Ratto Bros.: A Tradition of Innovation and Family Values

For more than 100 years, Ratto Bros. has been a name synonymous with quality and tradition in the agricultural industry. Grounded in hard work and Old-World Italian family values, the farm possesses a rich history that most companies can only dream of.

In 1905, Antone L. Ratto, son of Italian immigrants, started a vegetable business on Bay Farm Island near Oakland, CA, where he delivered produce to customers from a horse-drawn cart. Antone had five sons who followed in their father’s footsteps to become farmers.

Collectively, the brothers formed the Ratto Bros. partnership in 1957. Looking to expand their operations in 1962, Ratto Bros. gravitated to the fertile San Joaquin Valley near Modesto, where they added several hundred acres of prime farmland to their operations.

Over the past century, the company has quietly grown from its humble beginnings into a highly respected leader in the produce industry, which continues to enjoy a wide variety of quality Ratto Bros. specialty greens.

But what has set Ratto Bros. apart from its competition? How has it survived through the years, and what drives its continued success? According to Raymond A. Ratto, chairman of Ratto Bros., the answer lies in the company’s unwavering commitment to both tradition and the need for continual innovation.

“What’s always set us apart is our dedication to quality,” says Ratto. “From the very beginning, we’ve focused on producing the best products, whether it was the herbs my grandfather grew or the leafy greens we specialize in today.”

This dedication has been the foundation of the company’s success. But as the market evolves, so, too, does Ratto Bros.

Looking ahead, new Chief Executive Officer Geoffrey Ratto is establishing his vision for the next decade. “We’ve always been a company that looks to the future, and the next 10 years will be about sustainability, technology, and maintaining the high standards our customers expect from us.”

The company has already begun to implement new technologies to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

“It’s about preserving the land for future generations. We want to ensure that what we’re doing today will benefit the family and the community tomorrow,” adds Anthony Ratto, operations manager, highlighting their long-term commitment to sustainable farming practices.

In addition to its forward-thinking approach, Ratto Bros. has always emphasized the importance of family. For President Frank Ratto, his earliest memories are deeply personal.

“My first chore here was packing herbs with my dad. I was maybe 8 years old, and I remember feeling so proud to be contributing to the farm,” he recalls. “One thing my grandfather always said was, ‘Never compromise on quality,’ and that’s something we still live by today.”

When asked what drives the company’s ongoing success, Andrew Ratto, sales, says, “At the end of the day, it’s about trusted relationships with our customers, suppliers and employees over the years. That’s what keeps us moving forward.”

The company’s goals are ambitious, yet grounded in the same principles that have guided them for over half a century.

“We want to continue growing, of course, but growth for us isn’t just about getting bigger. It’s about getting better, making sure that we’re improving every aspect of our business — from the fields to the packaging process to how we interact with our customers,” says Nick Ratto, harvest/facility manager.

In a competitive industry, this focus on continuous improvement will undoubtedly set Ratto Bros. apart. As Ratto Bros. continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: their dedication to quality, family, and the future.

“We’re a family business, and that means something special. It means that everything we do, we do with the next generation in mind,” says Matthew Ratto, vice president of sales.