Progressive Produce honors 24 years of leadership from industry veteran Dave Walker

Progressive Produce is a year-round grower, packer and shipper of fresh produce, specializing in potatoes and onions as two of its primary commodities. For more than 50 years, Progressive has consistently delivered potatoes and onions with a commitment to performance and excellence, fostering strong and enduring partnerships along the way.

“We wash, grade and pack potatoes to order right here in Los Angeles,” said Gael Vazquez, vice president of procurement and grower relations for Progressive. “Our just-in-time service model allows us to provide excellent quality and increased shelf life for our customers.”

Operating a just-in-time service model from Los Angeles, Progressive ensures outstanding quality and extended shelf life, making it a dependable partner across the West Coast and beyond while fostering strong, enduring relationships.

Over the years, the company’s onion and potato segments have evolved significantly, expanding its product lines to include organic and specialty varieties and catering to changing consumer preferences. This year marked Progressive Produce’s 57th anniversary and as it prepares for 2025, Progressive has made some big investments.

“We’ve made significant upgrades to our equipment, resulting in better quality and increased capacity,” Vazquez said. “Everything is installed and fully operational for the holiday season.”

The upgrades include a state-of-the-art potato sorter with advanced capabilities, enabling the company to deliver even higher-quality produce to customers by precisely grading and sorting each potato based on size, shape and quality. Additionally, the installation of four palletizers and six new potato lines has made our operations multiple times more efficient, further enhancing our Just-in-Time model.

This achievement is a testament to the leadership and vision of its recently retired leader, Dave Walker, whose guidance has been instrumental in these advancements.

Walker’s legacy at Progressive spans an extraordinary 24 years, with a total of 56 years in the produce industry. He has embodied the core values of Progressive, setting a standard of excellence that has propelled the company forward.

Walker’s vast knowledge and humility are best summed up in his own words: “I don’t know everything, but I know what doesn’t work.” What’s more, his regulatory expertise across OSHA, Food Safety, CCOF, and ARB has ensured Progressive’s operations meet the highest standards in the industry.

His skills transcend the digital age; he can create detailed architectural sketches of entire buildings and machinery with only a ruler and pencil. His reliability is legendary — he has never called in sick, a testament to his dedication to his team. From leading the successful installation of the company’s new Exeter sizer in March 2023 to his commitment to guide the team through the potato department’s end-of-line project from February to October 2024, he truly embodies the spirit of Progressive.

Progressive is coming off a season with increased potato volume compared to the previous year, which allowed the company to offer robust promotions to its customers. This year, both potatoes and onions are expected to have a strong season, setting the stage for continued success.

“The overall quality looks great,” Vazquez said. “We are seeing a larger percentage of big-size russet potatoes compared to last year. Onions are comparable to last year as well. Quality has been good, and sizing has been consistent.”

Progressive Produce looks forward to another great season.

Over its long history in the produce industry, Progressive has cultivated lasting relationships with a wide array of customers. Its clientele includes retail chains, independent grocers, foodservice establishments and distributors, highlighting the company’s reach across various market sectors.

One of the keys to success over the years has been partnering with good growers and having the right people to ensure that things continue to move in positive directions.

“It starts with communication,” Vazquez said. “This helps build trust. We work in produce, so we deal with many challenges. You have to get through them together.”