After graduating with a Food Science degree from California Polytechnic University, in San Luis Obisbo, California, I had the good fortune to work for a food machinery company that I learned a lot from. I traveled all over the world visiting food processing facilities and was responsible for selling machinery to the Middle East. Then, thirty years ago I 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 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 first class food processing plant in Dubai. This year we are celebrating our one billionth can produce.
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 set, which focuses on quality and convenience, is sure to be a hit among those around the World that are hungry for authentic, healthy and convenient foods.