SPREAD THE COMPASSION™

For over twenty-five years, our orchard in Malibu has produced an abundance of fruit without the use of pesticides. Our goal is to make delicious products, to reduce the use of natural resources and to give animals in need the opportunity for a better life. We are committed to good health and sustainable agricultural practices. Thank you for enjoying!

The Team

Chef Gilles Dirat / Founder

Gilles Dirat was born and raised in Toulouse, France where he attended culinary school at the Ecole Hoteliere de Toulouse. After five years in New York at the Le Perigord, Chef Dirat settled in Los Angeles as the head chef of the world-renowned Bistro and Bistro Garden restaurants in Beverly Hills. For six subsequent years, he was the head chef at Mistral in Beverly Hills. Since 2000, Chef Dirat has been a private chef in Los Angeles.

Suzanne Zimmer / Founder

Suzanne Zimmer, the founder of Happy the Golden Jam, has been a Malibu native for over twenty years. Suzanne is an advocate for animals, people, the environment, and the arts. The mother of three and a writer, she has served on the NRDC Leadership Council, as Chair and Vice Chair of the Malibu Cultural Arts Commission, and as Executive Producer of Malibu's Concert on the Bluffs.

Fifteen years ago, Suzanne baked her first pie after discovering an abundance of tangy sweet apples in her orchard. The pies went on to win several Blue Ribbons at the Malibu Pie Festival and the admiration of friends and family.

Our Apple Cinnamon Jam will debut next Fall.

Pictured here is our Golden Retriever, “Happy”, her friend “Hope”, a rescue from the Lancaster Animal Shelter, and young "Sailor Boy." In honor of dogs everywhere, part of the profits from Happy the Golden Jam will provide care and medical treatment for homeless animals.