Kunik Co. History

History

I. Kunik Co began when Irving Kunik, after escaping religious persecution in Russia and making his way to Chicago, bought a blind horse (unknowingly) and cart and began selling grapes on the streets of Chicago. In 1947, he left Chicago as the owner of two small grocery stores and a unit on the South Water Market, and moved to South Texas to pack and ship Texas citrus. He was joined by Leonard Kroman, his son-in-law ,in 1950.

   Our first products imported from Mexico were tangerines and oranges and brands like "7", "Azteca" and "Susie" tangerines were well known throughout the country. Eventually Mexican citrus replaced Texas citrus at I. Kunik Co and we still import tangerines every year.

   In the 70's, I. Kunik Co started farming its own carrots, cabbage and melons. Our farming operation peaked in the 90's with over 1500 acres in cultivation.

   Lawrence Kroman, Lenny's son, joined in 1985.

   Once again, times changed, and the focus of our operation shifted Southward. Our farming operation is scaled back to cabbage and melons with the bulk of our products coming from Mexico.

   Today we are a premier importer of LIMES, CITRUS, MELONS, CARROTS, CABBAGE AND MANGOS and many other products from Mexico.

   Even though our sourcing of products has changed, we still strive to maintain the standard of quality, service and honesty that Irving Kunik handed down to us from the very beginning.