In a move that's as much about preserving tradition as it is about drying fruit, Traina Foods is expanding its sun-dried empire. The company, a cornerstone of California's Central Valley for nearly a century, added another branch to its family tree by acquiring Martin Farms, a kindred spirit in the art of sun-drying.
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As the dust settles on this deal, the company is also ushering in the next generation of Trainas to the helm. This expansion and succession demonstrates Traina Foods' commitment to keeping the fires of traditional Italian sun-drying burning bright.
"At Traina Foods, we're not just in the business of dried fruit – we're in the business of quality," said Willie Traina, owner of Traina Foods. "Bringing Martin Farms into our family and the next generation of Trainas into the operation isn't just about growth; it's about preserving a traditional craft that's been perfected under the California sun for generations."
Joe and Josephine Martin, the founders of Martin Farms in Patterson, Calif., have built a legacy of quality and innovation in the sun-dried tomato industry. After many suitors, the Martins chose to pass the torch to Traina Foods. Their decision was driven by deep-rooted trust and shared values with Willie Traina.
"Our acquisition of Martin Farms allows us to double down on our commitment to sustainability and excellence," Traina said. "We are excited to expand our position as the world's largest producer of California sun-dried tomatoes."
Traina Foods, known for its diverse range of sun-dried fruits including tomatoes, apricots, cherries and berries, is poised to expand its sun-dried tomato offerings. Sun-dried tomatoes, rich in flavor and lycopene, continue to gain popularity across generations, finding their way into a variety of culinary applications from gourmet dishes to everyday snacks.
Traina Foods is a keeper of the craft of traditionally sun-drying fruits on trays laid out in the California sun. This practice preserves the flavor and nutrient content of the fruit, yielding a superior product. Dehydration uses higher heat, drying fruit much faster and with less labor than sun drying, but cannot approach the distinctive quality of sun-dried fruit.
At a time when the average age of American farmers is 58 and rising, the next generation in agricultural families is often reluctant to continue in the family business. But not so for the Trainas. Grandsons of company founders Joe and Maria Traina and sons of CEO Willie Traina, Angelo (procurement) and Justin (production planning, scheduling and financial analysis) were both drawn back to their roots despite the lure of Silicon Valley careers after college.
With this acquisition and generational transition, Traina Foods is not just preserving a century-old tradition but also paving the way for future innovations in the sun-dried fruit industry, bringing in the intelligence, vision, and enthusiasm of the next generation. As the company continues to grow, it remains committed to its core values of quality, sustainability and family heritage, ensuring that the sun-kissed flavors of California's Central Valley will continue to delight consumers for generations to come.
