Generational legacy guides American Produce and Repack
American Produce and Repack, a family-owned enterprise based in Dallas, has long-standing generational roots in the produce industry. That generational legacy began over 100 years ago with the foundation of the original American Produce Company in Dallas in 1917.
Started by Italian immigrant James “Mr. Jimmy” LaBarba, the company served as one of the primary produce merchants in the area.
Today, American Produce and Repack, which was founded by James’ great grandson, Jason LaBarba, pays homage to that legacy and generational understanding of the produce industry.
LaBarba has built a family-based business centered around quality, consistency, efficiency and just-in-time inventory.
“My grandfathers and my father, James LaBarba, all took tremendous pride in their businesses, and I am so fortunate to have learned so much from them,” said Jason LaBarba, President and CEO of American Produce and Repack.
James LaBarba was a pioneer in the produce industry and started his own company, Ideal Sales, Inc., in 1966.
“My father’s guidance and knowledge base were invaluable to me,” said LaBarba. “I cherish carrying on his legacy of leadership with our company.”
As a tribute to that legacy, LaBarba specifically named American Produce and Repack in honor of the original family business.
LaBarba, who is also a professionally-trained chef, has combined his experience in the produce industry along with his understanding of what chef’s truly need. That, in turn, helps American Produce and Repack better anticipate customer needs.
“For us, it’s about providing year-round just-in-time inventory to our customers,” LaBarba said. “We strive to deliver great product exactly when it’s needed.”
American Produce and Repack has multiple long-standing strategic alliances with growers across the United States and Canada. Those alliances ensure product quality and year-round availability for product.
“Partners like Chipperbec Potatoes, Southwind Farms and The Little Potato Company provide excellent-quality product that our customers are looking for,” LaBarba said. “Our customers know we will deliver exactly what they need, when they want it.”
Photo: James “Mr. Jimmy” LaBarba (third from left) with his sons Jojo, Tony, Ernest, Carlo (Jason LaBarba’s grandfather) and Sherman
John Groh
About John Groh | 
John Groh graduated from the University of San Diego in 1989 with a bachelors of arts degree in English. Following a brief stint as a sportswriter covering the New York Giants football team, he joined The Produce News in 1995 as an assistant editor and worked his way up the ranks, becoming publisher in 2006. He and his wife, Mary Anne, live in northern New Jersey in the suburbs of New York City.
