From our first shipment, we have stayed true to our philosophy of providing a superior product at a reasonable price. This same philosophy carries through to all of our products which now include over 200 items packed in over 20 countries around the world.
We are always working to introduce new products to the marketplace. So look for new products from California Garden in your local store, and if for some reason your store does not carry it, ask the store manager and we are sure they will accommodate your request. You are always welcome to contact us and we will advise you of the nearest store that carries our product line.
History
After graduating with a Food Science degree from California Polytechnic University, in California, Mr. Fouad El-Abd had the good fortune to work for a food machinery company where he gained knowledge and experience in the food production industry. He traveled all over the world visiting food processing facilities and was responsible for selling machinery to the Middle East. Then, thirty years ago he had the opportunity to start a small food company in California to supply the Middle East, Far East, and Africa with quality canned goods from the U.S.A. Thus, the California Garden brand was born.
From humble beginnings, we started selling three SKU’s, mainly California canned fruits…then we introduced to the Middle East a quality canned Fava Beans from California. It was our first big success. We were competing with local and imported Chinese canned goods brands. The market demanded quality products at a fair price and responded accordingly. We followed up on our success by introducing a variety of recipes of canned favas. We developed these products to suit the local tastes of the countries we served. Our creativity was rewarded and our products were a hit in the marketplace.
We then entered into a licensing agreement with a local company Kuwait Food Company and built a premier food processing plant in Dubai.
In 2018 we celebrated our one billionth can produced! We are pleased to say that more than one million families across the Middle East eat our products daily.
Our fava beans were and still are our main product line but over the past years, we have expanded our range. We have introduced over 200 items to the market. Our tuna is now one of the best in the market and we maintain significant market share positions across most markets in the Middle East. Our Ready-to-Eat appetizer line includes favorites such as our Stuffed Vine Leaves and our Giant Beans in Tomato Sauce along with other authentic recipes. Our product range also includes great canned and bottled fruits, vegetables, juices, olives, olive oil, salad dressings and many other items.
We strive to offer the World’s retailers and consumers a complete range of Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern foods. Our range focuses on quality and convenience and is sure to be a hit among those around the World that are hungry for authentic, healthy and convenient Mediterranean foods.
Today, California Garden is the world's number one brand of canned fava beans.
Our strength is innovation. We are continually striving to create more new products that are "ready to eat" and yet fit the local taste. An example of one of our products is Fava Beans, we pioneered the creation of ten flavors and recipes to fit the various local tastes. We were also the first company to introduce white lacquered cans in the Middle East thus providing the consumer with rust-free cans. Today we remain the #1 brand in the world for fava beans.
As you browse through our website, we hope it will give you a good idea about our company and our product line. We are always striving to reach a higher quality and would welcome your suggestions in order to provide superior products to our consumers.
We believe our journey has just begun.
Fouad El-Abd (1952-2020)
