Section E Pg 22 Missoulian Centennial Pacific Fruit is an Old – Timer
Pacific Fruit Is An Old-Timer
The Pacific Fruit and Produce Co. has been in operation for almost a half century in Missoula.
Located in the building now housing the Carpenter Paper Co. on the North Side, the company began in 1915 as the Day Produce Co. In 1932 the Ryan Fruit Co. bought the wholesale business and merged with the Pacific Fruit Co.
Since then the Pacific Fruit & Produce Co. has been situated in a building adjacent to the Carpenter Paper Co. building. Paul Whitelaw, an early-day resident engaged in produce, erected the building.
The Missoula concern is a branch of the Pacific Gamble Robinson Co. which was formed by the merger and acquisition of most of the leading wholesalers in its trade area during the last 30 years. Some of the companies which comprise the Pacific Gamble Robinson Co. have been in the business more than 75 years.
60-Year Average
The average age of the companies is more than 60 years. An extensive carlot shipping business from the principal growing districts in the United and Canada is conducted by the company. An area with a radius of 150 miles is covered by the Missoula branch.
The concern in Missoula is one of 112 wholesale distribution points, 20 of which are located in Canada, making Pacific Gamble Robinson Co. one of the largest wholesale distributors of fresh fruits, vegetables and canned and frozen foods.
As many as possible of the products are purchased in the Missoula district. Carloads and carloads of potatoes are shipped from Missoula to other points throughout the nation each year. Fruits and produce which cannot be obtained locally are shipped in from locations where they are in season.
4,500 Employes
Of the 4,500 employes of Pacific Gamble Robinson Co., 11 full-time persons are employed in Missoula in addition to several part-time employes. The company has approximately 1,530 stockholders who have invested an average of $10,512 each or a total of $16,083,492. Approximately 30 per cent of the company’s stock is owned by employes or former members of the organization.
Manager of the Pacific Fruit & Produce Co. in Missoula is James W. Phillips.