The Bertuccio’s business of agriculture began in the 1920’s by farming prunes, almonds, walnuts, and apricots. The Bertuccios were Italian immigrants, in search of improving their lives by taking advantage of the great opportunities California had to offer them. In the 1950’s, Paul Bertuccio (1st generation) began growing onions and vegetables, and with help from his two sisters Irma and Olga, the
y opened ‘Bertuccio’s Market’ in the 1960’s. The market centered on the local Blenheim apricots, along with baskets and produce, all locally grown. Joe Tonascia, a 3rd generation Swiss Italian immigrant, has been in the dairy and farming business since his youth. Along with his wife Karen (3rd generation San Benito County), he was a longtime friend of Paul and the rest of the Bertuccio family. When Paul Bertuccio passed away, Irma and Olga asked Joe if he would be able to manage the business for them. Since then, Tonascia Farms has been providing the surrounding community of Hollister with fresh local Blenheim apricots, vegetables, fruits, nuts and baskets, continuing the Bertuccio vision of what a community market should be.
