A Cherry On Top 

O-G Packing and Cold Storage, a family-owned business in Stockton, California, grows, packs and ships fresh cherries, blueberries, apricots and walnuts to retailers in the U.S. and around the world. This vertically integrated operation packs millions of boxes of fruit and nuts. And it comes from humble roots, with an Italian family looking for a fresh start in the U.S. 

The family’s history in California dates back to the early 1900s, when members of the Gotelli family emigrated from Italy to grow cherries along the Calaveras River. What started as a cherry farming and packing operation in the 1950s under the label Oneto-Gotelli Packing is now known as O-G Packing. 

“My brother and I started as kids working on the ranches, and my dad put us to work hoeing trees and picking up brush,” said Tom Gotelli. “Once we got to about 11 or 12 years old, we started driving a tractor and chopping and discarding. We’ve done it all, and it’s only grown from there.” 

Dennis Gogna, a partner in the business, said the family’s deep roots in California agriculture and willingness to innovate at every step have helped O-G Packing carve out a successful niche in the packing industry. 

Working with Farm Credit 

Over the years, O-G Packing has expanded its footprint while bringing on new technology to automate parts of the sorting process. When planning a new investment, the family has turned to American AgCredit for expertise on how best to finance facilities or equipment. 

Ted Reimers, vice president of the agribusiness team for American AgCredit, has worked with O-G Packing for years as the family has overcome hurdles and capitalized on new opportunities. 

“The difference with O-G Packing is in a couple of things,” Ted said. “One is innovation. They were one of the first to innovate stem-cutting technology for cherries. Now with the UNITECH optical sorters, they are always innovating and moving the industry forward.” 

This article was originally published by American AgCredit.