Wholesum Brands

Wholesum Brands is a third-generation, family-owned enterprise specializing in the cultivation and distribution of organic produce. With a history spanning over 90 years, the company has established itself as a significant grower and shipper of 100% organic and Fair Trade Certified fresh vegetables. The company’s origins trace back to 1928, when Miguel Crisantes Gatzionis migrated from Greece and began farming in Sinaloa, Mexico. The farm, originally known as Cris-P Produce, was passed down to his son, Theojary Crisantes Sr., an agronomist who transitioned the family business to organic farming in the 1990s, inspired by the desire for a more sustainable food production system. Today, the company is led by the third generation of the Crisantes family—brothers Ricardo and Theojary Jr.—who have continued to expand upon this legacy. In a move to better reflect its values, the company was renamed Wholesum Family Farms, with its products marketed under the “Wholesum Harvest” brand.

Wholesum operates farms in the US and Mexico, including a notable facility in Amado, Arizona. This strategic geographical distribution, combined with the use of high-tech greenhouses and open-field cultivation, allows for a year-round supply of its products. The company's business model is vertically integrated, encompassing the entire process from growing to shipping, which ensures control over quality and adherence to its standards. Revenue is generated through the sale of its organic produce to retailers. The company serves a clientele that values organically grown and ethically sourced food, and it has actively worked to educate retailers and consumers about the benefits of its products.

The product portfolio includes a variety of vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, and eggplant. A key differentiator for Wholesum is its early and strong commitment to social responsibility. In 2012, its farms in Mexico became Fair Trade Certified, and in a significant milestone, its farm in Amado, Arizona, became the first produce farm in the United States to achieve this certification. This certification ensures that a portion of the sales price, known as the Fair Trade premium, is given back to the farmworkers. These funds are then used for community development projects, such as education, healthcare, and housing, which are democratically chosen by the workers. The company has also demonstrated a commitment to environmental sustainability through initiatives like using recyclable and biodegradable packaging.

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