Val Verde's Message

Message from the President

Thank you for taking an interest in Val Verde Vegetable Co. The Schuster Family name has been synonymous with agriculture in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas for over 50 years. My dad, Frank Schuster Sr., came to South Texas in 1935 from his native Austria, an ambitious young man of 15 with nothing to his name but a beaten-up old suitcase. During his lifetime, he developed a prosperous farming and ranching operation known for being on the cutting edge of production technology. Not content with how our products were being represented in the marketplace, he made the strategic decision to become more involved in the marketing of our products, which included the finest of cabbage, broccoli, cucumbers, onions and cantaloupe.

After his untimely death in 1977, I took over the reins of the farming company. In 1987, I formed Val Verde Vegetable Co. to expand our marketing program by working with other growers. Since that time, Val Verde has grown significantly in the handling and marketing of over 50 different commodities for twelve months a year. Our growth and success can be attributed to many things, certainly the outstanding people who work with us in addition to the great growers both in the United States and Mexico that we represent.

I have to believe, however, that most of our success is due to my father’s belief and one that I have carried on through the years that “Success will come when you meet the customer’s need by exceeding his expectations.” We hope that you will make us a part of your produce program.

Sincerely,

Frank J. Schuster, President
Val Verde Vegetable Co.

The Growth of the Company

Expansion at Val Verde is the result of quality product available throughout the year and the ability to consolidate loading at one location. From a modest 10,000 square foot facility with one cold room in the early 90’s, Val Verde has now grown to over 100,000 square feet under roof with three cold rooms for the different temperature requirements of each of our products. The largest of these is a high humidity forced-air cold room that can cool cabbage or any other product quickly and then hold it under the proper conditions until it is ready to load for our customer.

In order to offer our customers top quality products year round, Val Verde has sourced product from the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas, the Winter Garden of Texas, West Texas, New Mexico and Colorado. Additionally, we have a strong presence in Mexico where we work with growers from almost every state. Overall our principal commodities include cabbage, mixed greens, limes, melons and onions.