Sunny Valley Organics

Founded: 1985 by Miguel D. Crisantes Sr.

Company History: Sunny Valley Organics is a family-owned business rich in history. In the late 1920's, Miguel D. Crisantes Sr. began farming produce, starting Gama Produce Co. Gama Produce later became Culiacan Produce Co. In 1985, Miguel Sr. and his son Miguel Jr., wanted to offer customers a cleaner, healthier alternative. They changed their entire business to 100% organics and Sunny Valley Organics was born. Today Miguel Crisantes Jr. heads up the company with his wife, Sunny, and their sons, Miguel III and Hector Crisantes.

List of Primary Commodities: Organic green-house vegetables, tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers and Zucchini. Organic USDA certified table grapes peaches and nectarines. Also pecans and herbs.

What is your company's industry contributions: Sunny Valley Organics started offering organic produce when organics weren't main-stream. Taking a big risk, the company believed in growing healthier foods without pesticides and toxic chemicals. In the beginning , they couldn't sell a lot of product. Holding on to the principle of organic, their persistence and dedication paid off.

What does your company have on tap for 2008: This year, we plan to go into heirloom of all kinds. We'll be importing fruits and vegetables from South America for the winter. Our goal is also to increase our growth of local and homegrown product. We will increase our certified organic soil acreage in Califonia and Arizona.

To what do you attribute your company's success: From the mom-and-pop stores to the largest grocery chains, our customers appreciate that Sunny Valley Organics held onto it's organic principles over the years. We were one of the first to start the organic produce movement, and our customers understand our dedication to organics. We have grown with the market, and we are optimistic about the future of organics.

What food trends will influence the produce industry in 2008: Heirlooms, tomatoes, melons, bell peppers - will make a comeback. Their taste, aroma and freshness are superior.