Seventy-five years is a remarkable milestone. Neither too young to lack experience, nor too old to lose agility. Carrying these two advantages of time, Fowler Packing Company stands in a rare and powerful moment—a bridge between legacy and innovation, where the past informs the future, and the future is met with strength, heart, and commitment.
Justin Parnagian, Chief Executive Officer of Fowler Packing, grew up in the business, coming to work with his dad and uncles. That early exposure shaped not just his career, but his philosophy. For the past 25 years, Justin has played an integral role in building on the legacy of his family—anchoring the company’s progress in the principle that people come first. It’s a mindset he continues to champion from the top down.
From farming to retail strategy to the growth of standout programs like Samsons, Justin leads with an approach that honors the past, inspires the present, and paves the way for a people-powered future.
As Fowler enters its 75th year, Justin reflects on the vision that guides the business, the team that powers its progress, and the strategy behind its success.
Justin Parnagian, Chief Executive Officer, Fowler Packing Company: What’s never changed, and never will, is our people-first mindset. From the beginning, my family believed that when you invest in people, you build a business that lasts. That principle has powered Fowler Packing from day one, and it’s what drives me every single day.
Seventy-five years in, we’ve scaled dramatically, but our core remains the same. We lead with purpose, operate with integrity, and stand behind both our fruit and our people. That’s not legacy thinking, that’s future building. Everything we do is for tomorrow, and we’re only getting started.
JP: This milestone isn’t about looking back, it’s about recognizing the people who keep us moving forward. We’re celebrating the individuals who’ve shaped Fowler into what it is today: a company defined by talent, drive, and shared belief in our mission.
Yes, it’s about honoring the work but more importantly, it’s about momentum. Our team shows up every day with grit, pride, and vision. That’s what this anniversary symbolizes for us. It’s a springboard, not a bookend.
JP: What Samsons is all about is execution. It reflects our obsession with getting the fundamentals right: farming with precision, packing with consistency, and delivering fruit that earns its place on the shelf. Every person involved, whether they’re in the field, the packing house, or on our sales team understands what it takes to uphold that standard. They take it personally.
“What’s never changed, and never will, is our people-first mindset. From the beginning, my family believed that when you invest in people, you build a business that lasts.”
Justin Parnagian, Chief Executive Officer, Fowler Packing Company
For our retail partners, Samsons means reliability. It’s a program they can count on year after year for flavor, presentation, and performance. That consistency builds trust, reduces variability at store level, and keeps the consumer experience strong.
We support Samsons with thoughtful in-store tools and a clear message: this is fruit shoppers can rely on. No gimmicks or noise. Just excellence, delivered.
JP: Sorbet has become one of our most talked-about grapes. It’s a limited time variety with a shorter window, but every year the demand grows. It hits the mark in terms of flavor and crunch, but what really sets it apart is how people respond to it. We hear stories all the time from shoppers who try it once and go back to buy three more bags. That kind of reaction tells us we’re doing something right.
The fruit looks great, holds up well in transit, and delivers a consistently strong experience at shelf. It’s clean, bright, and well-sized, which gives it real shelf appeal and makes it easy to merchandise. But the crunch is what people remember. It’s firm, crisp, and satisfying in a way that catches people off guard in the best way.
Sorbet also holds a strong shelf-life and performs well across different markets, which helps our retail partners reduce shrink and keep the product moving. It’s the kind of variety that doesn’t just make a splash one season. It keeps building momentum because it delivers, plain and simple.
JP: We’re focused on storytelling and brand engagement this season. For Sorbet, we’re building out a suite of support materials, including in-store POS (point of sale) displays, digital banners, and lifestyle imagery that captures the grape’s premium, indulgent experience.
“Our goal is to help our partners maximize their shelf space by providing tools that foster consumer connection and drive repeat purchases.”
Our goal is to help our partners maximize their shelf space by providing tools that foster consumer connection and drive repeat purchases. While packaging hasn’t changed this year, our messaging is fresh, modern, and designed to spotlight what makes these grapes stand out. Whether it’s through a dynamic in-store setup or a digital feature, we’re working to ensure every asset tells the Fowler story.
JP: Since our launch in 2019, we’ve set out to build something bold, modern, and memorable. We wanted a brand that could disrupt the norm and genuinely connect with people. That connection creates trust, and trust builds loyalty. We’ve continued to invest in Peelz because it reflects how we think about growth. It’s not just about selling world-class fruit; it’s about creating something that stands for more and brings real value to our partners and our consumers.
Looking ahead, Peelz is a big part of our vision for the future. What began with Mandarins has grown into a full citrus portfolio with a distinct identity and real momentum. We’re scaling what works through stronger retail presence, smarter storytelling, and deeper engagement wherever the brand shows up. Peelz is a clear example of how we lead by connecting with people, thinking long term, and building with purpose.
Fowler Packing has never been in the business of standing still. Seventy-five years in, the company is more energized than ever—growing with intention, leading with purpose, and putting people at the center of everything it does. This milestone is not a reflection point, but a launchpad. Fowler is raising the bar for what leadership looks like in produce, pushing past convention, and building toward a future defined by bold ideas and enduring values. With a team as committed as the day the company was founded, the future of Fowler is just getting started. 
