Nov 28, 2023

D’Arrigo Bros. celebrates 100 years

D’Arrigo Bros. Co. of California is culminating a year-long reflection of legacy commemorating its 100th anniversary as a family of farming and wholesale companies.

D’Arrigo, home to the Andy Boy label, traces its roots to 1907 when Andrea D’Arrigo arrived in Boston from Sicily. The historic journey marked the inception of a century-long legacy.

Through a yearlong social media campaign under the theme “A Century of Excellence,” D’Arrigo noted milestones and achievements from each decade of the company’s history, engaging audiences and fostering a sense of shared celebration.

In May, D’Arrigo hosted the 61st annual Broccoli Rabe Feed at their Spreckels, California, headquarters. Known for its festive atmosphere, the event brought friends, family, employees, partners, customers and vendors to celebrate the company’s successes and enjoy dishes featuring proprietary Andy Boy broccoli rabe.

“We wanted to share our history with the world, reflecting on the pivotal moments that have shaped us over the past 100 years,” John D’Arrigo, president, CEO and chairman of the board, said in a news release. “Our social media campaign has been a journey through time, showcasing the dedication, innovation, and resilience that define D’Arrigo Bros. Co., of California.”

In 1923, Andrea and his brother Stefano formed a partnership that laid the foundation for the company. Recognizing the demand for fresh produce, they pioneered the growing and shipping of broccoli from California to the East Coast in 1925, which was credited as the first transcontinental shipment of its kind.

The “Andy Boy” pink label was trademarked in 1927. D’Arrigo was the first company to brand fresh vegetables, introducing the concept of produce labeling and packaging.

In 1946, the D’Arrigo Bros. partnership was incorporated into two companies: D’Arrigo Bros. Co. of Massachusetts and D’Arrigo Bros. Co. of California. D’Arrigo Bros. Co. of New York was established in 1948. In 1951, Stefano purchased 505 acres in Salinas, California, marking the entry into the Salinas Valley, a region known for its fertile soil and temperate climate.

In 1965, after the deaths of Andrea and Stefano, Andy D’Arrigo, Stefano’s son,  assumed the presidency and initiated the company’s seed development program, introducing “broccoli rabe” and “sweet anise.” The company achieved proprietary patents on the varieties in 1993.

In 2006, D’Arrigo built a state-of-the-art cooling and shipping facility in Spreckels, and in 2008, the office headquarters were established adjacent to the facility.  D’Arrigo controls all aspects of the production process.

“As we celebrate our centenary, we honor the vision and hard work of our founders,” John D’Arrigo said in the release. “We remain committed to producing fresh, quality produce for generations to come, carrying forward the legacy of the Andy Boy brand.”

D’Arrigo is a family-owned agricultural company produces more than a dozen conventional and organic varieties of fresh vegetables, including broccoli, romaine hearts, cauliflower and artichokes on more than 40,000 acres across California, Arizona and Mexico.