About Us
Our History
After spending several years delivering produce by horse and wagon as well as co-owning Pioneer Produce, Joseph Gatto established Gatto & Sons Inc. located in Southeast Portland, OR. This area was known as Produce Row, due to it being the central location for the city receiving its fruits and vegetables by wagon, then by rail, and now by truck.
Joseph's sons Gus, Peter, Joe, and Phillip would follow him into the business, later becoming owners. The brothers worked well together carrying on their father's legacy. As time passed on, Joe and Phillip would split off leaving their oldest brothers Gus and Peter with the business.
Left: Gus Right: Peter
The next generation would follow in their Grandfather and Father's long-standing tradition, as Augie and Joe began working at the company in their early teenage years. After their fathers Gus and Peter stepped away from the business, Augie and Joe would start running the company in 1973. The pair worked well together as Augie did the buying and pricing, while Joe managed the sales for the business. The combination of Joe's ability to bring in new clientele and Augie's business savvy in both buying and pricing would take the company to new heights.
Left: Joe Right: Augie
Gatto & Sons Produce Today
In 2017, Joe, unfortunately, passed away. He is remembered by his family and friends as a man who enjoyed carrying on his Italian heritage and who deeply loved his family. His positive attitude towards life and his commitment to the company will always be remembered. His son Michael, who manages sales, would assume his father's portion of the company, co-owning the business along with his Uncle Augie.
After working at the company since he was 12 years old and spending over 65 years in the produce industry, Augie still does the buying for the business. He is followed by his daughters Allison, who works at the accounting office, and Kara who manages the pricing.
Throughout the years, there have been four generations of the Gatto family who have committed to delivering quality produce to its customers all over the Pacific Northwest. The company prides itself on still being locally and family-owned while delivering its clientele excellent products, customer service, and relationships that have existed in the produce industry for over ten decades.
- Left: Augie Right: Michael