YAKIMA, WA - We here at AndNowUKnow were saddened this morning to learn of the recent passing of Matt Miles, a long-time organic salesman in the Washington apple industry. Over the past 27 years, he made a name for himself in organic apple sales, leaving behind a legacy in the industry and among his family, friends, and colleagues.

Miles began working in organic apple sales in 1997 with a variety of companies, including FirstFruits Marketing and L&M Northwest, a release stated. He started his sales career with C.H. Robinson and quickly saw the opportunity in organics, so he began cultivating key relationships in the organic community.

From the start, he saw that organics were not just another PLU, but a value-added opportunity for growers rooted in sustainability. That unwavering commitment to detail and the organic sector left a major impression on those Miles came across.

“Matt and I started working together in the 1990s, when I was at Peterson Fruit and Matt built a new program of certified organic growers,” shares Lon Hudson, formerly of Peterson Fruit and current Sales Manager at FirstFruits Marketing. “Although Matt was a salesman, he put growers first, and their loyalty to him showed as those growers followed him to every organization; he worked at helping both the growers and his organization win in the organic space.”

Over the years, he became recognized for his mathematical and analytical skills, using both to develop predictive data models for retailers and growers. Those skills also played a crucial part in his anticipated yearly State of the Organic Apple presentation that growers loved.

“When Matt came to L&M Northwest in 2005, we had a one-grower organic program,” remembers Andy Tudor, then Director at L&M. “Within three years, Matt had tripled the size of our program and increased grower returns thanks to his meticulous planning and industry understanding that had allowed him to map industry growth and plan for utilization.”

Above all of his skills and accomplishments, Miles was most known for his loyalty. Everyone he came across in the industry and beyond could call him a friend, and those who knew him knew he would always be there to lend a helping hand.

Miles is survived by his wife Kristi, daughters Ashley and Sydney, his parents, and one brother. Memorial services will be at a later date.

Our thoughts and condolences are with those mourning his loss.