Feb 1, 2024

Andy D’Arrigo’s 100th birthday celebrated

Andy D’Arrigo, the face behind D’Arrigo Bros. Co. of California’s legacy and company logo, is celebrating his 100th birthday.

On Feb. 1, 1924, Andy D’Arrigo was born in Stockton, California, to Stefano and Concetta D’Arrigo. Stefano, an Italian immigrant, arrived at the immigration station at Ellis Island in New York aboard an ocean liner when the elder D’Arrigo was 17 years of age.

At age two and a half, Andy’s picture became the iconic brand for the company. After serving in the Navy in World War II, Andy earned a Bachelor of Science degree from UC Davis. In 1965 at the age of 41, he became president of D’Arrigo California, based in Salinas, California.

“A century of resilience, vision, and unwavering commitment to excellence come to the forefront as D’Arrigo California celebrates the remarkable 100th birthday of Andy D’Arrigo,” D’Arrigo officials stated in a news release.

“Born in 1924, Andy witnessed the growth and evolution of the family business throughout his lifetime. With roots dating back to the emigration of his father and uncle from Messina, Italy, in 1907, the company has become a symbol of dedication, hard work, and a commitment to quality.”

The centennial celebration is an opportunity for D’Arrigo California, which offers organic offerings, to reflect on its rich heritage and express gratitude for the enduring impact of Andy D’Arrigo’s leadership. The company will honor this milestone with a series of commemorative events, highlighting key moments from Andy’s tenure and the company’s history, according to the release.

“Andy’s illustrious career is marked by a legacy of innovation, strategic leadership, and a profound passion for the produce industry,” according to the release. “During his years of guidance, D’Arrigo California flourished into a renowned brand, and his vision set the standard for excellence in the field. As the charismatic face of the Andy Boy brand from the age of three, he became a symbol of trust and authenticity. His image gracing the company’s label is a testament to the values he instilled in the business and the connection he maintained with customers over the years.”

John D’Arrigo, Andy’s son and current president, CEO and chairman of the board, noted his father’s industry vision.

“Reaching 100 years is an extraordinary achievement. My dad is a living legend whose contributions to our community, company, and the produce industry are immeasurable,” the younger D’Arrigo said in the release. “His dedication, resilience, and foresight have helped shape D’Arrigo California into what it is today, and we are immensely proud to celebrate this momentous occasion with him.”

One of Andy’s innovations was the introduction D’Arrigo Bros.’ seed development program for broccoli rabe and fennel. Another was the establishment of the Andrew and Phyllis D’Arrigo Charitable Foundation which allows him to “pay it forward” by helping others to help themselves, according to the release.

“Andy’s success is a result of hard work, perseverance and doing all the things they told him he could not do,” according to an earlier news release.  “The produce icon is revered by many (young and old) because of his fearless business acumen to ‘find his own way’,” and build a produce empire.

Andy D’Arrigo remains an inspiration to generations within the D’Arrigo California family, and his impact will continue to resonate for years to come, according to the release. The company looks forward to honoring his legacy and embarking on the next chapter of success, guided by the principles that Andy so passionately upheld throughout his remarkable career, according to the release.

D’Arrigo California grows a large variety of vegetables, including romaine hearts, iceberg lettuce, broccoli, and cauliflower, as well as specialty items such as broccoli rabe and fennel. Romaine hearts and broccoli rabe are also grown organically.

“Founded in 1923 by Andy D’Arrigo’s father and uncle after emigrating from Italy, D’Arrigo California has evolved into a leading force in the produce industry. Celebrating a century of existence, the company continues to thrive under the third-generation leadership of John D’Arrigo, honoring the legacy of its visionary founders,” according to the release.