For more than 70 years, Pandol Bros. Inc. has focused on providing its customers with world-class table grapes and unparalleled customer service.

“Retailer direct is our main focus: many customers who buy grapes from us 365, some who buy for just the California season and a few who buy specific items only,” said John Pandol, director of special projects for the company. “Not every chain can or wants to buy direct, so Pandol certainly has its wholesale and jobber channels. There is a third group of retailers who partially or entirely outsource their buying. Pandol deals with a few of these third party procurement companies either direct or through brokers. Because our year-round food-safety certifications are better than most grape handlers, Pandol supplies many processors who, in turn, supply the foodservice sector.”

Pandol was asked about the California drought. “Our rainfall and snowpack are variable and always have been,” he said. “That’s why we build water storage to save water from surplus years, like 2010, to use in drought years, like now. Ever since the Friant Kern Canal was built in the 1950s, the water users have known each year is different, and the combination of well water and available surface water will vary. Right now, we are very heavy to groundwater. Because Pandol has good water infrastructure, we have been able to maintain all of our permanent crops.”

Pandol Bros. grows and markets red, green and black table grapes. “Remember September for the Sweet Celebration grape,” Pandol said. “We will offer variety logo bags, clamshells and freestanding displays. Sugar Crunch will be rolling out some more volume in late July and early August, also in variety logo bags and clams. There are some field trials to try to extend the season of these varieties. We’ll also have ‘Sesame Street’ logo bags available on request.”

Looking at overall production, he characterized quality and quantity this way. “So far, so good,” he told The Produce News. The company’s primary label is “Pandol.” Occasionally others are used for legacy reasons, especially in international markets.

Pandol ships nationwide and to around 40 countries, between 20 and 25 in any given season. “The strong U.S. dollar means our product is relatively more expensive in many countries,” Pandol stated. “

Andrew Brown, who has a background in domestic sales, joined Pandol and is focusing on export sales. “In 40 years, Pandol has never an exports salesman come from domestic sales,” he said.