A win-win for both Salinas Valley companies
Braga Farms has operations in Yuma, Ariz., El Centro and the Salinas Valley. Braga sells organic and conventionally grown fresh vegetables into the retail market under the labels Josie’s Organics, Fresh n Healthy, and Golden State Broccoli. Braga Fresh is part of the vertically integrated Braga family of companies.
Using the unique arrangement to provide customers with access to both brands is a win-win for both Salinas Valley companies, as it will make life easier for both sets of customers, said Mike Antle, executive vice president and a partner in Tanimura & Antle.
“Braga and Tanimura & Antle have always been innovative and committed to quality,” Antle said. “Offering this added convenience is a way for both companies to demonstrate our commitment to premium service and helping our customers.”
Norm Groot, executive director of the Monterey County Farm Bureau, said Friday that these kinds of cooperative agreements between other processors and shippers have worked in the past. Groot drew on his past experience in the nursery business to note that no one likes what’s called “lighter than load” – trucks only partially filled.
“Consolidating shipping is the most efficient way of doing it,” Groot said. “You lower freight costs and increase efficiencies.”