Our Story
From its family ranch in California’s San Joaquin Valley, Traina® Foods grows, sun-dries, and produces premium sun-dried fruit for industrial ingredient and foodservice customers around the world, as well as for our own line of Traina Home Grown products, which includes our award-winning Traina California Sun-Dried Cherries and condiments.
That’s what we do. Why we do it is another story.
Traina Home Grown is founded on traditions our family brought from the old world, including the time-honored methods of sun-drying tomatoes and a food-lover’s belief in the slower-is-better lifestyle. Then we grew with California, harnessing the vast energy of its sun, enlisting its spirit of technological innovation, including sustainable and organic farming, and water and waste management.
1926
Our Heritage
The Traina legacy traces its roots back to our grandparents, Joe and Maria Traina, who embarked on a journey from Italy with hopes of forging a new life. Upon arriving in California’s Santa Clara Valley, they discovered a land abundant in sunshine and fertile soil, ideal for their aspirations. Inspired by the age-old practice of sun-drying fruit and driven by their unwavering resolve, they initiated their humble fruit enterprise, laying the groundwork for a thriving family venture. Across ninety-seven years, numerous transformations unfolded, yet what remains steadfast are the cherished family principles and the embodiment of the quintessential American dream.
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1946
Navigating Change, Cultivating Growth
As World War II approached, our father, Justin, and his high school companions enlisted to serve their country. Just two years into his service, Justin’s bravery and dedication as a line medic in France and Germany earned him two Bronze Stars for acts of valor. Meanwhile, the Santa Clara Valley was experiencing significant changes due to urbanization, putting immense pressure on agricultural farms to relocate. Upon Justin’s return, the decision was made to move the family farm to Patterson in the San Joaquin Valley. Surrounded by lush orchards and bathed in the warm California sunshine, the business began to thrive in this new setting. The San Joaquin Valley provided ideal conditions for our orchards and the time-honored practice of sun-drying fruit.
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1976
Cultivating Innovation, Branching Out
As the family expanded, some pursued different career paths, while our brother Willie chose to return to the family farm. Under Willie’s leadership, the business underwent incorporation, drawing other family members back to help establish a new chapter for Traina Dried Fruit. Recognizing the imperative for innovation and sustainability, Willie spearheaded significant expansions and initiatives.
Willie modernized and expanded our plant operations, and led the transition to solar energy, embracing renewable resources to power our production processes. In addition to this, he championed the introduction of California sun-dried tomatoes, which quickly became sought-after by chefs for their exceptional quality.
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He also separated and expanded our organic orchards and product lines, aligning our practices with the growing demand for wholesome, organic foods.
Traina Foods and Traina Home Grown maintain a consistent, unwavering emphasis on quality that has made us a trusted source for food manufacturers, professional chefs, and businesses seeking delicious, well-made, and trustworthy products. This commitment has allowed us to endure for nearly a century as a family-owned business.
This proactive approach not only secured the future of our family business but also reaffirmed our dedication to environmental stewardship and providing premium-quality products to our customers across North America and beyond.
Show Less
Previous
Next
From its family ranch in California’s San Joaquin Valley, Traina® Foods grows, sun-dries, and produces premium sun-dried fruit for industrial ingredient and foodservice customers around the world, as well as for our own line of Traina Home Grown products, which includes our award-winning Traina California Sun-Dried Cherries and condiments.
That’s what we do. Why we do it is another story.
Traina Home Grown is founded on traditions our family brought from the old world, including the time-honored methods of sun-drying tomatoes and a food-lover’s belief in the slower-is-better lifestyle. Then we grew with California, harnessing the vast energy of its sun, enlisting its spirit of technological innovation, including sustainable and organic farming, and water and waste management.
1926
Our Heritage
The Traina legacy traces its roots back to our grandparents, Joe and Maria Traina, who embarked on a journey from Italy with hopes of forging a new life. Upon arriving in California’s Santa Clara Valley, they discovered a land abundant in sunshine and fertile soil, ideal for their aspirations. Inspired by the age-old practice of sun-drying fruit and driven by their unwavering resolve, they initiated their humble fruit enterprise, laying the groundwork for a thriving family venture. Across ninety-seven years, numerous transformations unfolded, yet what remains steadfast are the cherished family principles and the embodiment of the quintessential American dream.
Previous
Next
1946
Navigating Change, Cultivating Growth
As World War II approached, our father, Justin, and his high school companions enlisted to serve their country. Just two years into his service, Justin’s bravery and dedication as a line medic in France and Germany earned him two Bronze Stars for acts of valor. Meanwhile, the Santa Clara Valley was experiencing significant changes due to urbanization, putting immense pressure on agricultural farms to relocate. Upon Justin’s return, the decision was made to move the family farm to Patterson in the San Joaquin Valley. Surrounded by lush orchards and bathed in the warm California sunshine, the business began to thrive in this new setting. The San Joaquin Valley provided ideal conditions for our orchards and the time-honored practice of sun-drying fruit.
Previous
Next
1976
Navigating Change, Cultivating Growth
As the family expanded, some pursued different career paths, while our brother Willie chose to return to the family farm. Under Willie’s leadership, the business underwent incorporation, drawing other family members back to help establish a new chapter for Traina Dried Fruit. Recognizing the imperative for innovation and sustainability, Willie spearheaded significant expansions and initiatives.
Willie modernized and expanded our plant operations, and led the transition to solar energy, embracing renewable resources to power our production processes. In addition to this, he championed the introduction of California sun-dried tomatoes, which quickly became sought-after by chefs for their exceptional quality.
Read More
He also separated and expanded our organic orchards and product lines, aligning our practices with the growing demand for wholesome, organic foods.
Traina Foods and Traina Home Grown maintain a consistent, unwavering emphasis on quality that has made us a trusted source for food manufacturers, professional chefs, and businesses seeking delicious, well-made, and trustworthy products. This commitment has allowed us to endure for nearly a century as a family-owned business.
This proactive approach not only secured the future of our family business but also reaffirmed our dedication to environmental stewardship and providing premium-quality products to our customers across North America and beyond.
Show Less
Previous
Next
