B&B Imports, sister company of Dave’s Specialty Imports, is expanding its business westward with the opening of a new brokerage office in Visalia, California. The Cincinnati-based importer has served a number of retail and wholesale customers since 1996, according to a press release.

Mike Bowe, President of B&B Imports, has brought in produce veteran Tony Taviano, along with a sales team, to manage the B&B’s expansion into the brokerage business.

“My father and I have known Tony for many years. When he approached us with this idea for B&B we knew he was someone we could trust to take the company into a new direction,” Bowe commented.

In the last several years the company has played a supportive role in the success of Dave’s Specialty Imports.

Taviano is beginning his 28th season based in Visalia, California, sourcing product from Nogales, Coachella, and the San Joaquin Valley. The produce veteran has expertly sourced a variety of grapes, cherries, stone fruit, citrus, melons, clementines, and pears. Taviano is utilizing a well-established network of growers, shippers, and on-ground inspectors, and makes a point to personally inspect much of the product himself, prior to its shipment to a wide range of domestic receivers and export accounts.

Taviano met and worked with Dave and Mike Bowe in the 1980’s while working as a head Field Merchandiser and Account Development manager at Ritter Bros. in Bellefontaine, Ohio. In early 1986, Dave Bowe was even a groomsman in Taviano’s wedding just before he left the Midwest for Visalia.

“It has been 28 years since I worked with Mike and Dave at Ritter Bros., and I am honored by the opportunity to work with them again. I’m excited about developing business for B&B in a market that I know very well. I look forward to the new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead,“ remarked Taviano. Bowe added, “Tony is a well-respected member of the produce community and brings a lot of experience and momentum to the expansion of B&B. We are delighted he could join us and help our family businesses grow.”

Congratulations B&B Imports and Dave’s Specialty Imports on your growing footprint from coast to coast.