Craig Uchizono, vice president, Southern Hemisphere for The Giumarra Cos., based in Los Angeles, said that the company offers a variety of produce from Chile, including avocados, blueberries, grapes, stone fruit, cherries, apples, pears, kiwifruit and citrus.

“In season [from Chile] for the U.S. winter are grapes, stone fruit and cherries,” said Mr. Uchizono. “We also offer a large supply of imported blueberries, both conventional and U.S. Department of Agriculture certified organic. Giumarra offers avocados year round. During the winter, peak production for Chile goes from October through February. We offer both conventional and USDA certified organic fruit.”

Chilean blueberries ready for harvesting for The Giumarra Cos.For grapes and stone fruit, Mr. Uchizono said that the company typically anticipates having comparative volumes to previous years or increases where they make sense for both growers and customers.

“The weather pattern is critical for any growth or estimated volumes, especially during flowering and right before and during harvest,” he added. “For blueberries, we are seeing increased volumes from last year.”

Giumarra offers a year-round supply of produce from Chile, with availability depending on commodity and variety. Avocados are available from August through April, with the peak season running from October through February. Grapes, stone fruit and cherries ship from November through April, depending on the variety.

“Chilean blueberries ship from November through April,” said Mr. Uchizono. “During the U.S. summer season, we ship apples, kiwifruit and citrus, which includes clementines, lemons and Navel oranges.”

Giuseppe Giumarra came to the United States from Sicily with his father in the early 1900s with the dream of a new life. He settled in Los Angeles, where he began buying produce and selling it from a small stall in the wholesale market on 7th Street.

Since then, The Giumarra Cos. has evolved into an international agribusiness empire. The company now works with growers worldwide, including locations in Chile, Mexico, Asia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

Today the company is recognized for setting standards of excellence in the world of agribusiness. It continues to be privately owned and operated by members of the Giumarra family, who stay true to its roots and founding principles of family, excellence and reliability.

On Nov. 26, the company announced that it has hired Scott Ross as its East Coast business development manager. Mr. Ross is based in Giumarra’s Avondale, PA, office, which is also home to its East Coast berry sales and operations. He is tasked with promoting Giumarra’s complete product line in the East Coast markets.

He joins Giumarra with high-level sales, category management and merchandising experience in the produce industry. Most recently, he worked for Sunkist Growers as a corporate category manager. Prior to Sunkist, he worked as both a senior category manager and produce department manager for Genuardi’s Family Markets.

In a press release announcing Mr. Ross’ appointment, Hillary Brick, senior vice president for Giumarra, said, “Scott has an excellent understanding of both the retail and supply aspects of the business. We believe these skills, combined with his analytical background, will bring great value to our customers.”

In his new position, Mr. Ross will work closely with retail customer accounts to grow business and develop targeted category promotions, as well as represent Giumarra at key industry events on the East Coast.

“Scott is known to both East Coast and national customer accounts,” said Ms. Brick. “We are excited to see the growth he will bring to Giumarra.”