California Giant Berry Farms Celebrates 40-Year Anniversary; Bill Moncovich and Joe Barsi Reflect

Tuesday, May. 2nd, 2023

by Chandler James

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WATSONVILLE, CA - Today we take a look behind the longstanding name of California Giant Berry Farms. The cherished berry brand began in 1983 when Bill Moncovich, Pat Riordan, Frank Saveria, and Red Bryant joined forces to provide top-quality strawberries while also giving back to their community. Since then, the company has continued to evolve, establishing itself as a supplier synonymous with high quality.

Bill Moncovich, Founding Partner and Owner, California Giant Berry Farms “From the beginning, our focus was quality because I’ve never known a quality company to go broke,” joked Moncovich, Founding Partner and Owner. “Quality spans from our premium grading standards, good ground—literally—to our excellent growers and dedicated people.”

Working under the name of New West Fruit Corp and packaging strawberries under the California Giant label, the quartet’s original vision was to keep growing the company and become a major shipper—a feat they certainly accomplished over the next 40 years. New West Fruit Corp formally transitioned to California Giant Berry Farms in 1998, now offering 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 quality fruit.

Founded by Bill Moncovich, Pat Riordan, Frank Saveria, and Red Bryant in 1983, California Giant Berry Farms is celebrating its 40th anniversary

As the company noted in a press release, California Giant’s focus on quality begets quality, whether in longstanding grower-partner relationships or committed employees. Many of the company’s grower partners have a multi-generational alliance that extends decades, and nearly 40 percent of its staff have been with the company for at least 10 years.

In 2015, the berry supplier formalized its 501(c)3 nonprofit, inspired by Moncovich’s 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 into the community.

Joe Barsi, President, California Giant Berry Farms “It’s hard to believe it has been 40 years since California Giant was formed,” shared Joe Barsi, President. “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.”