Our Story

Since 1956 โ€“ a legacy of quality citrus farming and packing, spanning generations of dedication to excellence.

The Pandolfo Family Legacy

Since 1956

Established in 1956, the Pandolfo family's journey in the citrus farming and packing industry began when Mario and Elsie Pandolfo acquired Farm 458 in Griffith, New South Wales. Initially growing vegetables, they supplied produce to the Goulburn and Canberra markets. However, in the early years, the family expanded their vision and planted 50 acres of citrus varieties, including Navel and Valencia oranges.

As the farm's production of oranges increased, the Pandolfo family took the next step in their commitment to quality by building a citrus packing facility on-site, allowing them to process their growing volumes more efficiently.

In the early 1980s, Robert and Gary Pandolfo, having completed their mechanic apprenticeships, returned to the family business. Their return marked the start of a new era for the company as they worked alongside Mario and Elsie to help scale the business. A few years later, their sister Jeanette also joined the team, continuing the family legacy.

From humble beginnings, where the company processed approximately 600 tonnes of citrus annually, the business has grown significantly. Today, the Pandolfo family processes over 35,000 tonnes of citrus annually, with second and third-generation family members actively involved in managing and running the business. The dedication, hard work, and family values that have shaped the company over the decades continue to drive its success today.

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Farm 458

67 Research Station Road
Hanwood, NSW, 2680, Australia


Established1956
Annual Processing35,000+ Tonnes
Initial Production600 Tonnes
Generations2nd & 3rd Active
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Our Growth Journey

From humble beginnings, where the company processed approximately 600 tonnes of citrus annually, the business has grown significantly. Today, the Pandolfo family processes over 35,000 tonnes of citrus annually, with second and third-generation family members actively involved in managing and running the business.

600Tonnes
Annually (1956)
โ†’
35,000+Tonnes
Annually (Today)

Our Journey

1956

Foundation

Mario and Elsie Pandolfo acquired Farm 458 in Griffith, New South Wales, beginning with vegetable production for Goulburn and Canberra markets.

Early Years

Expansion into Citrus

The family expanded their vision, planting 50 acres of citrus varieties including Navel and Valencia oranges.

Growth

On-Site Packing Facility

As orange production increased, the family built a citrus packing facility on-site to process growing volumes more efficiently.

Early 1980s

New Generation Joins

Robert and Gary Pandolfo returned to the family business. Their sister Jeanette also joined the team, marking a new era of growth and expansion.

Today

Industry Leaders

From 600 tonnes annually to over 35,000 tonnes, with second and third-generation family members actively managing the business, continuing the legacy of quality and dedication.

Early 1980s: A New Era Begins

Robert and Gary Pandolfo return to the family business, bringing their skills and dedication to scale operations

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Family members with a truck full of oranges

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Robert and Gary working with packing machinery

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Citrus processing facility

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Warehouse operations

2nd & 3rd Generations

The Pandolfo family legacy continues with second and third-generation members actively involved in managing and running the business.

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆ

Our People

The dedicated team driving Mario's Packhouse forward

GP

Gary Pandolfo

Director

Gary returned to the family business in the early 1980s after completing his mechanic apprenticeship, helping scale the company alongside his parents.

JP

Jason Pandolfo

Sales and Grower Manager

Jason manages our sales operations and grower relationships, building strong partnerships across the industry.

LP

Luke Pandolfo

Operations and Maintenance Manager

Luke oversees our operations and maintenance, ensuring our facilities run smoothly and efficiently.

JW

Jeanette Wardle

Finance Manager

Jeanette joined the team in the 1980s, continuing the family legacy. She now manages the company's finances with precision and care.

SP

Steven Peruzzi

Logistics and Dispatch Manager

Steven ensures our products reach customers efficiently, managing logistics and dispatch operations with expertise.

CW

Christina Wardle

HR Manager

Christina manages our human resources, ensuring our team has the support and development opportunities they need to excel.