HOUSTON, TX - If there’s one thing our industry excels at, it’s honoring those who came before us. During this year’s Viva Fresh, the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) honored the late Craig Fox with an in-memoriam tribute. At the Viva Fresh Open golf tournament, presented by BEBO Distributing and H-E-B, TIPA posthumously honored Craig Fox with a $25,000 scholarship in his name.

To all who knew him, Craig Fox was described as a visionary and a friend to many. His impact goes beyond our industry, but his unwavering commitment to his customers and his understanding of market challenges made him a man of produce. His legacy lives on through his sons Jacob and Dylan Fox, who continue in his footsteps at Fox Packaging.

Aaron Fox, Craig’s brother, accepted the scholarship check on behalf of the Fox family.

“From everyone in the Fox family, I want to express a heartfelt gratitude to TIPA and the Viva Fresh steering committee for bestowing this honor to my brother,” said Aaron Fox, Vice President of Fox Packaging. “Craig had an unbelievable gift for understanding the intricate balance between tradition and innovation. While he had a tremendous respect for the roots of this industry, he constantly pushed the boundaries of what could be possible. As we honor his life and legacy, let us pledge to uphold his greatest principle: remaining fully present in our interactions with the industry and listening attentively to our customers. This level of attentiveness allows us to uncover the path forward, while determining necessary paths and actions to maintain the loyalty of the industry.”

According to a press release, Ed Bertaud, IFCO’s Director of Retail Sales, announced the posthumous scholarship in Craig's honor.

"Once a year, we have the opportunity to recognize and honor a member of the Texas produce industry who is no longer with us but made numerous contributions to our industry,” Bertaud commented. “Craig is not only a member of a family, but also a member of a family business that we all would struggle to find a better example of, in terms of legacy, excellence, education, and promotion of our industry and I’m so proud to have him as this year’s recipient.”

The scholarship is open to employees of TIPA member companies and their immediate family members.

We applaud TIPA and Viva Fresh for bestowing this honor on a man known for his passion for our industry.