A Thumbs-up From Oprah
A Washington and Lee University alumnus is thrilled to see his company’s products appear in Oprah Winfrey’s popular and influential 2014 holiday gift guide, published in O Magazine. The guide features five flavors of Blackberry Patch Premium Syrups: Pumpkin Spice, Apple Butter, Blueberry, Raspberry and Blackberry.
Founded in 1988 and based in Thomasville, Georgia, Blackberry Patch is owned and operated by Harry T. Jones III, a 1978 graduate of W&L, and his sister, Randy Harvey. Their company uses time-honored Southern techniques to make jams, jellies and syrups from local fruits and family recipes.
“This recognition is a tribute to our faithful customers, great team of people and our community. Oprah has great taste!” said Harry.
Blackberry Patch was discovered by Oprah’s team at the New York Fancy Food show. The team attributes their visibility to the award-winning booth design by Jackie Ellis Johnson Design and the product-label design by Fontaine Maury.
Recipes on the Blackberry Patch website offer intriguing combinations, such as a turkey, cheddar and apple butter grilled sandwich; strawberry jam cream cheese waffle sandwich; pumpkin marshmallow popcorn; and peach pepper jelly phyllo cups.
Harry, who holds a B.S. in commerce, has enjoyed a long career in the food business, including restaurants and distribution. He and Randy took over Blackberry Patch in 1999. It produces more than 50 items that are carried by such retailers as Cracker Barrel, Cabela’s, Le Gourmet Chef, The Fresh Market and Whole Foods.
You can read more about Harry’s company on the Blackberry Patch website.
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