LA JOLLA, CA - The industry mourns the loss of Carl Sam Maggio, a pioneer in produce and a legend in his own right. He passed away on Friday, August 19, 2022, at the age of 89.

Born in El Centro, California, Carl Sam Maggio was surrounded by agriculture his entire life. The richness and vibrancy of the Imperial Valley had a lasting impact on him.

Carl Sam was an agricultural industry giant and spent six decades in the fresh produce industry. His agricultural career began with working for his uncle Joe Maggio, the “Carrot King,” where he learned farming from the ground-up by doing the irrigating, cultivating, harvesting, packing and selling, as well as supervising farm labor.

But that wasn’t all the world had in store for Maggio. He was endowed with an entrepreneurial spirit, a passion for agriculture, and a natural-born leader—and he was due for great things. He yearned to have his own company and in 1962, partnered with J. A. “Skip” Tostado to launch Maggio-Tostado. Later, in 1975, Maggio partnered with Domenick “Cookie” Bianco and Howard Marguleas in Sun World, where they built a legacy in bell peppers, seedless watermelons, and table grapes.

In 1992, he partnered with Mark Nickerson and Chuck Hodges to form what is now known as Prime Time International, an industry leader specializing in the year-round production of colored bell peppers, as well as seasonal commodities like sweet corn and watermelon.

Affectionately named the “Pepper King” after the success of Prime Time International, he became a leader in the agricultural industry and was heavily involved with Western Growers, serving on their Board of Directors for many years. He became Chairman of the Board in 1992. In 2012, he received the distinguished Award of Honor, Western Growers’ highest recognition of industry achievement given to individuals who have contributed extensively to the agricultural community. Carl’s stature and leadership in the agricultural industry led him to serve as a delegate in a U.S. Agriculture Summit held in the Oval Office under President George H. Bush.

He was known for his larger-than-life demeanor and shrewd business sense in the agriculture industry, earning him the nickname “Top Gun,” and for his compassion and generosity within the community.

During his career, Maggio developed many loyal friendships and was well known for his stories. A loving father and grandfather, his sense of humor and good nature made him beloved wherever he went.

To read more about this industry legend, click here.

Services are being held on September 9, 2022, at All Hallows Catholic Church in La Jolla, California. A funeral mass will be at 10:00 a.m. with a memorial celebration to follow at La Jolla Country Club. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Carl Sam’s name to your favorite charity.

Our hearts go out to Carl Sam’s family and friends. His presence in the industry will be sorely missed.