WARREN, MI - Those in our industry know the importance of fresh produce. United Fresh is taking this to heart, donating salad bars to seventeen Michigan schools to increase healthy options for students. The salad bars are part of the national Salad Bars to Schools initiative, which provides equipment and resources to increase children’s fruit and vegetable consumption. Since 2015, 91 salad bars have been placed in Michigan schools through the partnership between United Fresh and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

“This partnership demonstrates the value of collaboration with like-minded organizations to benefit our children and empower their healthy choices each day,” said Tom Stenzel, President and CEO, United Fresh. “When a school implements a salad bar, in addition to offering fresh choices, it’s often the catalyst for a conversation amongst students, teachers, parents, and the community about choosing more fresh fruits and vegetables for better health, whether that’s at school, shopping at the grocery store, or while dining out."

“We at Blue Cross are proud to continue this collaborative effort that has empowered more than 45,000 Michigan students statewide to make healthier choices at school,” said Lynda Rossi, Executive Vice President, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

According to a press release, research shows that incorporating salad bars into school lunches increases children’s consumption of fresh fruits and veggies. A salad bar is one of the most effective strategies to achieve this goal. When offered healthy food choices in salad bars, children respond by trying new items, incorporating greater variety into their diets, and increasing daily intake of fruits and vegetables. Salad bars also help schools comply with the National School Lunch Program’s nutrition standards, which require offering a colorful variety of vegetable options each week.

Michigan schools receiving salad bars from the 2019-2020 collaboration, include:

• Ross Beatty High School, Cassopolis
• Marquette Elementary-Middle School, Detroit
• Genesee STEM Academy, Flint
• Mott Middle College High School, Flint
• International Academy of Flint, Flint
• Amerman Elementary School, Northville
• Ridge Wood Elementary School, Northville
• Conner Creek Academy East Elementary, Roseville
• Stone Elementary School, Saginaw
• Chester Miller Elementary School, Saginaw
• New Bedford Academy, Southfield
• Sterling Elementary, Standish
• Mound Park Elementary School, Warren
• Chatterton Middle School, Warren
• Fitzgerald High School, Warren
• Universal Learning Academy, Westland
• Estabrook Early Learning, Ypsilanti

The United Fresh Start Foundation is a founding partner of the national Salad Bars to Schools initiative, which to date has helped facilitate the donation of salad bars to over 5,600 schools, benefitting 3 million children in all fifty states.

Additional programs of the United Fresh Start Foundation include, The School Foodservice Forum, a networking and education event to connect school nutrition leaders with the produce industry at the annual United Fresh Convention & Expo, and the Community Innovation Grants Program, which supports collaboration with like-minded stakeholders to increase children’s access, selection, and consumption of fresh produce outside the school day.

Thank you to United Fresh for paving the way for healthier eating!

United Fresh Produce Association

ROSEMONT, IL - As the curtain closes on another year, companies are looking back to see what worked and what didn’t. US Foods took it one step further, not only taking a wide-angled look at its operations in the previous year, but also ranking its suppliers in its annual supplier recognition program. The distributor has announced its 2019 Supplier of the Year Awards winners. The winners were selected based on their innovation, reliability, best-in-class-service, and shared commitment to helping restaurant operators “Make It.”

“We are proud to highlight our remarkable partners for their hard work, dedication to excellence, and consistency with providing the highest quality products and services,” said Andrew Iacobucci, Chief Merchandising Officer, in a press release. “The exceptional contributions from these partners are critical to our success and the success of our foodservice operators across the country. Congratulations to the 2019 winners for continually raising the bar in our industry.”

The very top honor went to ProGuard Service and Solutions, due to its exceptional team of experts servicing US Foods’ customers and expansive selection of innovative products that help to achieve a safe and superior clean environment. The award winners were chosen by the company’s field leadership and merchandising and sales associates who interact with US Foods’ suppliers on a daily basis. The list included several other awards in four categories: Non-Foods, Center-of-the-plate, Grocery, and Produce.

