Every game-changing strategy is born from a clear vision—a well-designed map of what we hope and expect our industry to look like in the next year, decade, or even century.
With its eyes trained far into the future, California Giant Berry Farms is no stranger to company vision and what it takes to lay a staunch foundation for long-term growth. Its Berries with Purpose™ ideology remains at the center of each decision as the family-owned, purpose-driven provider embarks on its journey to be the most sustainable berry operation in the world. Why?
“We believe that’s the only way to provide healthy, nutritious berries for generations to come,” Joe Barsi, President, explains, answering the question just as it enters my mind. “Berries with Purpose reflects the heart of how we operate. This purpose guides every decision. It’s who we are. It’s how and why we do what we do.”
California Giant Berry Farms’ company-wide sustainability framework is built on a series of goals that guide its day-to-day operations while keeping the grower’s ultimate vision in clear view.
“Sustainability is a fundamental part of our identity,” Joe adds. “We believe a truly resilient and thriving company balances its economic success with a deep commitment to its people and the planet. This is not just a moral obligation but an ongoing strategic imperative ensuring our business remains strong.”
The supplier’s overarching sustainability blueprint consists of intentional actions taken each day to bring the Berries with Purpose system to life. Instead of limiting its efforts to a single, separate program, the company’s eco-friendly initiatives are integrated across California Giant’s operations. While Berries with Purpose remains a driving force, the concept itself is upheld by the company’s core pillars: nourishing its communities, protecting the planet, and delivering exceptional berries.
“Berries with Purpose reflects the heart of how we operate. This purpose guides every decision. It’s who we are. It’s how and why we do what we do.”
Joe Barsi, President, California Giant Berry Farms
The berry maven upholds its Nourishing Our Communities pillar through philanthropy and volunteer work. In 2024, California Giant donated a total of $290,000 to non-profit organizations and introduced a new policy to provide paid volunteer time off for all employees.
“As a family-owned business with over 40 years of experience, we view our employees, growers, customers, and vendors as part of our extended family. We are committed to creating an inclusive, engaging workplace where employees can thrive, and supporting our growers in building sustainable businesses,” Joe explains.
Addressing Protecting our Planet, Catherine Campbell, Director of Sustainability, notes, “Our growers are conscientious stewards of the land, taking care to conserve water and employ pollinator-friendly practices. Together with our growers, we continuously work to improve our environmental stewardship and foster resilient farming communities.”
As part of its packaging efforts, California Giant has tapped the expertise of multiple partners to move toward a circular system, where all materials are reused, recycled, or repurposed. This includes collaborating with its partners to advance packaging innovation by exploring new designs, decreasing material use, improving recycled content, and reducing plastic. The company is also reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency through solar power, electric vehicles, and cutting-edge facility upgrades.
At the heart of it all, however, is the brand’s penchant for Delivering Exceptional Berries.
“With special attention to four-season harvesting, quality and safety audits, and farm-to-table traceability, we work every day to deliver high-quality berries,” says Catherine. “To advance resilience and sustainability, we work with partners to develop varieties that are drought and pest-resistant but also enhance traits such as flavor, texture, shelf-life, yield, and overall quality.”
Through its focus on sustainability, California Giant has achieved meaningful milestones, driving positive change across its operations and the communities it serves.
“One of our most significant accomplishments is becoming the first large-scale, field-grown strawberry operation to earn Fair Trade USA certification, reflecting our dedication to responsible business practices,” Catherine tells me. “In addition, we are also proud of our momentum in our grower participation in the Ethical Charter Implementation Program (ECIP), which outlines guiding principles around worker health, safety, and human rights. By embracing ECIP, our growers are demonstrating their commitment to responsible labor practices and helping strengthen accountability across the produce industry. Together, we’re building a supply chain that not only delivers exceptional berries but also upholds the highest values for the people who make it possible.”
"Together with our growers, we continuously work to improve our environmental stewardship and foster resilient farming communities.”
Catherine Campbell, Director of Sustainability, California Giant Berry Farms
2025 brought another exciting milestone for the company, as California Giant Berry Farms further elevated its status by securing B Corp certification in October.
“While Fair Trade and Organic certifications validate how our berries are grown, B Corp certification recognizes how we operate as a company,” Catherine continues. “B Corp certification shows just how much each of us at California Giant is dedicated to creating a better world and raising the standard for our industry, while setting a foundation for ongoing progress.”
While these milestones have already signified great strides in sustainability, California Giant is primed to spark even more growth through its Berries with Purpose blueprint.
“Looking ahead, we are focused on several goals; to ensure we make meaningful progress on our climate-related targets, we have already established baselines for greenhouse gas emissions, energy, and water usage, providing a clear starting point for measuring reductions over time,” Joe explains. “At the same time, our work to expand grower support and deepen community engagement reflects a broader commitment to creating long-term value beyond our operations.”
Ten to 20 years down the line, the California Giant Berry Farms team will look back on current progress as some of the most crucial stepping stones to decades of success in sustainability. For now, each intentional achievement is a confident step into the future.
A direct result of the brand’s clear and committed company vision. 
