100-year-old Giumarra Bros. launched in the Los Angeles market

Giumarra Bros. Fruit Co., a wholesale produce and services business based at the Los Angeles Wholesale Produce Market, has achieved an impressive milestone this year.

The company is celebrating its 100th anniversary.  The company’s wholesale operation was founded by Giuseppe “Joe” Giumarra and his brothers.

“As our history with the Los Angeles wholesale produce industry reached 100 years in 2022, it was a great reminder of how well our company has evolved with the changes in our industry,” said Megan Gorgisheli, director of marketing administration at Giumarra Cos., Giumarra Bros.' parent company. 

The operation has expanded since then. Don Corsaro, former president and current chairman of Giumarra Cos., said in a news release that he hardly recognizes the company because it has changed so much since those early days.

Today, the company has a group of commodities that have done very well.

“We have an organic program and have seen high demand. Our key organic items are fruit, potatoes and onions,” Gorgisheli said.

Conventional items that have been moving well include lacinato kale, cauliflower and broccolini.

In dealing with the obstacles of doing business, the company is looking at how it can do things better to offset financial strains of recent global disruptions.

“Rising costs across the supply chain continue to be a challenge for our industry as a whole. We are exploring ways to be more efficient,” Gorgisheli said.