At Sysco, we pride ourselves on partnering only with the best suppliers in the industry. Driscoll’s, a prime example of our rigorous selection process, exemplifies the quality we demand from all our produce partners.
Behind every Driscoll’s berry is a legacy of passion, meticulous farming, and dedicated research. “Driscoll’s captures the taste of summer year-round with our sweet strawberries – that’s the magic,” says Driscoll’s Production Manager Milton Bardmess. After 40 years in the field, he’s still thrilled by the delight they deliver, with new, exciting varieties always emerging.
With over a century of berry excellence, Driscoll’s network of independent growers has mastered the art of berry production, guaranteeing each punnet bursts with sweetness for your most discerning diners. Their dedication to quality, innovation, and flavor excellence aligns perfectly with the exacting standards at Sysco. By partnering with top-tier suppliers like Driscoll’s, we can consistently deliver the exceptional quality and taste you expect and deserve.
Discover the Driscoll’s Difference
“People don’t grasp the effort behind producing perfect strawberries. The demand is massive, so we never stop innovating,” says Bardmess. Since 1904, Driscoll’s has been committed to crafting the “perfect berry.” The Driscoll and Reiter families pioneered superior patented varieties and started The Strawberry Institute for research, breeding, production, and more.
Driscoll’s works closely with independent growers to uphold standards across regions. Their farmers don’t mass-produce in factories – they coax the finest berries from the earth, working with nature’s rhythms. From the sweeter more prominent new proprietary varieties that are exclusive to Driscoll’s network of independent growers, to succulent raspberries, blackberries and blueberries, each variety is a masterpiece awaiting menu innovation.
“People don’t grasp the effort behind producing perfect strawberries. The demand is massive, so we never stop innovating.”
Milton Bardmess
Uncompromising Quality & Consistency
It all starts with the quality standards in the field – elevated soil beds and plastic mulching for controlled growing conditions. But it’s the human touch that truly makes the difference. “Every red strawberry is ready to pick…anything with decay won’t make the tray,” explains Manny Gomez, a 17-year Driscoll’s sales veteran. Each punnet is hand-picked, ensuring optimum quality and inspection. “When you get a Driscoll’s product, you’re tasting unmatched quality and our commitment to delight,” he adds.
Setting the Strawberry Standard
From there, Driscoll’s uses a rigorous cold chain process with 32°F storage and refrigerated shipping to lock in just-picked freshness. Quality and safety are USDA-inspected, with traceability down to the individual picker. From developing new varieties to pioneering growing techniques, Driscoll’s continual innovation sets them apart. “We’re striving for perfection with our strawberries,” says Jon Greco, Senior Director of Produce Sourcing for Sysco and FreshPoint. “Our goal is to never be satisfied with what’s here today, to provide something better tomorrow.”
And these aren’t ordinary berries—they’re antioxidant-packed, vitamin-rich gems ready to elevate any dish year-round. Exclusive patented varieties raise the bar with improved sweetness, firmness, and complex flavors. Driscoll’s independent growers are currently and constantly testing new varieties that boast enhanced sweetness, size and flavor, faster harvesting, and better shelf life. You can trust that every Driscoll’s berry is meticulously handled and delivered to you at peak perfection.
A Sysco Partner with Excellence
When you call for Driscoll’s, you know you’re getting more than just berries—you’re bringing in pure excellence. They have made a name for themselves by really tuning into what chefs and diners want. The berries are grown to hit all the right notes – crazy flavorful, appealing texture, invigorating aroma and yielding like no other.
But Driscoll’s doesn’t just nail it in the fields. They sweat the small stuff at every step to ensure those berries knock it out of the park when they hit your kitchen. Flavor, texture, shelf life—they obsess over the details. They bring that same next-level commitment whether you’re plating them tableside or featuring them on a dessert menu. Driscoll’s just gets that consistent excellence is everything in this game.
They’re innovators constantly pushing boundaries and exploring new varieties and growing techniques. But most importantly, they live and breathe keeping chefs like you satisfied. When Driscoll’s is in the house, you know you’re serving something special.
