General Farm Investment Co, 5 Foster Rd, Salinas, CA 93908, US

Eight farmers, who all believed in a few simple values, founded Growers Express in 1987. Its partners have taken three generations of knowledge and respect for the land and have developed it into one of the nation's largest suppliers of fresh vegetables. Since its founding, over 95 percent of its 15 million cartons grown and shipped annually are still grown by its own partners. Headquartered in the Salinas Valley, Calif., its total year-round ground base exceeds 40,000 acres. To offer its 40-plus items on a year-round basis, it has also grown in Huron, Santa Maria and Oxnard, Calif., as well as Yuma, Ariz., Mexico and Peru. Its largest volume items include iceberg lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, green onions, celery, asparagus and leaf lettuces, all of which are complimented with a full line of bunched items. Growers Express also offers strawberries and several packs to round out its line. Growers Express is a privately-owned company that employs nearly 55 people.