Meet Our Farm Partners: The People Behind Our Flavors
At Brentwood Ice Cream Co., we're proud of our farm-to-scoop philosophy. But what does that really mean? It means relationships—with the farmers who grow the fruit that becomes our ice cream.
Today, we want to introduce you to some of our farm partners and share their stories.
Chao's Strawberries
What they grow: Chandler & Albion strawberries
What we make: Jammy Strawberry ice cream
The story: The Chao family has been farming in the Brentwood area for three generations. Their strawberries are legendary in the region—sweet, juicy, and consistently delicious.
"We pick our strawberries at the peak of ripeness," says Mrs. Chao. "That's why they're so sweet. We're up at dawn during strawberry season, selecting only the best berries."
Why we love them: The Chaos share our commitment to quality. They won't sell us strawberries that aren't perfect—and that dedication shows in every scoop of our Jammy Strawberry.
Victoria Island Farms
What they grow: Blueberries
What we make: NY Blueberry Cheesecake ice cream
The story: Located in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, Victoria Island Farms benefits from unique microclimates that create ideal growing conditions for blueberries.
"The delta breeze keeps our berries cool and sweet," explains the farm manager. "We grow several varieties so we have a long harvest season."
Why we love them: Their blueberries are plump, juicy, and packed with flavor. When you taste our NY Blueberry Cheesecake, you're tasting the delta's unique terroir.
Bacchini's Farm
What they grow: Peaches, nectarines, olallieberries
What we make: Snow White Peach ice cream, Peach Royale sundae
The story: Bacchini's has been a Brentwood institution for decades. Their peach orchards produce some of the finest stone fruit in California.
"We grow both white and yellow peaches," says the owner. "The white peaches are lower in acid, so they taste sweeter. Perfect for ice cream."
Why we love them: Bacchini's peaches are tree-ripened, which means they're picked at peak sweetness. That translates to intensely peachy ice cream.
Ale's Orchards
What they grow: Lapin cherries
What we make: Lapin Cherry Ripple ice cream, Cherry Bomb sundae
The story: The Ale family specializes in cherries, and their Lapin variety is prized for its deep red color and sweet-tart flavor.
"Cherry season is short but intense," says the owner. "We work around the clock during harvest to get the fruit picked at the perfect moment."
Why we love them: Their cherries have the perfect balance of sweet and tart for our cherry ripple ice cream. The deep red color is stunning too.
Brentwood Citrus
What they grow: Sumo mandarins, lemons
What we make: Sumo Mandarin Creamsicle
The story: Brentwood Citrus has been growing premium citrus for years, and their Sumo mandarins are some of the most sought-after fruit in the region.
"Sumos are special because they're sweet, seedless, and easy to peel," explains the grower. "But what really sets them apart is the flavor—intensely citrusy with low acidity."
Why we love them: Sumo mandarins make the most refreshing winter ice cream. Their sweetness and intense citrus flavor are unmatched.
The Farmer's Daughter
What they grow: Corn, watermelon, seasonal vegetables
What we make: Seasonal rotations
The story: A newer farm with a focus on sustainable growing practices, The Farmer's Daughter represents the next generation of Brentwood agriculture.
"We're experimenting with different crops and varieties," says the owner. "It's exciting to partner with Brentwood Ice Cream Co. because they're always looking for interesting flavors."
Why we love them: Their enthusiasm for innovation matches ours. We're excited to see what we'll create together in the coming years.
Why Farm Partnerships Matter
These relationships aren't just transactional—they're collaborative. We visit the farms regularly, tasting fruit and discussing what's coming into season. The farmers tell us about new varieties they're trying, and we brainstorm flavor possibilities.
This collaboration benefits everyone:
- •Farmers get a reliable buyer for their premium fruit
- •We get the best ingredients for our ice cream
- •You get to taste the difference that fresh, local ingredients make
Visit the Farms
Many of our farm partners offer u-pick during harvest season. We encourage you to visit them and experience where your food comes from:
- •Chao's Strawberries — April-June
- •Victoria Island Farms — May-August
- •Bacchini's Farm — June-September
- •Ale's Orchards — May-June
After you've picked some fruit, stop by our shop and taste how we transform that same fruit into something magical.
Thank You, Farmers
To all our farm partners: thank you for your dedication, your hard work, and your commitment to quality. We couldn't do what we do without you.
And to our customers: when you enjoy a scoop of our seasonal ice cream, remember the farmers who made it possible. Their passion and expertise are in every bite.
