Christopher Ranch in Gilroy, CA, was founded over 50 years ago. The company introduced its organic line in 1997. Patsy Ross, vice president of marketing for the company, said that its line of organic products has grown consistently since then.

“Today our organic line includes numerous options in fresh, peeled and jarred categories,” said Ross. “And we offer organic shallots, also in fresh, peeled and jarred options, organic elephant garlic, organic ginger, organic pearl, Cipolline and boiler onions.”

Christopher Ranch is one of the nation’s larger domestic garlic grower-packer-shippers.

Christopher Ranch’s three-piece mesh bag of organic garlic.“With five strategically placed distribution warehouses across the nation, we can ensure timely deliveries to our customers,” said Ross. “Family owned and operated since 1956, three generations of Christophers are currently working at Christopher Ranch.”

In a story published on Aug. 20 in The Produce News, titled “Christopher Ranch sees good 2014, has concerns for 2015 due to water shortage” by Rand Green, Bill Christopher, president of Christopher Ranch, told The Produce News that garlic acreage for the 2014 harvest is similar to 2013, and with the harvest well under way, yields appear normal.

That is an improvement over last year, when “yields were off about 10 or 15 percent,” Christopher said.

He also noted that next year could be a different story, adding, “We are very concerned about next year with the lack of water.”

Depending on whether the three-year drought continues and whether or not government water agencies release more water for agricultural use next season, keeping production at current levels could be a challenge for 2015. But planting decisions must be made before there are answers to those questions.

Christopher Ranch’s biggest priority this fall will be “trying to find areas that have water so we can keep putting in the same number of acres,” Christopher said.

Christopher also pointed out that the yields are normal for the current crop, which is good because yields were down a little last year.

“We are looking for a great garlic season this year,” said Christopher. “We have great customers, and whatever challenges there are, we will face them and make sure everybody gets their California garlic.”

The company produces its garlic in California and other areas of the U.S.

Ross said the company’s client base extends across a wide range, including retail grocery stores, foodservice distributors and industrial customers. Its products are distributed nationally.

“Demand for our organic items exceeds supply,” said Ross. “We are increasing our acreage by 10 percent per year for a slow but steady and sustainable increase.”