Wawona Frozen Foods Celebrates 60 Years

Third Generation Family Business a Strong Community Supporter 

This year marks 60 years that Earl Smittcamp founded Wawona Frozen Foods and began producing and processing fruits from the family farm and Central Valley growers. Joined by sons Bob and Bill, Earl saw the opportunity to expand the market for local peaches and strawberries and provide year ‘round fresh frozen fruit.

Over the past six decades Wawona has added additional fruits (pears, blueberries, plums, etc.), producing and delivering more than 130 million pounds annually to customers in the retail, foodservice and industrial sectors, as well as to school meal programs across the U.S.

Wawona’s President and CEO Bill Smittcamp reflected on the company as well as the family legacy: “My father would be so proud of how the company has expanded in reaction to changing markets, consumer preferences and government regulations. We continue to meet every challenge by investing in our employees and new equipment, and also strengthening our relationships with our growers.”

Bill attributes Wawona’s success and longevity to their family’s business philosophy which includes:

Care and concern for their employees, customers and growers Commitment to quality and long-term investment Contributions and involvement in our community

The company remains all in the family as Bill’s three children work in the following critical positions: Blake Smittcamp, Executive Vice President, Bradley Smittcamp, Regional School Sales, and Blair Smittcamp-Martin, Marketing and Special Projects Manager. In addition Bill’s wife, Linda, works with Blake to run the company’s peach tree fruit stand in their hometown of Clovis.

Wawona Frozen Foods and the Smittcamp family are excited to commemorate the past 60 years of innovation, food safety and its unwavering commitment to quality and customer service. And they are looking forward to what the next 60 years will bring!