We’re grateful for your continued business and partnership, and as we continue in 2024, we are excited about the recent announcement that our company name has changed to Pacific Coast Fresh Company!
We have always been dedicated to delivering more than just fresh fruits and vegetables; it's about infusing freshness into every aspect of what we do. This transformation signifies who we are as a company and the diverse range of fresh products we offer, including dairy, fresh cut foods, prepared foods, a brand new fresh floral program and more. We are your fresh food experts and have been distributing FRESH for over 45 years!
We've always embraced the idea that "fresh is best," and now, our name truly reflects our commitment to continue delivering the freshest, finest products to you.
As we step into the new year, it's our tradition to look back on the previous one and express our gratitude to those who have played a vital role in the growth of our customers and communities. In 2023, Pacific Coast Fresh Company marked a significant milestone, celebrating our 46th anniversary in October Since our inception in 1977, we've evolved from a dream our parents held for a family business, rooted in values of hard work, honesty, mutual respect, and kindness. The journey over the past 46 years has been nothing short of incredible. From a humble start with 8 employees and 3 delivery trucks, we've now blossomed into a family of over 450 employees with distribution warehouses in both Portland and Seattle.
Our success is indebted to the remarkable individuals who chose PCFCo as the starting point or foundation for their careers. We are grateful to the dedicated growers committed to producing the freshest produce and the hardworking truckers who ensure the seamless delivery of fresh fruits and vegetables to our doorstep Most importantly, we want to thank you for entrusting us with the opportunity to fulfill your fresh needs. Your support for our local family business is the driving force behind all that we've achieved!
In the spirit of keeping you in the loop, we're excited to share that 2023 was an exceptionally dynamic year for PCFCo. We successfully launched our e-commerce online ordering platform, welcomed King Harvest into the PCFCo family, and continued to explore innovative ways to evolve our business. We invite you to join us in celebrating these milestones and more in our 2023 Family Album. Your connection and support mean the world to us, and we look forward to another year of growth, collaboration, and fresh successes together
Current
Owners and Children of Emil and Kathleen Nemarnik, the Founders of Pacific Coast Fresh Company
This is our commitment to customers and fellow employees alike. It’s our word-of-honor reassurance that we'll always show up, even in the most challenging moments.
41% of U.S. consumers reads labels for nutritional and sustainability information
Adults are replacing meals with snacks on a regular basis
30% of consumers value prepackaged and net weight fruits and vegetables in the produce department. 1
51% of parents agree that healthier menu selections for kids would drive them to visit restaurants more often.
27% of consumers are more likely to order plant-forward dinners from restaurants in the next year (as well as 25% for breakfast and 26% for lunch)
49% of consumers acknowledge that loyalty programs influence their decision to visit specific restaurants.
While they are all important and interrelated, some will be more relevant to your organization than others This section can identify the specific SDGs and targets you are prioritizing, and demonstrate how they align with your own strategy and goals
Elevate your surroundings with the freshness and charm of our carefully curated floral offerings. We provide live bouquets, ornamentals, and a variety of flowers and plants to bring vibrant colors and the beauty of nature into your space.
Our protein program includes everything from poultry and premium seafood, to specialty proteins, catering to both meat enthusiasts and those embracing plant-based options
Experience convenience at its best with our supplies program, crafted to fulfill all your needs Whether it's gloves for protection, durable trash can liners, or reliable take-out boxes, we've got every detail covered, ensuring you have the essentials for a seamless operation
Pacific Coast Fruit Company is excited to partner with La Mexicana, a local and family-owned tortilla bakery, to distribute fresh, homemade tortillas
A PNW favorite and local family-owned company, King Harvest is all about crafting the best tasting hummus experience in a variety of 13 flavors. We’ve got the process, the texture, and the taste that’ll have you saying “Simple… Better”.
Explore the richness of our dairy program, offering a delightful array of essentials including butter, cheese, eggs, ice cream, milk, sour cream, and yogurt
In July of 2023, we launched an innovative online ordering experience for our customers as part of the company's groundbreaking commitment to digital transformation within the wholesale produce industry. This provided a foundation for the future of our online ordering where we continue to evolve the technology to further enhance the customer experience.
Our new digital shopping upgrade is a natural extension of the reliable, hands-on service that sets us apart. Its easy-to-use interface gives you greater personal control of all your ordering
You can shop based on past orders, popular picks, seasonal menu changes—even your favorite farms.
It lets you instantly adjust quantities and customize your order to fit changing menus or customer demands. You can even get suggestions based on your specific type of restaurant, market or food service It’s our way of welcoming you to the next generation of produce ordering—and providing you with a whole new level of service.
