Musco Family Olive Co. Awarded 'Game Changer of the Year'

TRACY, Calif., July 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Family-owned, Musco Family Olive Co., the nation's leading supplier of table olives, today was honored as a "California 2011 Leader in Innovation in Energy and Agriculture" by Grow-California for its cutting-edge approach to business which has a positive impact on California's agricultural industry and economy. Musco received the "Game Changer of the Year" Award in the category of Innovation in Energy and Agriculture and earned the recognition specifically for its most recent initiative – the Renewable Energy and Wastewater System (RENEWS).

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According to Felix Musco, CEO of Musco Family Olive Co., more than 15 tons of olive pits, previously considered waste, are converted to carbon-neutral heat energy each day through RENEWS. Energy from the pits is used to evaporate wastewater and to drive the largest industrial steam engine in the United States, at Musco's Tracy, California headquarters. RENEWS was invented and patented by leading specialist, Frank Schubert, CEO and founder of Combined Solar Technologies, on-site at Musco's facilities. More than half of the facility's electrical needs will be supplied by the system.

"Receiving the 'Game Changer of the Year' Award underscores Musco's commitment to environmental stewardship and to providing for future generations," said Musco, representing the third generation of the Musco family legacy. "Our goal is a 100 percent renewable practice, where every olive processed within the facility is also helping our planet."

Musco's environmental stewardship extends to multiple innovations, including recycling more than 90 percent of all its water through a closed-loop system and extensive diversion from landfills, either through beneficial reuse on-site or via off-site institutional recycling. Musco is the first food processor in the United States to utilize NyPa crop forage to address soil salinity. The company is also dedicated to innovative transport and packaging processes.

"Musco Family Olive Co. is a true game changer in its innovative approach," said Jon Gregory, president and CEO of Grow California. "RENEW Scaught the interest of numerous investors, bankers and economic development organizations who consulted with us to identify California agricultural companies with an impressive focus on innovation."

"We are proud of our hard-earned legacy as being the leading olive producer in the nation, but we are even more proud of our dedication and investment to doing business in a way that is healthy for our environment and community," said Musco. "It doesn't matter the size of your business. We are proof that innovative environmental solutions are attainable."

The award was presented by California Secretary of Agriculture, Karen Ross, and USDA Rural Development State Director, Dr. Glenda Humiston, at a special ceremony today during the inaugural California Agriculture Innovation conference on the campus of U.C. Davis. Winners were selected because of their focus on innovation and contributions to California's economic growth. A total of 12 companies were recognized including Blue Diamond Growers, Lundberg Family Farms, and Paramount Farms. For more information about the California Agriculture Innovation conference and the "Game Changer of the Year" awards, visit: http://www.grow-california.com.

Editor's Note: For more information, interviews with Musco representatives and photo/video, please contact Katie Young at 415-392-1000.

About Musco Family Olive Co.

The Musco Family Olive Co. is a privately-held, family business based in Tracy, California, with facilities across the state. Rooted in expertise from the olive groves of Italy and built over many generations of active family involvement, the Musco Family Olive Co. is the leading supplier of table olives in America. Together the PEARLS and EARLY CALIFORNIA brands combined command over 55 percent of the total national branded market share. One of two primary olive canners in America, Musco takes in nearly half of the 29,000 acre California olive crop, contracting with more than 250 growers, 300 employees, and countless vendors and business partners to make up the Musco family tree. For more information, visit www.olives.com. Follow Musco Family Olive Co. on Facebook.

SOURCE Musco Family Olive Co.