How a Family-Owned Business Grew from Humble Beginnings to Become a Global Leader in Fresh Berries, All While Nurturing Communities and Championing Sustainability.
Founded in 1983 by Bill Moncovich, Pat Riordan, Frank Saveria, and Red Bryant, California Giant Berry Farms began with a straightforward vision: to grow and deliver the best strawberries while giving back to the community.
Initially operating under the name New West Fruit Corp, the company transitioned to California Giant Berry Farms in 1998. From these humble beginnings, the company has grown into a global leader in berry production, offering strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries, both conventional and organic.
With operations spanning the Americas, including North and South America, California Giant has become synonymous with high-quality berries and a strong sense of community responsibility.
Based in Watsonville, California, the company’s year-round supply of berries is made possible through strategic partnerships with growers across regions such as Oregon, Georgia, Chile, and Mexico.
California Giant has built long-lasting relationships with these partners, ensuring that they meet rigorous standards for quality, sustainability, and food safety. These partnerships not only facilitate berry production but also align with the company’s values of fairness, respect, and collaboration, fostering a culture of mutual growth.
At the heart of California Giant’s success is its commitment to quality and consistency. The berries go through multiple stages of inspection, from field assessment to packaging and distribution, ensuring they meet strict criteria for size, taste, and freshness.
The company’s cold chain logistics, combined with innovative tools such as blockchain technology, allow for real-time tracking from farm to fork, minimizing waste and ensuring transparency. This focus on quality is complemented by their sustainability efforts, which are integrated throughout their supply chain. From exploring biodegradable mulch films to using 100% recycled content in packaging, California Giant strives to reduce its environmental footprint.
Beyond its operational prowess, the company takes pride in being a family-oriented business, with many employees having been with the company for over two decades.
The average employee tenure of 9.1 years reflects the strong workplace culture and the emphasis on community within the organization. This commitment extends to initiatives like employee wellness programs, competitive compensation, and efforts to promote diversity within the workforce.
Recent employee engagement surveys show that satisfaction levels are 8% above the industry average, reinforcing the company’s dedication to maintaining a positive work environment.
California Giant is also deeply rooted in philanthropy, with the California Giant Foundation, established in 2015, playing a pivotal role in its community engagement. The foundation focuses on four key pillars: childhood obesity and nutrition, hunger and food insecurity, disease prevention and awareness, and general community support.
Through partnerships with organizations such as Meals on Wheels and the American Cancer Society, the foundation aims to make a meaningful impact. Fundraising events organized by the foundation, like the annual Skirt Steak BBQ, not only raise funds but also foster a sense of unity among employees and the community.
In the realm of sustainability, California Giant has made significant strides, conducting materiality assessments aligned with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) framework to evaluate its environmental and social impact. This approach reflects the company’s belief that sustainability is integral to long-term business success. By collaborating with environmental organizations and other agricultural companies, California Giant actively works to reduce plastic waste and explore innovative farming practices.
The company’s vision of being the most resilient fresh berry company in the world is not just a corporate statement; it’s embedded in its everyday actions. With a focus on community, philanthropy, and sustainable practices, California Giant distinguishes itself in a competitive market. CEO and co-founder Bill Moncovich encapsulates this ethos by emphasizing that the company’s mission transcends competition, aiming to deliver healthy, high-quality berries to as many people as possible.
