“It gives us our first entry into North American production”

On May 8, Vanguard International acquired Washington-based Pride Packing Co. “The acquisition gives us our first entry into North American production,” says Craig Stauffer, CEO of Vanguard International. Pride is a vertically-integrated apple, cherry, apricot, peach and nectarine operation, growing in Yakima’s lower valley. 

“Historically, Vanguard International has been a major exporter of Washington fruit, and the acquisition of Pride complements our export business perfectly,” mentioned Stauffer. “It gives us the product base and volume needed to expand our sales activities in North America to complement our grape production in Ica, Peru.” Vanguard International will continue to evaluate additional acquisition opportunities around the world, focusing first on Peru, Chile, Mexico, California, Washington, and Oregon. Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa are also on the company’s radar. “Our goal is to provide our customers around the world with 52-weeks of our own production of quality-assured, food-safety assured apples, cherries, stone fruit, and table grapes.”

Not only was Pride acquired to give Vanguard International access to the North American market. It was also acquired for its people. “We have a phenomenal team of great people at Pride, all of whom are excited and committed to future growth and doing things right,” shared Stauffer. “Led by Brett Calhoun and our very capable ranch managers, our farming team is a gem, in addition to the capable people that we have in the warehouse, on the packing lines, in sales, and on the finance team. With the addition of Brian Birdsall, our new President, and Byron Ihnen, our new Vice President of Sales, who are now running alongside Brett Calhoun, our General Manager and Vice President of Washington Farming Operations, we truly have an outstanding team in place at Pride.”

Pride Packing was established by Ernest Spada, Sr. in 1972. “Ernie built an impressive business from the ground up at Pride,” said Stauffer. “He is one of the most passionate produce professionals I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. He is an expert in the entire business to include growing, storing, packing, selling and distributing produce globally. His passion and expertise regarding the selection of the fruit varieties that we grow and his innovative growing techniques helped to create a best-in-class operation.”

For more information:

Craig Stauffer

Tel: 425-427-6113