PFYFFER ASSOCIATES INFO

Pfyffer Associates is a California Corporation, founded in 1983 by Fred Pfyffer and Ernest and Charles Bontadelli. Fred, along with his brother Pino, had an established growing, packing, and shipping operation under the name of Pfyffer Brothers since 1940, and the Bontadelli's had a partnership, Bontadelli Brothers, that was the largest single supplier to the Pfyffer Brothers shipping operation. In 1983, Pino wanted to retire; hence the formation of Pfyffer Associates, a new corporation designed to carry forward the business. Ernest's son Steve joined the company in 1985, and is currently serving as General Manager, and runs the day-to-day operations with the help of Sales Manager Rich Slaughter and Office Manager Debra McIlwain.

They operate the single-largest remaining packing shed specialized for Brussels sprouts in the nation.  The Brussels sprouts are brought into the cooler as they are picked during the day, allowing them to be cooled quickly in order to retain freshness and longevity.  The Packing shed is located on the west side of Santa Cruz, very near the major growing area. Product is forced-air cooled to mid 30 degrees and then packed into final packaging, iced as necessary and then placed back in cold room until shipped to destination.  Maintaining the cold chain leads to a longer shelf life, and greater consumer acceptance of product for end user. 

Our season in California normally begins sometime in mid-July and usually ends during mid-to late January. We have had a fairly stable workforce with most of the packing shed employees having worked here for the past 12 years or more. We ship our Brussels sprouts over the entire U.S. and into several provinces in Canada, supplying both the wholesale markets and the chain stores. We pride ourselves on providing the best possible pack of product and are continually seeking out like-minded quality receivers in market areas where we are not currently present. If you feel like this may be a match for your company, please contact us by one of the methods available on our contact page.