2/24/2017 8:30 a.m. PST - The story below includes the following correction: Harold Crawford Co. was not bought by Kroger, as previously stated.
BAKERSFIELD, CA - Harold Crawford, Founder of Harold Crawford Cos., passed away this Monday, February 20, at the age of 90. Crawford was an integral part of the Southern San Joaquin Valley produce industry for more than five decades.
After graduating from Seattle Pacific University in the late-forties, Crawford went to work for his father at the Wesley Crawford and Son Company, a firm specializing in repacking tomatoes and carrots.
Unfortunately, Harold’s father died in 1950, and the then 23-year-old was forced to take over as President and CEO. Crawford changed the name of the company to Gro-Pak Inc., moved it to Bakersfield, and opened Kern County’s first carrot packaging shed.
Crawford was a proud innovator in the industry, among the first to adopt machine harvesting technology for carrots, and the first to hydro-cool carrots. In 1969, Crawford sold Gro-Pak, staying on as Sales Manager for the next decade.
By 1978, Crawford had founded Harold Crawford Co.—a brokerage for retailers and wholesalers. Crawford’s two sons, Greg and Brian were integral parts of the business, and each left to start their own companies when Harold Crawford Co. was sold.
In 1995, Crawford formed Harvest Crown Co., importing Hawaiian, Thai, and Chinese ginger to the United States and Europe. Over the course of the next several years, the company expanded its offerings and eventually developed into a full-line produce business.
Crawford retired in 2014 after taking on several partners to ensure his legacy continues. A devout Christian, Crawford credited his faith in God with helping him through many trials and tribulations to continued success in the produce industry.
Crawford is survived by his wife of 70 years, Gloria, one daughter Leslie, and his two sons, Greg and Bryan, as well as several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
