Our History – Grown Up Fresh Produce Company

1977 – Pacific Coast Fruit Company

Emil Nemarnik, an Italian immigrant, opened Pacific Coast Fruit Company (currently known as Pacific Coast Fresh Company), a small produce distributor in Portland, OR, with only eight employees including family members. Forty-plus years later, Pacific Coast Fresh is one of the largest independently owned produce distributors in the Pacific Northwest.

2017 – Pacific Coast Trading Company

With the goal to provide the freshest sustainable organic produce from farm to family beyond the I-5 corridor of California to Canada, the family-owned business created Pacific Coast Trading Company.

The business structure allowed for further investment in specialized employees and strategically placed warehouses to ultimately have an increased buying power to distribute a vast variety of produce from both large and small growers. Pacific Coast Trading Co. optimized relationships with growers and customers across state and country lines, while still maintaining a commitment to its history of integrity, reliability, and trust.

2024 – Grown Up Fresh Company

Pacific Coast Trading Co’s transition into Grown Up Fresh Produce Company was born from a deep understanding of the challenges inherent in the agricultural industry. Recognizing the pivotal need to connect farms directly to the marketplace and deliver top-tier produce straight from the farm to the customer, our business strategy underwent a transformation focused on transparency and enduring grower relationships.

At Grown Up Fresh Produce Co., our dedicated team spans the breadth of North America, servicing clients around the clock. From wholesalers and retailers to processors and home delivery services, we cater to a diverse clientele with honest commitment.

Driven by our values in sustainability, we created Grown Up Organics and Grown Up Fresh, our esteemed private labels championing the highest standards in organic produce. Our pledge to sustainable practices extends beyond labels; we actively invest in the land, ensuring the cultivation of reliable, premium-quality produce.

This commitment to our partners’ success serves as the cornerstone of our ethos. As we journey forward, our dedication remains firm, promising to deliver the freshest, most sustainable produce, enriching lives from farms to families.