Los Angeles, CA — Progressive Produce LLC and Seaview Packing, Inc. of Coachella, CA announced a new partnership today. Progressive has been in the business of packing, marketing and selling citrus for over 10 years, but this partnership with Seaview, a second generation grower and packer, will greatly expand its capabilities and reach into the marketplace with its local, regional and national customer base.
“We are really excited about this partnership and what the combination of our two companies brings to our customers. Ever since we got into the citrus business with our very successful line of baby lemons, key limes and limes, our customers have been looking for us to provide some of their ‘big box’ fruit. We have never really found the right partner until now,” said Jim Leimkuhler, President of Progressive. Leimkuhler went on to add that the chemistry with Seaview seemed to be a perfect fit right from the start and the quality product that Seaview produces fits nicely with their product offerings.
Dennis Jensen, President of Seaview Packing, stated that Seaview Ranch has been growing citrus on its ranches since the late 1950’s. “We are not the biggest grower here, but we take a lot of pride in what we do. We feel that by partnering with Progressive, we can take really good care of their customers and provide the kind of quality and service that is needed in today’s marketplace. Plus, we anticipate future growth in our business in the coming years,” added Jensen.
Hugo Barajas, a 16 year Seaview employee, will join the Progressive sales team, but will be located in the Seaview packing facility in Coachella. Barajas, with his years of citrus experience at Seaview, brings a wealth of knowledge to Progressive. Victor Rodarte, Vice President of Sales for Progressive, said “I have known Hugo for 15 years and his enthusiasm about this category is off the charts. Progressive is very excited about adding him to our sales team and the possibilities that exist with Hugo and the Seaview team behind us.”
Progressive Produce, a 49 year old company, has its main office in Los Angeles, CA. It specializes in conventional and organic lines of asparagus, potatoes, onions, citrus and Hispanic fruits and vegetables. In February 2016, Total Produce plc of Dublin, Ireland acquired a 65% interest in Progressive from Leimkuhler, Rodarte and Jack Gyben. The three partners remain active in the business.
Seaview Ranch, the property where the citrus is grown dates back to the 1940’s, has been owned by the Jensen family since 1983. Seaview Packing Inc. of Coachella, CA expanded its packing capabilities as recently as 2011 and specializes in packing lemons, oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, sweet limes and other products.
For further information, please contact Jack Gyben at Progressive Produce jack@progressiveproduce.com or 323-890-8100
Source: Progressive Produce LLC
