Salinas Giants Unite: Taylor Farms Buys Stake in Pacific Valley Bank

SALINAS, Calif. – January 06, 2026 – In a significant move that reinforces the deep ties between agriculture and finance in the Salinas Valley, global food producer Taylor Fresh Foods has acquired a 16.3% ownership stake in Pacific Valley Bank (OTC: PVBK). The deal solidifies a partnership between two local powerhouses, injecting significant capital into Monterey County's only locally owned and headquartered bank.

Taylor Fresh Foods, the parent company of the well-known Taylor Farms brand, is now a significant minority shareholder in the community bank. Leaders from both organizations framed the investment not as a corporate takeover, but as a strategic alliance designed to bolster the regional economy and preserve a vital local financial institution.

"For more than two decades, Pacific Valley Bank has operated as a locally owned community bank focused on relationship-based banking and disciplined growth," said Anker Fanoe, CEO of Pacific Valley Bank. "This investment supports our long-term strategy, reinforces our local ownership structure, and strengthens our capital base while preserving independent governance and local decision-making."

The sentiment was echoed by the investor. "With deep family roots in the Salinas Valley, we believe it is important for Monterey County to have a locally owned and headquartered bank that supports the small and medium-sized businesses that drive the local economy," stated Bruce Taylor, CEO of Taylor Farms. "We are pleased to participate as a shareholder and support the bank's continued focus on serving the region."

A Commitment to Local Banking in an Era of Consolidation

The investment arrives at a critical time in the banking industry. Across the country, regional and community banks are often acquired by larger national institutions, a trend that can lead to decision-making authority moving out of the communities they serve. Pacific Valley Bank has long positioned itself as the local alternative, a strategy now financially endorsed by one of the region's largest employers.

This move appears to be a direct bet on the value of that local-first model. Bank CEO Anker Fanoe has previously noted that "changes in our market resulting from the acquisitions of competitor banks present opportunities for growth." This investment provides the capital to more aggressively pursue those opportunities, potentially capturing customers and businesses seeking the personalized service that community banks champion.

Pacific Valley Bank's ownership structure already underscored its community focus. Prior to the deal, approximately 93% of its shares were held by local individuals, with a substantial 40% owned by the bank's own directors, officers, and key decision-makers. The addition of another prominent local, family-owned company to its shareholder roster further cements its identity and insulates it from the pressures of outside control, ensuring that its mission remains aligned with the needs of Monterey County and the Central Coast.

Cultivating Growth Through a Strategic Alliance

The partnership is more than just a financial transaction; it represents a powerful synergy between the Salinas Valley's dominant industry—agriculture—and the financial infrastructure that supports it. Taylor Farms is a global leader in fresh produce, and Pacific Valley Bank has a proven track record of serving agricultural enterprises, a core component of its lending portfolio.

Recent financial data from the bank validates this focus. Over the past year, Pacific Valley Bank saw its gross loans grow by over 10%, or $48 million, with significant increases specifically in agricultural real estate loans alongside commercial real estate and business lending. This new capital infusion is expected to enhance the bank's capacity to extend further credit to these vital sectors, fostering regional economic resilience.

As part of the investment, Jeff Cook, Chief Financial Officer of Taylor Farms, will join Pacific Valley Bank's Board of Directors. His appointment is a key strategic element of the deal, bringing what the bank describes as "extensive financial leadership experience and a strong understanding of the regional agricultural economy" directly into the boardroom. This expertise will provide invaluable, sector-specific insight as the bank navigates future growth and develops products tailored to its core clientele.

"Pacific Valley Bank has demonstrated a disciplined approach to growth while remaining focused on its core markets," said Cook. "The bank's track record and strategic plans for measured expansion align well with Taylor Farms' long-term investment strategies."

Strengthening an Already Solid Financial Foundation

While the investment from Taylor Fresh Foods provides a significant boost, it builds upon an already stable financial base. Regulatory filings show Pacific Valley Bank is classified as "well capitalized," with a Community Bank Leverage Ratio of 13.03% as of the end of the last quarter—well above the 9.00% regulatory minimum. This strong capital position has allowed the bank to weather economic fluctuations and continue its growth trajectory.

Despite a competitive interest rate environment that has compressed net income for many banks, Pacific Valley has remained consistently profitable. More importantly, its asset quality remains exceptionally high, with a non-performing loans to gross loans ratio of just 0.05%, a figure that indicates a healthy and well-managed loan portfolio.

The new investment will further fortify the bank's balance sheet, providing a larger cushion for its expansion plans. Since its founding in 2004, the institution has grown organically from a single branch in Salinas to include full-service locations in Monterey, King City, and Santa Cruz. This fresh capital ensures it has the resources to continue its measured expansion and deepen its commitment to serving individuals, non-profits, and the small-to-medium-sized businesses that form the backbone of the Central Coast economy.