King Harvest’s journey began when it found its roots nestled at the corner of 24th and Ankeny. Back then, it was a quaint hippie grocery store, a haven for all things healthy, from Macrobiotic to Organic – way before eating that way took a foothold in the culture. After two fruitful decades, King Harvest gradually shifted its focus from juice to hummus Since then, their hummus offerings have multiplied, while the memory of our juice era remains sweet and nostalgic.
2023 marked a significant chapter in the King Harvest story, as they joined forces with Pacific Coast Fruit Company. This partnership was a natural fit, with shared values and culture across the board. Now, with the third generation of PCF leadership joining the King Harvest team, we’re poised for even more growth
Kann Gregory Gourdet, Owner & Chef
Josh Alsberg
Founder and Owner of Rubinette Produce Market
Retail Produce Manager Award Winner
We hosted a table that included our employee John Andersson, a resident at Blanchet House, his supervisor Andrew Clark, and members of the Senior Team of PCF. It was an honor to participate in this event and support Blanchet House so they can continue to provide help to those in need. We are proud to be a recipient of the 2023 Riley Award for our continued support of Blanchet House & Farm meal and housing programs
The PCF family has been donating fresh produce to Blanchet House for decades and gives a second chance through employment to residents like John Andersson, who was honored at the event.
Our team, consisting of President Tom Brugato, Lead Buyer Jenny Williams, and CFO Dan Hedeen, had the incredible opportunity to engage with hundreds of professionals and leaders throughout the produce industry, including policy experts, legislative leaders, and more in Washington D.C. This is the most influential public policy event in the produce sector, bringing together the entire industry in the heart of the nation’s capital. It's a chance for us to advocate for the workforce and promote food safety, nutrition, and building a better Farm Bill. We're dedicated to making a positive impact in the produce industry and are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with so many passionate individuals and organizations
We had the unique opportunity to learn, connect and celebrate hospitality in Washington with industry leaders and experts!
Our primary focus at the event was to showcase our exceptional Prepared Foods offerings, recognizing the prevailing labor challenges in the food service industry. We had the privilege of engaging with CFOs, CEOs, and esteemed Tribal Elders, all of whom were impressed by our display and the valuable solutions PCF could provide to their foodservice, C-stores, and schools.
Jaynelle Nash, Lacy Larson, and Jim Reynolds had the opportunity to learn about the latest trends and innovations that will shape the dairy, deli, bakery, and foodservice industries in 2023 and beyond, attending sessions and workshops led by industry experts
We make it our priority to get to know our customers, it’s what we think makes our partnerships something special. As part of that commitment, we have embraced the Get to Know Our Customers project and each quarter we feature a different customer for us to learn and share with others what’s special about how our customers share fresh foods with our community.
Alki Bakery makes over 250 products, everything from muffins to cookies to fancy deserts. The award winning Aldi Bakery has been family owned and operated since it first opened on Seattle’s Alki Beach in 1985 They’re passionate about quality and freshness and proving the most delicious handcrafted items to the northwest
Rick Gencarelli, the visionary owner and chef behind Portland's culinary gems, Lardo and Grassa, has seamlessly blended his passion for inventive sandwiches and handmade pasta. Lardo, his original venture, quickly became a Portland staple with its innovative sandwich creations. Grassa, born out of Gencarelli's deep-rooted love for pasta, has also become a beloved establishment, offering a unique and casual dining experience.
Adam Frey, Executive Chef at Farm 12: Farm 12 is more than a farm to family restaurant It is deeply rooted in history and cherished by the local community, embodying a sense of purpose. Farm 12 Restaurant & Events is a social enterprise of Step By Step Family Support Center which helps pregnant women in need.
Josh Alberg, owner of Rubinnette Produce: Josh’s passion for produce and dedication to community engagement are inspiring to us. He’s all about enhancing customer experiences and fostering a love for local produce wherever he goes. Josh was also the 2023 Retail Produce Manager Award Winner from IFPA
HELP BUILD A PLACE WHERE WE ALL FEEL WE BELONG.
THRIVE BY HELPING OTHERS THRIVE.
GO FURTHER. EVERY TIME.
EMBRACE ACCOUNTABILITY.
NURTURE A BETTER TOMORROW.
THINK BIG PICTURE. ALWAYS.
In March, our Kent sales and leaderships teams volunteered at the International Nutritional Sustainable Partners (INSP) “Food Giveaway Day” sponsored by Farmer Frog, where our produce was distributed!
