Portland, Ore.-based produce distributor Pacific Coast Fruit Co. has a new name: Pacific Coast Fresh Co.
The company says the new name signifies its commitment to providing fresh products and reflects its evolution beyond produce.
“We’re excited to transition to this new name, a reflection of our commitment to providing our customers with a fresh perspective on the incredible offerings we bring to the table,” Pacific Coast Fresh Co. President Tom Brugato said in a news release. “While our name is changing, please know that our foundational values, rooted in our rich 46-year history, remain steadfast in a revitalized way.”
The name change also reflects the company’s continued focus on innovation, technological advancements and customer service, the release said. Pacific Coast Fresh Co. said it recently updated its website with online ordering, and it also plans to improve its fleet vehicles' fuel efficiency by 15%.
Emil Nemarnik founded the company in 1977, when it operated with one truck, a warehouse and eight employees; his children, David Nemarnik and Nancy Brugat, now co-own the business, according to the release. The company said it now operates two warehouses with more than 175,000 square feet, a fleet of refrigerated trucks and more than 450 employees.
“It is part of this company’s birth story to welcome change in our industry and use that to propel new growth opportunities,” David Nemarnik said in the release. “My father, the founder of PCFCo, knew that to be stagnant would be the downfall of a company, so [he] always encouraged new ways of thinking, new processes and new business ventures that aligned with the company mission and values. This has allowed PCFCo to grow and prosper over the past 46 years, even during tough times like the COVID-19 pandemic.”