Veg-Fresh Farms Celebrates Anniversaries of Produce Veterans Larry Olivarez and Joe Marchese
CORONA, CA – As the company continues to ramp up its offerings with strategic growth and technological expansions, Veg-Fresh Farms is also celebrating the legacy and deep produce knowledge of two of its team members; Larry Olivarez and Joe Marchese.
“Our business has been built by bringing the smartest people in this industry to the table. When our employees have 20-30 years of not just produce industry experience, but also 20-30 years of employment at our company, our customers recognize that Veg-Fresh Farms stands for unparalleled expertise and commitment in all aspects of our business,” said Dino Cancellieri, Sr, Veg-Fresh Farms Partner.
Larry Olivarez is celebrating 27 years with the company, according to a recent press release, and works in Sales/Purchasing and Freight Management. Larry first was introduced to Veg-Fresh Farms when he was with his first company, All Fresh. There, Larry met the Veg-Fresh Farms’ founding partners Dino Cancellieri, Sr. and Mark Widder.
“Larry was one of the first key hires for Veg-Fresh Farms back when we first started,” continued Dino. “By forming and maintaining strong customer relationships with both retail and food service customers, and managing transportation for our distribution service across the United States, Larry has been a critical component of our company’s success over the last 27 years, without a doubt.”
Larry began his work for Veg-Fresh Farms in 1989 by becoming lead for freight management and handling foodservice accounts, accounts which the company still maintains today.
Joe Marchese’s legacy with Veg-Fresh Farms began 25 years ago, and is now National Director of Food Service. Joe was hired at the company in 1991 to help grow the retail side of the business through knowledge and expertise gained from his position in sales at Certified Grocers. Soon after his hire, in 1994, Joe moved to the foodservice side of Veg-Fresh Farms’ business.
“Our National Food Service team has seen tremendous growth under the leadership of Joe,” said Mark Widder, Partner at Veg-Fresh Farms. “He and his team now manage 57 distribution centers in 26 states that support and supply to Veg-Fresh’s food service consumers. He has not only increased the accounts and regions that we service, but has helped establish Veg-Fresh Farms as a consummate partner in delivering fresh, quality produce that consistently exceeds our customers needs.”
Joe has grown the foodservice department of Veg-Fresh Farms from supplying local quick-service restaurants into one that now services national contracts, fulfilling them through multiple distribution centers. This feat allows Veg-Fresh Farms to move a multitude of fresh produce throughout the nation.
Legacies and contributions from notable team members such as Larry and Joe have enabled Veg-Fresh Farms to become a third generation family-run agribusiness with a reach expanding to foodservice chains and retailers nationwide. Veg-Fresh Farms distributes such products and services through the Veg-Fresh Farms, Crystal Cove Berry Farm, and Good Life Organic™ labels.
Congratulations on your valued contributions, Larry and Joe, and AndNowUKnow will continue to have the latest as the company continues to grow.