A Humble Vision More Than Achieved – Ippolito International

The next time you find yourself chopping up fresh vegetables or opening a salad mix for dinner, consider that your produce may have passed through the doors of a single company in California, traveling quickly from a local farm to your table.

In 2000, Joel Ippolito and Ron Mondo founded Ippolito International in Salinas, California, with a humble vision. At first, the company focused on growing and selling Brussels sprouts. The company found its niche and then changed dramatically in the next two decades, today selling nearly 50 different products with both conventional and organic options.

“We started with an idea to just grow Brussels sprouts, green onions, and leeks,” said Ron. “Since then, we have turned around and became a fully integrated shipper. We grow our own crops, we harvest them, and we cool and ship [produce] in our own cooling facilities.”

Today, Ippolito International is North America’s largest supplier of fresh Brussels sprouts. This second-generation farming operation offers year-round supplies of Queen Victoria and Coast King brand vegetables, ranging from artichokes and cauliflower to cilantro and fresh salads.

The company’s founders have deep roots in agriculture. CEO Joel Ippolito joined his family’s produce business in 1974 and helped steadily grow the operation in Ontario, Canada, before making the leap to start his own business in California.

Co-founder Ron Mondo also grew up farming in his family’s tradition in the Santa Cruz area. The son of Italian immigrants, he continues to play an active role in all aspects of the farming operation at Ippolito International as they grow, pack, and ship produce to customers across the U.S. and beyond.

“First, we plant by seed or transplant, and then after 80 to 85 days, the crop is ready for harvest,” said Ron. “We have our own harvesting crews, and they decide whether it’s ready. Our crews harvest [the crop] on trailers and ship it to our cooling facilities. From there, it goes out to the customer.”

Ron and his teams have plenty of work to do throughout the year. Ippolito International sells both field-fresh vegetables like artichokes, asparagus, and iceberg lettuce, and value-added products such as halved or shredded Brussels sprouts and broccoli florets, which are prewashed for convenience.

“Our main staples are the bulk commodities, so what you see on the grocery store shelf,” said Ron. “We also have a processing plant where we bring products in and they’re cleaned, chopped up, and ready to eat. So, we offer two different types of programs.”

Keith Mallett is the company’s chief operating officer, managing countless aspects of the business’ farming, harvesting, and shipping operations, which run the entire year. He said the company has grown quickly and now ranks among the largest shippers in the Salinas Valley.

“We’ve been in Brussels sprouts for 25 years, but we also have very large programs for lettuce, romaine, broccoli, and cauliflower, all of which are anywhere between 9,000 and 10,000 acres a season,” said Keith. “We’re now among the top six largest shippers in the Salinas Valley, which is a big deal.”

Pushing toward zero waste

As Ippolito International has charted a course for growth, the company’s leaders have also pushed to create a more renewable, environmentally friendly business model. The company was the first to achieve two Gold Zero Waste TRUE certifications in the Salinas Valley.

By taking a closer look at packing and shipping operations, Ippolito International has successfully reduced its waste and carbon footprints. The company has moved from single-use containers to reusable plastic totes and bins, diverted organic byproducts from the packing operation, and is reusing wood shipping pallets through a pilot program.

For co-founder Ron Mondo, lowering the carbon footprint of the company and moving toward a zerowaste business has been an important effort. He said the benefits are clear, both in preserving the environment and ensuring that his business remains competitive in the global food supply chains.

“What we’re trying to do is lower our carbon footprint,” said Ron. “It’s both the right decision and if you want to do business with the supply chains, you’re going to try and lower your carbon footprint as well.”

A growing partnership

Running a successful business in agriculture takes careful planning and a strong ability to capitalize on each new opportunity.

For Ippolito International, growing from a business that sold field-fresh produce to offering value-added products, as well as the packing and shipping expertise to serve their customers’ needs, has led to remarkable growth in the business.

As the company has expanded its products and services, founders Joel and Ron have turned to American AgCredit, a leading Farm Credit lender, to secure financing, bring on new facilities and equipment, and preserve working capital for the regular needs of a farming operation.

“[American AgCredit] understands our financing needs,” said Ron. “They understand whether it’s cropping ground or equipment purchases. They have helped us to expand our operations and grow as a company.”

Few people understand the financial needs and realities of an agricultural business better than Mike Heisinger, Ippolito International’s chief financial officer. He said the combination of intuitive financial offerings and agricultural expertise has made for a rewarding relationship with American AgCredit over the years.

“American AgCredit understands agriculture and tailors its offerings as such,” said Mike. “Our partnership with American AgCredit has allowed us to not only grow our business, but also focus on our operations, knowing that our banking needs are in good hands.”