Stefanie Pandol Talks Pandol Bros Legacy, Commitment, and Quality in Lead Up to Southern Innovations

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Few produce events are as family-centric as the Southeast Produce Council’s (SEPC) Southern Innovations, an ethos that aligns perfectly with Pandol Brothers.

“Family has always been at the heart of Pandol Brothers. From our earliest days in the fields to today’s boardroom, our decisions have been guided by the values my great-grandparents instilled: trust, respect, and a commitment to one another,” Stefanie Pandol, Marketing and Sustainability Specialist, recently told me. “This sense of family extends beyond bloodlines—it thrives in the generations of employees, growers, and partners who have stood alongside us. We celebrate milestones and achievements, fostering long-term employee retention and a culture where people feel valued. Their loyalty, hard work, and belief in the Pandol name have shaped who we are and will continue to guide us for generations to come.”

At its core, Pandol Brothers is about people, from the family that founded it to the employees, growers, and communities it continues to serve. While operations may look different today than when it was first founded, Stefanie shared that the heart of the company remains unchanged.

“We believe in respecting one another, acting ethically, and building relationships rooted in trust. With over 75 years of farming in the California Central Valley and nearly 70 years of Pandol Brothers, every harvest reminds us why we do this: to share something delicious, honest, and grown with pride, from our family to yours—and to honor the support of the community that has helped us thrive and grow to where we are today,” she said.

It is this guidance Stefanie observed as the way the company has provided quality both then and now.

“Quality is our legacy. For decades, we’ve walked the fields, tasting fruit to ensure every grape reflects the care we put into growing it. As fourth-generation stewards, my brother and I have walked the same vineyards with our father and uncles that they once walked with their parents. Our dedicated and experienced quality and operations teams work year-round to ensure that, no matter the growing region, all fruit meets the Pandol standard,” she reflected.

While farming techniques and practical know-how are passed down, Stefanie said the passion and love for the tradition that came before her is something that can only be shared, not taught.

“We take pride in the fruit that comes out of our fields and into the hands of people around the world, carrying forward a standard that has defined the Pandol name for decades,” she commented.

But of course, carrying forward also means evolving. And with SEPC’s upcoming show centered around innovations, Stefanie takes time to tell me that it is a critical balance.

“At Pandol Brothers, tradition and innovation work hand in hand. The wisdom of past generations—patience, land stewardship, and respect for relationships—guides us, while innovation allows us to serve customers better and adapt to new markets. We are constantly exploring new technology to create efficiency in our processes and implementing sustainable packaging solutions to support the industry. Innovation is exciting, but every step is thoughtfully considered, not just for today, but for decades to come,” she concluded.

You can shake Stefanie’s hand and meet some of the family that has made this legacy brand at booth #203 in Charlotte, North Carolina, when the show floor opens on Friday, September 12. Hope to see you there!