The Watsonville Berry Cooperative was formed in 1954 by a small group of strawberry farmers who felt they could do a better job of marketing their own crops. Each of the founding members were seasoned strawberry farmers, who were accustomed to hard work and long hours. They believed they could succeed in establishing an organization they would be proud of. Today, the Berry Co-op is still owned and operated by its member farmers. Farming is not only a source of income for these farmers, but also a way of life.
The co-op comprises of some of the best farmers in the strawberry industry. The Co-op only grows in northern California, and does not have any farms further south than Salinas. The reputation of the Co-op and the Berry Bowl label has always been recognized as premium quality. The organization has not strafed to be the biggest in the industry, only to be considered one of the best suppliers of fresh strawberries, raspberries and blackberries. We feel that being small gives us certain advantages. Each farmer is independent, and each farmer maintains an average of 25 acres. This smaller acreage gives the farmer the ability to manage their farm more closely and maintain the high degree of quality fruit that the Co-op is known for.
The Watsonville Berry Co-op is headquartered in the small town of Pajaro just outside and to the south of Watsonville. The Co-op started operations here in 1954 and cooled their berries at Marinovich cold storage for 30 years. In 1984, the Watsonville Berry Cooler opened for business across the street and became the new home of the Co-op.
Contact
Berry Bowl
416 Salinas Rd.
Watsonville, California 95076
Email