By 1917, Charles Baloian had established himself as a farmer with a 70 acre ranch in Staten Island, New York. During harvest, he would take his produce by horse and wagon across the Staten Island Ferry and sell it on the New York City market. Charles also took a contract from the U.S. Government to grow beans for the Armed Forces as they prepared for war in Europe.

Black Frost strikes the San Joaquin Valley and Charles’ first crop on the vines is destroyed. The second crop, though small, looked promising enough to pay the mortgage. Charles and Baidzar’s second son Edward is born. Unexpected rainfaill destroys much of the second crop the day after his birth. This is one of the most challenging years for Charles and Baidzar financially, mentally and physically.

Charles purchases a one ton Rio truck providing him with more mobility and increased business opportunities. Soon, Charles and Baidzar accept a contract to run an Economy fruit and vegetable stand on the Economy Market (equivalent to chain grocery stores today).

Charles recognizes a need for produce to be transported from growing regions to areas of high demand, and begins transporting items like grapes and tree fruit to San Fransisco. Charles always stopped on the California Coast to purchase specialty items like artichokes, broccoli and Brussel sprouts to take back to Fresno to sell. He never returned to Fresno with an empty truck. In this year, the business grew significalty as Charles transformed his business model and made a name for himself across California with merchants and farmers for his quality product, honest nature and timely cash payments.

Charles, Moses Avakian (Rancher & family friend from Armenia), James and Edward

Charles and other merchants become tired of rent increases and form an association. Together they purchase land in Fresno and open the Produce and Growers Market on G Street and El Dorado.

James is one of the first numbers to be drawn in the draft lottery after the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor. Edward is drafted later that summer, leaving Charles to manage the growing company on his own.

The Company moves to 1340 G Street with more space and cold storage rooms.

Edward expands the business into the Pacific Northwest and Western Canadian markets while James begins experimenting with the idea of wrapping produce in clear plastic for preservation.

Pam Pak Distributors, Inc. began its own farming operations which allowed them to control quality from the field to the packing house and develop a program with more consistent and reliable supplies for their customers.

Yosh Kamine begins working full-time as Pam- Pak Distributor’s Farming Manager. Previously, he worked on the dock as a teenager and farmed Pam-Pak produce with his father. Today, Yosh is Baloian Farm’s Farming Manager and President.

Recognizing the need to provide consistent supplies and control the quality and flow of product, Baloian Packing expands its growing operations by forming a partnership with Drew Belk in the Coachella Valley. This addition complements the existing program in the San Joaquin Valley.

Drew Belk and Julie Baloian in the Coachella Valley Romaine field.

Baloian Packing expands it growing operations by forming a partnership with the Fanucchi Family in the Bakersfield and Arvin area. Again, filling the production gaps to provide more consistent supplies of fresh vegetables.

The Fanucchi Family in Bakersfield, California: Vince, Mark, Joe, Charlie, Cathy

Baloian Packing Company formally changed its name to Baloian Farms and completed the construction of a 122,000 square foot cold storage facility and packing area which is where we are located today.

Ed, Tim and Julie Baloian

The Baloian family celebrates 100 years in the produce industry!

The Baloian family enjoys their Christmas potluck tradition. These are just some of the people that we are proud to call part of our family; while many members move with the harvest and spend the Winter and Spring seasons in Coachella, California and Nogales, Arizona.