Moonland Produce Inc., a longtime player in California’s produce industry, is making major strides to strengthen its position as a premier resource for temperature-controlled storage, ripening and repacking services. 

Based in Vernon, CA, the wholesale distributor has expanded its capabilities significantly in the past year, opening up new opportunities for foodservice customers, retailers and brokers seeking reliable, high-quality solutions for managing fresh product.

Owner Julio Manshadi said the company’s vision for the future centers on providing best-in-class storage and ripening support, backed by decades of experience and a dedicated team that understands the science and handling needs of delicate produce.

“We have a warehouse that is state-of-the-art, 27,000 to 30,000 square feet with cold storage available,” Manshadi said. “Now we have room to serve customers who need in-and-out services, repacking and ripening.”

For years, Moonland was so active in wholesale distribution that capacity limitations prevented them from taking on additional storage clients. But after a major tenant relocated, the company gained the available space to scale significantly. The upgraded facility features temperature-controlled environments ranging from the low 30s to 60 degrees, allowing Moonland to handle a wide range of perishable products safely and efficiently.

“Storage could be any product,” Manshadi said. “A lot of customers from Texas or brokers want to bring their load and they don’t have space. They can store it with us and ripen it with us and then sell it to retail. We charge them for the in-and-out services and for the ripening.”

A key differentiator for Moonland is its specialized ripening program designed for avocados and mangos. The company operates four Thermal Technology ripening rooms that allow precise control of temperature, humidity and gas levels to achieve consistent results — an essential requirement for foodservice operators and restaurant groups who depend on ready-to-use product.

“We have a person who has been ripening for 20 years, so he knows all the stages of the product,” Manshadi said. “Consistency and performance are what matter. Our facility is dedicated strictly to produce — not mixed storage with fish or guacamole — so customers know their product is in a safe environment.”

Moonland’s expertise is strengthened by training from leading experts in the field, including renowned avocado ripening researcher Viktor Tokhar, as well as the Mango Board. 

That technical foundation ensures that Moonland delivers fruit at peak flavor and quality.

“Our specialized business model focuses on serving foodservice companies and restaurants,” Manshadi said. “They need reliability, and our program is built with that in mind.”

Beyond ripening, the company also offers repacking allowing customers to streamline operations and move product efficiently through the distribution chain.

In addition to their storage and ripening expansion, Moonland continues to grow its core business in dragon fruit and avocados. The company maintains certified organic orchards in California and imports dragon fruit and specialty roots from Ecuador, as well as avocados from multiple regions.

Logistics are another advantage. Located minutes from major Los Angeles-area freeways, the facility offers fast truck turnaround and accessibility that reduces transportation delays.

“It’s a lovely in-and-out,” Manshadi said. “We’re close to all major freeways, and we receive from 4 a.m. to 2 p.m. Trucks can get in and out very quickly.”

With new space ready to fill, Moonland is actively inviting new partnerships.

“Our focus right now is filling up that warehouse with storage,” Manshadi said. “We’re committed to being consistent, fast and dependable.”

Moonland Produce is positioned to become a critical resource for companies needing scalable cold storage, advanced ripening expertise and trustworthy handling—giving the produce industry a renewed option for quality and performance.