CORONA, CA - The words ‘strategic partnership’ are powerhouse words we like to wake up to on a Friday! Veg-Fresh Farms just announced a new strategic partnership with a certifiable citrus category icon, Redlands Foothill Groves. Together, the two will unite their know-how to provide their combined customer base with more opportunities to enjoy the quality of citrus from the Inland Empire region.

“The partnership with Redlands Foothill Groves fits perfectly with Veg-Fresh Farms family of grower partners who exhibit and share our commitment to quality, integrity, and the customer experience,” said Dino Cancellieri Jr., Managing Partner at Veg-Fresh. “In addition, being located just 30 miles from our Corona facility, it provides our customers the logistic advantage that we have found so valuable being located in the Inland Empire.”

Jacob Gracia, Director of Citrus at Veg-Fresh Farms, chimed in, stating: “Working with one of the most storied packing houses in the local region to expand retail and foodservice opportunities and being able to provide a consistent and year-round program to our customers are just some of the many benefits of this partnership. And we couldn’t be more delighted to be working closely with Redlands Foothill. They have continued to invest in state-of-the art technologies to grade fruit and ensure that they pack the best quality for our customers.”

Redland Foothill Groves is a San Bernardino County-based citrus packing house that just kicked off its 96^th season, marking a significant start to its partnership with Veg-Fresh Farms.

“Redlands Foothill Groves, which is owned by a cooperative of over 80 local growers, is the only packing house in the city of Redlands (previously there were as many as 26 packing sheds) packing primarily Washington variety navel oranges, Valencia oranges, grapefruit, and lemons,” said Manuel Martinez, General Manager.

According to a press release, Martinez started as a part-time employee at the packing house 45 years ago and has been the General Manager and significant grower member at Redlands Foothill Groves for more than 20 years.

Hugo Barajas, Director of Citrus Farming Relations at Veg-Fresh Farms, added, “The Redlands Foothill partnership adds a major piece to our overall conventional citrus program. Having had a long-standing relationship with Manuel and the Redlands family of growers, I couldn’t be more excited about what we can accomplish for our customers, and how we can continue the legacy of the Southern California citrus grower.”

For more news on the powerhouse produce partnerships culminating in our industry's backyard, stay right here with AndNowUKnow.

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