History

The Begining

Since the turn of the century the Reiter family has been growing and expanding both geographically and within the berry patch. When Joe Reiter (Garland and Miles’ father) first began farming, the company was not referred to as RAC; however the fundamental values and principles have been alive and core to the evolution of what RAC stands for today.

In the early 1900s there were plantings in the Santa Clara Valley-California, as well as Watsonville-California. These plantings set the stage for learning and adapting. Temperatures, soil type and commercial land development of Santa Clara Valley all contributed to Watsonville becoming the primary location (there were additional plantings in Oxnard and San Mateo County) for production by the mid 1960s for the family.

The 60s were a period of adjustment for the industry, post the 1957 oversupply strawberry “crash”, the industry was chaotic then ultimately evolving into the foundation of what the industry is today. It was in their early youth that both Garland (current CEO and President) and his brother Miles Reiter (CEO of Driscoll’s Berries) learned the core aspects of the business. This ranges from the fundamentals of ground preparation and relationships to cultural awareness of their work force.

Miles and Garland decided to not only grow berries, but to invest in genetic research, innovative cultural practices, and pioneer new geographies. Many of these efforts eventually resulted in a merging knowledge and investment in the pioneering of the new “Berry Basket” era which included Reiter’s commitment to the genetic development of cane berries. 

The 80’s

Miles and Garland Reiter formally committed themselves in 1985 to focus on the advancement of raspberries. In the beginning RAC produced about 250,000 units a year. Now, in just a week RAC produces a little less then twice that amount.

In 1989 Miles and Garland focused on continuing to expand geographically and decided to form two partnerships. One was in San Diego with Stickles family which concentrated on counter-seasonal raspberries, and the other was with the Glenn Williamson family in Florida. Partnerships have developed into successful and profitable relationships between the partners and RAC. The foundation of the RAC partnership program stems from the very first relationship and is now made up of twenty-two partnerships. These partnerships are located not only in the United States but internationally, and span all the different types of berries.

Today

The broad base of RAC’s wholly-owned production supply, complemented by partnerships has built itself to be the largest year-round fresh multi-berry producer in the world. Reiter Affiliated Companies is a family-owned organization which is committed to maintaining a family-like atmosphere. Complementing the family spirit, ownership relies on and rewards strong leaders to voice their opinion and provide strategic input.

The Future

Over the past fifteen years RAC has doubled its business three times, with plans to continue the trend. The combination of opportunities, vision and ambition has created a company that is constantly looking for the next advantage. RAC has a unique trait; they are not only looking at ways to surpass their competition, but are constantly reflecting on how they can make themselves stronger. With the future looking brighter than ever, RAC looks forward to continuing to lead the way in growing and producing high quality berries year round.