Anthony Sharrino, president of Eaton & Eustis Co., located at the New England Produce Center in Chelsea, MA, told The Produce News that the company is well known for its major onion program, including sweet onions from all areas of the country and offshore.

“We handle all of the popular sweet onions, including Vidalias, Walla Walla and Peruvian sweet onions,” said Mr. Sharrino. “We also handle a full line of garlic products, fresh and peeled, all of which is sourced from California. We’ve been doing business with Christopher Ranch in Gilroy, CA, for over 30 years.”

Anthony SharrinoThe company was originally founded in 1880 by partners Mr. Eaton and Mr. Eustis. Mr. Sharrino’s grandparents began working for the partners when they emigrated from Sicily in 1906, and in 1910, they bought the company. Mr. Sharrino is the third generation family member to own and operate the firm.

Eaton & Eustis Co. also handles fresh ginger and a full line of dried fruits and nuts in the shell. The majority of its dried fruits and nuts are sourced domestically. It also does business in fresh chestnuts that are sourced from the major importers of the item.

Mr. Sharrino noted that garlic has undergone a huge transition over the past several years.

“California garlic growers kind of cut back in production for several years because China was giving it away,” he said. “But then, in 2010, China fell short of supplies which put pressure on California. But growers there were dedicated to taking care of its existing and loyal customers first. Shortage caused prices to jump pretty high for a while.”

Chinese garlic supplies remained tight and prices stayed high until about one year ago, when the Chinese once again “opened the flood gates.”

“The guys who handle Chinese garlic were back to just about giving it away,” he said. “But California made a strong comeback. And customers realize that you can’t compare Chinese garlic to California product — the California garlic is simply far more superior, and most of our foodservice customers request it today. There is also the issue of traceability with Chinese garlic, of which some people are questioning the reliability.”

This year California’s yields were off due to weather. Earlier, the Chinese thought they would be short, but Mr. Sharrino said that he’s hearing that they fared better than expected.

“The bottom line is that there will be two price markets this year,” he said, “one for California garlic and one for Chinese product.”

Today Eaton & Eustis Co.’s customer base is about 50 percent retail stores and 50 percent foodservice operators. Included in its retail business are the smaller independently-owned stores.

Heading into November, the company is moving Italian chestnuts heavily for the upcoming holiday season.

Mr. Sharrino said that success in the fresh produce business is all about strong and healthy relationships.

“My father gave Sal Vacca, president of A.J. Trucco in New York, his first order around 1949,” he said. “And today he is a major source of chestnuts and other products for us. Sal calls this office every morning at 5 a.m., even if he’s on vacation in Italy, just to stay in touch.”

“Maintaining strong and loyal relationships in this business is key to doing great business,” Mr. Sharrino continued. “We pride ourselves on the mutual dedication that has been formed with our partners in this industry throughout our history.”