CASTROVILLE, Calif. — Ocean Mist Farms opened its expanded cooler facility in Coachella, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec. 8, with an official ribbon cutting ceremony.
Ocean Mist Farms has operated in Coachella since 1988 and has expanded its produce cooling and distribution facility twice during that time. The latest expansion, which has been more than two years in planning and execution, is a result of increased business.
Construction started March 23; the facility now has double the cooling and storage capacity and twice as many bays for receiving and loading trucks.
The company grows and cools artichokes and 30 other fresh vegetables at the Coachella facility during the winter season from December to April, said Ocean Mist Farms CEO Joe Pezzini. In addition, the facility serves other growers in the surrounding area as a year-round produce cooling and distribution center. Ocean Mist Farms employs more than 70 at the facility.
“We built our reputation on superior product quality and food safety practices,” Pezzini said. “This new facility allows us to further improve product quality and shelf life as well as food safety and security.”
In addition to improving efficiencies, product quality and customer service, the expansion of the Coachella facility strategically positions Ocean Mist Farms for future growth, Pezzini said.
“We are investing in the Coachella valley for the future,” Pezzini said. “We expanded the facility to handle our crops and to serve our growing partners in the area. We believe in the future of agriculture here and are committed for the long term.”
Pezzini was joined for the ribbon cutting ceremony by Mayor Steven Hernandez. The mayor declared Dec. 8 as official Ocean Mist Farms day. More than 40 people attended the opening event and enjoyed refreshments and tours of the facility.
For more information about Ocean Mist Farms, visit www.oceanmist.com.
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Pictured left to the right in the attached photo are:
- Arti the artichoke
- Dale Huss, vice president artichoke production, Ocean Mist Farms
- Philip Taluban, chief financial officer, Ocean Mist Farms
- Jeff Percy, vice president production, Ocean Mist Farms
- Ed Boutonnet chairman of the board, Ocean Mist Farms
- Joe Pezzini, chief executive officer, Ocean Mist Farms
- Steven Hernandez, mayor city of Coachella
- Jackie Lopez, district director, office of Assembly Member Eduardo Garcia
- David Tottino, plant manager, Ocean Mist Farms
- Mark Weber, director economic development, city of Coachella
- Art Barrientos, vice president harvest, Ocean Mist Farms
- Jesse Ramirez, district staffer, office of Senator Jeff Stone
About Ocean Mist Farms
Ocean Mist Farms, a fourth generation family-owned business and the largest grower of fresh artichokes in North America, is committed to delivering the highest standards in the industry for food safety, product quality, customer service, innovation and sustainability. The company’s full line of 30 fresh vegetables includes the award-winning Season & Steam and Ocean Mist Organic product lines.
Source: Ocean Mist Farms