CALIFORNIA AVOCADO GROWERS

Arby Kitzman

Morro Bay (San Luis Obispo County)

GROWER HIGHLIGHTS

Started growing California Avocados around 1980
Veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard

VARIETIES GROWN

Hass

Explore more varieties

ARBY’S STORY

Arby and his wife Jeannie built a small, very picturesque avocado grove in Morro Bay. Their avocado farm utilizes a variety of environmentally responsible practices, including solar energy and water conservation methods like drip irrigation. They use natural leaf mulch and other growing practices that result in better soil health.

Arby, who possesses a wonderful, folksy demeanor, takes pride in knowing every avocado tree in his grove. Until his retirement his primary business was as a “Culligan Man,” in a franchise he started with his father and which is now owned by his son. Arby proudly served his country as a member of the United States Coast Guard and does volunteer work as a member of the Rotary Club. In 2022 Arby won four USA Triathlon championships in the M80-84 age group.

Nowadays Arby and Jeannie’s daughter Hilary and her husband Andrew Wilkie run the day-to-day operations of the grove.

ARBY’S FAVORITE WAYS TO ENJOY CALIFORNIA AVOCADOS

Arby has three favorite ways to enjoy California Avocados: plain, in guacamole and in salads. He also loves to eat California Avocados on a sandwich and on Mexican dishes such as tacos and burritos as well as salsas.