Catania Worldwide is an organization with operations in three different countries. Its offices in Mississauga, ON, McAllen, TX, Vineland, NJ and Mexico, as well as its Stellar Distributing operation out of Madera, CA, allow the company to provide fresh produce to customers in the United States and Canada.
Despite that rather large reach, Catania Worldwide remains, at heart, a small operation.
“I still like to think of it as a family business, everybody gets treated as family, even though we’re spread out a bit,” said Paul Catania, owner of the company. “If somebody makes a good move or suggestion, it’s not lost in the mix. We stay together and we all pull in the same direction and everyone knows they’re appreciated and acknowledged.”
Eighty associates work in Catania Worldwide’s offices and it employs another 1,200 people in the fields. Catania said the company has a low turnover rate and that employees appreciate the firm’s culture.
“I try to treat everyone properly and with respect and make sure everyone is happy,” he said.
Six months ago, Catania Worldwide opened its newest facility in McAllen, TX, an ideal location because it’s a natural crossing point and distribution area.
“It’s allowed us to increase our business and distribution; we’ve probably increased the volume coming through there by 25 or 30 percent,” Catania said. “My son, Matthew, is heading up and running that operation and it’s bloomed, it’s blossomed in a short time. It was sorely needed, and he’s developed a lot of his own customer base down there.”
That’s turned out to be a pleasant surprise because Catania thought the new operation would primarily facilitate the company’s existing business.
“We’re increasing our volumes through there through his sales, as well as increasing and improving our distribution abilities out of there,” he said. “We’re very pleased.”
It’s the latest step in what he calls the “vertical integration” of Catania Worldwide, in which it grows, packs and distributes 10 commodities — figs, limes, kiwis, Sungold kiwis, lemons, mangos, cactus pears, persimmons, avocados and clementines — from its various locations. That includes handling 40 to 45 loads of limes each week in Mexico, and growing fresh figs on 200 acres in California from June to November and 175 acres of figs (in addition to collaborating with independent grows on fresh figs in Mexico) from November to May, allowing Catania to provide figs year-round.
“I was the first to bring Mexican figs into Canada and then I was the first one to bring Mexican figs into the United States,” Catania said. “We had a head start on a lot of people and were the trendsetters. I’ve been working on it for the past 10 years and we’ve been established in Canada for the last five and in the U.S. for the last three. Now other people are seeing figs as a big business too.”
Looking ahead, he said that while all of the company’s operations are strong, there’s potential for growth in New Jersey and Texas. He added that success will come with Catania Worldwide continuing to do what it’s always done.
“I think it’s just about treating our people, treating our customers, treating our suppliers, all with respect, and trying to keep and maintain the family-type atmosphere while working within a professional environment,” Catania said. “It’s a balancing act but I think we’re doing it and people seem to be happy.”
