Tiny Montana herb company, On Thyme Gourmet expands its global market with prestigious award

During her trip to London three weeks ago, Bonnie Martinell of Bridger didn’t get see to the Queen, but she brought home a crown jewel – a prize she thinks will help her business explode.

Bonnie and Jack Martinell, who own On Thyme Gourmet http://bojafarm.com/ and Boja Farms, left for London Sept. 3 to compete with 50 U.S. companies in a contest to introduce organic American foods to European diners.

During a luncheon sponsored by the U.S. Embassy at a Hilton Hotel, nine judges picked the organic basil, sage and thyme grown in Bridger for the gold medal for best of taste.

"We’re the only ones to develop a process for fresh chopped herbs in a jar that keeps for six months," Bonnie Martinell said. "They just absolutely loved the taste of it."

The Martinells have developed a secret process that keeps the chopped herbs fresh in jars without adding oil or other liquids.

By JAN FALSTAD
Of The Gazette Staff

Full Story: http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?id=1&display=rednews/2005/09/25/build/business/35-herb-company.inc