Ocean Mist Farms MAKING WAVES IN AG By Taylor Lauson, Communications Manager
It’s one thing to be born into a multi-generational ag family, but it’s quite another to carve out your own place in the produce industry. Through perseverance and dedication to his craft, Chris Drew, President and CEO of Ocean Mist® Farms, hasn’t just forged his own path— he’s set the gold standard. Drew began his journey in 2004 as a production manager at Sea Mist Farms in the Salinas Valley, a division under the Ocean Mist umbrella. He started out on the ranch, where he had the opportunity to really roll up his sleeves, working closely with irrigation and cultural crews while also supervising crop plantings. Drew said it was a very “fast-paced environment to operate within.” For over a decade, he built strong relationships with the ranch crews and learned how to be a leader in the field. Clearly, he wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty—but it was the production side of the business that truly captured his passion. “That’s where the rubber meets the road,” he said. He steadily rose through the ranks, becoming Vice President of Operations, where he oversaw all post- harvest operations. In 2017, he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer, and in 2021, he stepped into his current leadership role. Now at the helm, Drew is focused on delivering the highest quality products to customers, retailers and food service partners. “We could be the best growers in the world, but if we don’t have anyone to buy our products or believe in what we’re doing, then it makes it very difficult to sustain our business for the future.” For Drew, honoring the past is as important as looking to the future. Last year, the company celebrated its centennial anniversary. Since 1924, Ocean Mist Farms has been a dedicated steward of the land to protect today’s natural resources for a better tomorrow. Inclusive of efforts to lower its carbon footprint, Drew said Ocean Mist implements strong crop rotation using commodities in its portfolio “to add back organic matter to the soil through incorporating crop residuals that help maintain soil health and allow us to become less dependent on synthetic fertilizers.” Another main focus has been on aligning the company with modern consumer values—chief among them, convenience. That’s where its new Roastables line comes into play. Designed to simplify meal prep, these chef-inspired meal kits come in a variety of flavors including Sweet Sesame, Zesty Herb and Spicy Buffalo. Each kit includes pre-trimmed, pre-washed vegetables that are oven-ready, eliminating the prep work involved with fresh produce.
“We understand that today’s consumers are busier than ever, with many households balancing two working parents,” he added: “Our goal with these roasting kits is to help busy households put wholesome, flavorful meals on the table in minutes—reclaiming time for what matters most, and without compromising on nutrition or taste.” Can we expect a new vegetable anytime soon? As the largest grower/shipper of fresh artichokes in North America, headquartered in the heart of “The Artichoke Center of the World,” Drew said he desires to eventually include its signature crop in the line. When envisioning the next hundred years, Drew emphasizes the company’s focus is to ensure Ocean Mist Farms’ heritage not only endures, but thrives, creating a lasting impact for centuries to come.
Chris Drew, President and CEO of Ocean Mist Farms
28 Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com May | June 2025
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online