Family values stay true at Consalo Family Farms
By
Seth Mendelson
Family values stay true at Consalo Family Farms
It has always been about family values at Consalo Family Farms.
The Vineland, NJ-based operation has long prided itself on giving its customers, and consumers, the best possible product that mean the highest standards. The fully-integrated, year-round operation also provides expertise in shipping, growing, imports and packaging.
As for crops, Consalo Family Farms produces a wide variety, including leaf lettuce, cooking greens, herbs, bunched vegetables, blueberries, citrus and grapes.
“We are especially proud to grow Jersey Fresh, staying true to our roots in Vineland, New Jersey,” said Leigha Sepers, a marketing assistant at the company and a fourth-generation member of the Consalo family to work in the business. “At Consalo Family Farms, freshness and sustainability are at the heart of everything we do. For us, it is not just business, it is a family tradition. Every product we grow, and ship is handled with care and consistency to meet the highest standards.
“We also maintain a rigorous food safety program, ensuring that both conventional and organic products meet strict quality standards,” continued Sepers. “Our dedication to sustainability means we continue to farm in ways that protect both the land and our communities.”
Consalo Family Farms was founded by in 1927 by William Consalo Sr., who began by buying fresh produce and traveling to sell crops throughout the region. With the help of his four sons, William grew the business rapidly, gaining recognition within the industry. Sepers said that his hard work and vision earned him the Produce Man of the Year Award from the United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association, as well as the Outstanding Agricultural Business Award in the 1960s.
William’s son, Andy Consalo, further strengthened the company by building strong relationships and trust across the produce industry. Today, Skip Consalo, Andy’s son, represents the third generation of family leadership in agriculture and Leigha is part of the next generation that is just starting to get more involved in the business.
“Consalo Family Farms understands that the needs of retailers and suppliers extend well beyond simply stocking fresh produce,” noted Sepers, who joined the company a little over a year ago. “That is why we work hand-in-hand with our partners to develop customized pack sizes, formats and solutions that fit seamlessly onto their shelves and meet the expectations of their shoppers. When customers choose Consalo, they are not just receiving produce, they are gaining a full-service partnership built on nearly a century of expertise, family values and industry trust.”
Sepers proudly added that everyone involved at Consalo Family Farms share a vision for the future that is rooted in growth, innovation and respect for our heritage. “The Consalo family plans to expand its year-round operations with a strong emphasis on organic offerings to meet the rising demand from today’s health-conscious consumers,” she said. “At the same time, we are investing in advanced technology to enhance efficiency, streamline operations, and provide even greater value and service to our partners. Just as important, we remain focused on anticipating consumer trends, recognizing that shoppers are placing increasing importance on health, freshness, and transparency about where their food comes from.”
Sepers, as with many other people involved with the operation over the years, is extremely excited about the future of the business and where Consalo Family Farms is positioned.
“With nearly a century of farming experience, Consalo Family Farms is uniquely positioned to deliver on these expectations while staying true to the family values that the family is built on,” she noted. “At the end of the day, the mission is simple: to continue growing in a way that preserves our legacy and strengthens the trust of our retailers, suppliers and consumers.”