Senator Ron Wyden visited Pacific Coast Fruit Company for a meeting with our Senior Team, a tour of the facility, and Town Hall with our employees It was a wonderful opportunity for us to show him our organization and talk about issues important to our company and our industry
We were proud to be a recipient of the 2023 Riley Award for our continued support of Blanchet House & Farm meal and housing programs. The PCF family has been donating fresh produce to Blanchet House for decades and also gives residents like John Andersson a second chance through employment. We are thrilled to have John driving for PCF.
PCF was a proud sponsor at Lend a Helping Hand, a fundraising brunch celebration benefiting Blanchet House & Farm. We hosted a table that included our employee John Andersson, a resident at Blanchet House, his supervisor Andrew Clark, and members of the Senior Team of PCF It was an honor to participate in this event and support Blanchet House so they can continue to provide help to those in need.
In April, Pacific Coast Fruit had the opportunity to host two groups of students at our Portland Facility. First were the 7th grade ladies from St. Andrew Nativity School, who toured the warehouse and tasted exotic fruit with Chef Lacy Larson.
The following week, we partnered with Portland Workforce Alliance to host Reynolds High School culinary students for a “Career Day,” including tour of the warehouse and Prepared Foods production facility and a test kitchen demo. Special thanks go to Jaynelle Nash, Paul Ornstein, Sean Gamble, Lacy Larson, and all the PCF staff who dedicated their time and accommodated students in their workspace to provide an enriching experience for all.
We joined the Society of St Vincent de Paul in Vancouver, WA to observe the amazing 6th graders from St. Joseph’s Catholic School assemble Thanksgiving food boxes that were distributed to those in need during the holiday season. It was inspiring to us to see all the volunteers dedicate their time in this way, and we are so grateful to be part of this wonderful initiative supporting the local Vancouver community!
We sponsored the World’s Longest Charcuterie Board fundraising event hosted by the Portland Fruit Tree Project This extraordinary 500-footlong board aimed to shatter both registered and unregistered records for the longest charcuterie board ever created and it was all filled with foods from Portland markers, artisans, along with veggies from PCF and hummus from King Harvest!
In 2023, we focused on several initiatives designed to strengthen and enhance overall customer experience and maintain the highest standards of service, quality, sustainability, and value We also made significant acquisitions and investments in technology, infrastructure, and a new fresh company, to enhance our efficiency and service offerings. In our 2023 Album we’ve shared some information on the following: the acquisition of King Harvest Natural Foods, a launch of Ecommerce, investment in a New Truck Fleet, and even our name change to Pacific Coast Fresh Company
That brings us to 2024, and we’re excited about the future of Pacific Coast Fresh Company! 2024 brings a focus on how we serve and support our customers with a heightened commitment to provide a customer experience that is excellent. Building on the foundations established in 2023 we are positioned to offer new and exciting changes supporting quality, efficiency, service, and innovation
We are evolving our online ordering platform with enhancements that will be released throughout the year. We’ve already implemented the first update of the year in February that included many improvements driven by customer feedback. Look for promotions and new product introductions online, as well as ways to order faster and more efficiently from your computer and mobile!
We are undergoing a continuous evaluation of our methods for providing you with the highest quality products. This involves cross-department brainstorming, being nimble, and implementing best practices for quality assurance, buying, market analysis and leaning in on the vast experience within our team to work directly with our suppliers.
We’re committed to a sustainable future and with that we will continue to swap out our trucks to establish a completely new fleet that supports our desire to reduce carbon emissions
Our support of the community this year continues with our dedication to charities such as The Blanchet House and Friends of the Children, both of which we have already committed sponsorships to for 2024
With the team we have assembled at PCFreshCo we’re excited and confident that there will be many more innovations coming to our customers in 2024! Together, we are making every day a fresh adventure, and we're thrilled to have you on this journey with us!
Thank you for being a part of the Pacific Coast Family of Companies Your continued support and loyalty mean the world to us We look forward to serving you with the same dedication and commitment, and now, with even more exciting fresh offerings
Here's to a FRESH and exciting 2024!
For every farmer, grocer, chef, and food service supplier who is determined to provide a more wholesome and delightful eating experience,
Pacific Coast Fresh Company is the fresh food distribution team that focuses on building fair, win-win partnerships by consistently maintaining our trusted, well-earned legacy of sourcing, product evaluation, timely delivery, and attentive service
to make sure that every customer and fellow employee we work with amily F arm F to reshF roduceP from
has an ongoing sense of confidence, wellbeing, and pride
