Gilroy, CA-based Christopher Ranch stands by its motto that “All garlic is not created equal,” and is known for the high-quality and flavorful item. But its extensive line also includes numerous other high-quality specialty products, such as elephant garlic, shallots, Cipolline onions, pearl onions, boiler onions, sun dried tomatoes, ginger and more. The company’s value-added processed line is also extensive, and ranges from chopped garlic in oil to fresh-peeled and fresh roasted garlic, chopped, crushed and minced garlic. Its specialty line also includes pickled garlic, pesto and other specialty jars.

Christopher Ranch’s specialty foodservice peeled shallots, peeled pearl onions and peeled Cipolline onions in five-pound bags. (Photos courtesy of Christopher Ranch)

“We also carry a full line of dried chiles,” said Patsy Ross, marketing director for the company. “We grow elephant garlic and shallots, and we work with a Hawaiian ginger cooperative in Hawaii. Our specialty onions are grown for us.”

The company services North America through its strategically located distribution facilities. Besides Gilroy, Christopher Ranch has facilities in Los Angeles, Chicago, Edison, NJ, and Pompano Beach, FL.

Although the company’s roots go as far back as the 1880’s, when Ole Christopher emigrated from Denmark to the Santa Clara Valley, in 1956, as the San Jose area was beginning to build up, third generation Don Christopher and his brother, Art, established Christopher Ranch on 130 acres in Gilroy. Because Gilroy was known as the “Garlic Capital” they decided to grow 10 acres of garlic along with lima beans and sugar beets.

The company grew exponentially from that time, and Don Christopher became a pillar in the community. In addition to numerous awards and accolades acknowledging his involvement, dedication and donations, he and other members of the industry started the Fresh Garlic Association In 1978 to promote the sale and use of fresh garlic. It was that year that he was appointed vice-president of the first Gilroy Garlic Festival, a position he held through 1981, and he still continues to serve on the advisory committee.

Today, Christopher Ranch plants and harvests over 4,000 acres of garlic and other fresh produce. With 60 million pounds of California garlic produced annually, the company is the largest producer and packer of fresh garlic in the United States. The company employs over 400 people year round and has a seasonal harvesting crew of 1,000.

“We use state-of-the-art technology in the growing, harvesting, manufacturing, packing and shipping of all our fresh and packaged products,” said Ross. “Our specialty items are sold under the ‘Christopher Ranch’ brand name.”