Bill Moncovich and Joe Barsi Comment on Milestone Anniversary
WATSONVILLE, CA – Over the last four decades, California Giant Berry Farms BB #:121061 has established itself as a name synonymous with quality. Originally founded in 1983 by Bill Moncovich, Pat Riordan, Frank Saveria and Red Bryant, California Giant Berry Farms started small. The quartet joined forces with a simple mission in mind—provide the best quality strawberries and give back to their community.
Working under the name of New West Fruit Corp and packaging the brand’s cornerstone product— strawberries—with the California Giant label, their vision was to keep growing the company and become a major shipper, which is exactly what happened over the past 40 years.
“From the beginning, our focus was quality because I’ve never known a quality company to go broke,” joked Bill Moncovich, founding partner and owner of California Giant Berry Farms. “Quality spans from our premium grading standards, good ground—literally—to our excellent growers and dedicated people.”
The company’s focus on quality begets quality, whether in longstanding grower partner relationship or committed employees. Many of California Giant Berry Farms’ grower partners have a multi-generational history with the company that extends decades, while nearly 40% of its staff have been with the company for at least ten years.
Moncovich’s commitment to customer service is what led to the company’s growth and inevitable success. New West Fruit Corp formally transitioned to California Giant Berry Farms in 1998, and today the brand has evolved to offer a full line of organic and conventional strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries, while partnering with growers in North and South America to provide a year-round supply of the quality fruit it’s known for.
Despite the company’s growth, Moncovich’s influence is ever-present in the company—as it continues to pride itself on delivering the best quality berries while giving back to its community. The company formalized its 501(c)3 nonprofit, The California Giant Foundation, in 2015. A need driven from his personal generosity and care for the community in which he lives and regions the company’s partners grow. Today, the nonprofit has invested over 1 million dollars to the community.
“It’s hard to believe it has been 40 years since California Giant was formed,” shared Joe Barsi, president of California Giant Berry Farms. “It is amazing to see what Bill’s vision and mission has evolved to today and how it’s forever shaped our company culture. ‘We’re thrilled to celebrate this milestone anniversary and look forward to many more.”
About California Giant Berry Farms
California Giant Berry Farms delivers the best berry experience for retailers, foodservice and consumers alike by providing an all-season supply of sustainably grown blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries that represent the highest standards for quality, consistency and smiles. Over the last 40 years, California Giant has grown into a global family of people passionate about delivering the berry best. Quality, consistency and community inspire the mission and values that continue to sustain them.
