Finding a niche product in the pickle market can sometimes be quite the challenge. With a passion for pickle making, Thomasville native Todd Ponder discovered just that and launched his dream recently at the Atlanta Merchandise Mart.

His mother, Joann Ponder of Thomasville, has been making sweet cucumber and green tomato pickles for her family and friends for more than 34 years. Todd Ponder had a dream of taking his mother’s family pickle recipe, producing the products, and marketing them to gift stores, gourmet food stores and specialty food store chains throughout the United States.

More than a year ago, he created the company known today as Joann’s Foods with his “Taste a Cool & Crisp Pickle!  You’re going to love them! ™” slogan. After test marketing in a number of stores for several months, customers reported strong sales that remain consistent over time.

Ponder stated, “We have got the product and taste in the jar right and we have good awareness and people already feel good about the brand.”

See Tuesday’s edition for more details.