his considerable talent and holistic ethos back to us.”

Orland has dedicated his life and career to putting fresh, healthy foods on the plates of more Americans, the grocer said. During his career, Orland has also worked for Wild Oats, Sunflower Market, Fresh & Easy, Fresh Thyme Farmers Market and Whole Foods.

A graduate of the University of Florida and the Natural Gourmet Institute for Health and Culinary Art, Orland is the founder of Greenfire Growth Collective, a natural product consulting firm. He is also the founding chef and owner of BimBeriBom, an award-winning restaurant in his hometown of Asheville, North Carolina.  

“Returning to Earth Fare has been a full-circle experience for me, and I feel very at home here,” said Orland in a statement. “I am honored to work with the skilled and passionate team of Earth Fare merchants, and I look forward to the evolution of our merchandising and purchasing strategies as we strive to exceed our customers' expectations both today and in the future.”

When Orland is not playing in the kitchen, he sits on the board of Asheville Community Yoga and is a mentor for startup companies in the Venture Asheville Program.

Earth Fare operates under Hulsing Enterprises and runs 19 locations throughout the East Coast.