Westside Produce Establishes Year-Round Strategic Marketing Partnership With Classic Fruit; Garrett Patricio, Paul Raggio, and More Comment
FIREBAUGH, CA - A strategic marketing alliance has been formed between two prominent melon suppliers. Westside Produce is joining forces with Classic Fruit to provide retail, foodservice, and fresh-cut customers with cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon, and mixed melons year-round.
“By joining forces, Classic Fruit and Westside Produce are formalizing a 20-year relationship that will offer our customers top quality melons 52 weeks of the year,” said Garrett Patricio, President of Westside Produce. “A steady and consistent, uninterrupted supply of melons is what most customers desire. This alliance allows both companies to better serve those looking for that option.”
A press release explained that the two firms offer comprehensive food safety and traceability management systems, while incorporating sustainable production practices and safe work environments.
Paul Raggio, President of Classic Fruit Company, also commented on the news.
“What’s unique about Westside Produce and Classic Fruit is that both companies control every aspect and phase of their operation,” said Raggio. “This begins with proper ground preparation, planting decisions, variety choices, cultural practices including inputs, pollination, and pest control. Classic Fruit and Westside Produce also each own and control our harvest, packing, quality control, cooling, marketing, and shipping operations.”
Sales will be led by Tom Ferguson, Tom Conrado, and Mark George—each with over 20 years of experience in melon sales. Both companies have developed trusted relationships across the aisle and throughout the industry.
“Westside Produce and Classic Fruit are respected, vertically integrated grower-packer-shippers and each offers marketing and customer distribution across North America,” said Conrado.
Tom Ferguson commented as well.
“We’ve worked together for nearly 20 years, this alliance just formalizes what’s become a valuable resource in keeping our customers happy,” he noted.
George added, “As our customers ask for more service and support year-round, having a stable and consistent supply of fruit becomes ever more important. The shared values and unique similarities between Westside Produce and Classic Fruit will make delivering on our promises much easier.”
This spring, melons will be available from Arizona, followed by California from July through October. Production will return to Arizona in the fall, and between November and May, in Guatemala.
Cheers to this exciting alliance!
