About Us
We grow our products for people who live a healthy lifestyle through what they eat, who appreciate good food and enjoy our fruits and vegetables
Our Story
SHIPLEY SALES
HISTORY
Shipley Sales is a family-owned and operated business with headquarters in Nogales, AZ and production and warehouse facilities throughout Mexico. The business has become a leading grower, marketer and worldwide shipper of melons, watermelon, grapes and asparagus from Mexico. VIVA brand produce can be found in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Asia and Europe. Shipley Sales continues to find new products and technology to best serve its customers, providing them with high quality and flavorful fruits and vegetables.
At Shipley Sales, we are proud to be a family-owned business rooted in Nogales, AZ, with production and warehouse facilities spanning Mexico. Over the years, we’ve grown into a global leader in cultivating, marketing, and shipping premium melons, watermelons, grapes, and asparagus.
Under our trusted VIVA brand, our produce reaches tables across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Asia, and Europe. Committed to innovation and excellence, we continuously seek new products and technologies to ensure our customers enjoy the highest-quality, most flavorful fruits and vegetables.
Our Founder
Dr. OJ Eigsti (left) with Robert and Kay Shipley, circa 1992.
SHIPLEY SALES
HISTORY
Robert Shipley
Founder
Robert (Bob) Shipley, a native Arizonan, founded Shipley Sales in 1957 in Nogales, Arizona.
Shipley Sales was founded in 1957 by Robert (Bob) Shipley, an Arizona native who grew up in Phoenix. He developed a passion for agriculture in high school and spent much of his time farming until he attended Arizona State University and was eventually drafted into the military. He served in in the Korean War for two years before returning home to further his dreams and start a career in the industry. He moved to Nogales, Arizona with his family and opened his office to handle sales and travel to Mexico to visit his fields. Bob became a pilot and learned Spanish so he could more efficiently run his business. Once Shipley Sales was operational, Bob quickly became a pioneer whose work impacts the industry to this day.
In the late 1980’s Bob developed a life-long friendship and business relationship with plant geneticist Dr. O.J. Eigsti. He was intrigued by Eigsti’s work developing a seed that would grow the first seedless watermelon, which was not generating interest from any other commercial growers. Bob understood the potential of the research and was Eigsti’s first sponsor and partner. Together they perfected the product and were the first to produce and export the seedless watermelon to the United States. Today, it’s hard to find anything other than seedless watermelons in commercial markets. It all started with the efforts of Bob and Dr. Eigsti, and Shipley Sales still proudly grows the seedless watermelon to honor their innovative spirit.
Beyond his work with Dr. Eigsti, Bob was the first farmer to grow zucchini squash from northwestern Mexico and import it to the U.S. by straight truckload and rail car through Nogales. He was also one of the first to sell produce with individual decals and branded boxes. The marketing was so impactful that Bob also ran a printing business to sell decals and packaging labels to other growers in the U.S. and Mexico. Bob’s inspiring character, work ethic and skills are reflected by the company and its values today. It is a testament to our commitment to continue innovating and deliver unparalleled quality to our valued customers.
Farm to Fork in 3 Steps
direct sourcing from grower…
At Shipley Sales, we do everything we can to provide the best experience to our customers. Our growing, harvesting, packing, marketing and distribution of fruits and vegetables are done under our VIVA brand with our commitment to quality and flavor. This commitment is fulfilled by following these fundamental steps
Supply Chain Vigilance
for Quality & Safety
Monitoring every step of the supply chain to ensure the highest quality and that food safety standards are met.
Shipley Sales is a
Vertically Integrated Company
We are involved in all processes; from the time the product is planted, harvested, packed, shipped and delivered to our customer distribution center.
