The Vanguard International Group has purchased Pride Packing Co. in Wapato, Washington, as part of its strategy to develop a global vertically-integrated fresh fruit organization, able to supply fresh produce 52-weeks per year from its farms to its customers.
“We are thrilled to welcome Pride to Vanguard and to continue our working relationship with this industry leader”, shares Craig Stauffer, Vanguard’s CEO. Stauffer adds, “We are proud to be associated with the Spada family, United Salad Co., and Pride, and we look forward to increasing our footprint in Washington to enhance our ability to supply our customers around the world.”
Ernest Spada, Sr. founded the company in 1972 and will continue as Pride’s Chairman Emeritus, and Brett Calhoun, will continue as General Manager and Vice President of Farming Operations. “We are dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition and seamless integration of all entities as we enter this exciting partnership between Pride and Vanguard,” says Spada.
Pride has become a major growers in the global market with brands that include Merit ‘O Pride, Poinsettia, and Apple Valley. Pride is a vertically-integrated 3,000 acre farming operation complete with its own packing and cold storage facilities and is one of Washington’s leading producers of apples, pears, cherries, apricots, peaches, and nectarines.
“We’re extremely proud of the success and development that has been created at Pride and look forward to further expanding our reach and growth as part of the Vanguard team,” says Brett Calhoun, General Manager and Vice President of Washington Farming Operations, Pride Packing Co.
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