Each category had five nominees who were then rated on three criteria:

• Great Food - supplier efficiently delivers on innovation, product quality, and the potential for line expansions and growth
• Made Easy - quality relationship between the supplier and US Foods, including service levels, as well as field and seller support and collaboration
• We Help You Make It - supplier exemplifies the US Foods cultural beliefs and the importance of working together toward shared goals

Several exceptional companies occupied the other spots on the list, but in the produce category, it was Lipman Family Farms who secured the top spot. Cited as a tremendous collaborator, Lipman Family Farms has supplied US Foods with the highest-quality produce, thanks to the grower’s strategically located farms and seamless packing and distribution network. For US Foods, Lipman Family Farms consistently delivers on its guarantee of being one of North America’s most dependable sources for fresh tomatoes and vegetables.

You can click here to see the other winners and, as always, AndNowUKnow will continue to report on the best in produce.

US Foods

JACKSONVILLE, FL - Foodies in their favorite grocery aisle are akin to kids in a candy store—overjoyed, filled with excitement, and always craving more. For these folks, the loss of a beloved grocer can be a devastating blow to everyday living. Shoppers in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, know this pain all too well, as they lost Native Sun’s three Natural Food Markets earlier this year. According to Jax Daily Record, locals have been eager to see the company’s Owner, Aaron Gottlieb, make his way back into the community. With many of the requests revolving around foodservice, Gottlieb got the idea to test a pop-up restaurant at a Natural Foods former location.

“They don’t stop beating on our doors, they don’t stop calling us,” Gottlieb said to Jax Daily Record. “They keep going ‘when?’ They don’t believe that we would ever quit.”

Much to the delight of the public, the Natural Foods pop-up will have its doors open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. beginning this week. Gottlieb stated that the restaurant will be open for six weeks. It will feature favorites from its grocery store, including a Reuben sandwich, a Beyond Meat burger, and an unfried chicken sandwich, along with wraps, salads, and organic juices. In addition, the format will feature a grab-and-go option that features a hot bar with several diverse options.

“We’re just trying to nail down, if we were to go forward, what Native Sun’s organic and scratch menu would look like,” Gottlieb said to the news source.

Gottlieb says that this project is a test run for what Native Sun will do in the future, the details of which he will release after the pop-up’s six-week life span. He’s even teased the possibility of a new independent grocer, but is open to all possibilities.

Congratulations to the Jacksonville Beach residents who are getting their favorite fresh-focused company back! To see how Gottlieb’s project develops, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

Native Sun

ANAHEIM, CA - Keeping up with demand is all a part of the game in the produce industry, and Duda Farm Fresh Foods certainly knows a thing or two about keeping up with foodservice operators, retailers, and consumers. As we took to the PMA Fresh Summit floor, we wanted to know everything we could about the company’s current expansion plans—and what to expect from both a new facility and a new initiative.

Mark Bassetti, Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Development, took a beat to share with us a few of the deets.

“We have enjoyed our success in the celery stick category, of really building up to almost 70 perfect market share,” he began, stunning both Melissa De Leon and myself with the sheer volume of celery produced. “We’re in the process right now of a $5 million expansion project that will not only double our capacity for our celery sticks, but will position us for our next phase of innovation.”

This new Oxnard, California, facility will add approximately 35 percent more square footage and will allow Duda to better provide its customers with higher volumes of celery during peak consumption times.

In order for expansion plans to take place, Duda relies on its team to be as forward-thinking as possible.

“We’ve spent the last eighteen months working on an innovation process, which we call CREATE. And this is to be able to bring our entire team together to work on our innovation projects in a more cohesive program. But more importantly, to bring our products to market quicker, taking in more of the consumer insights so that we bring a product that we know will succeed in the marketplace,” Mark concluded.

To learn more about Duda’s expansion plans, watch our interview above.

Duda Farm Fresh Foods

TUBAC, AZ - As Mexico continues to grow as one of the top suppliers and agricultural producers for fresh fruits and vegetables on the global stage, events like the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) Nogales Produce Annual Convention and Golf Tournament become more essential than ever. Produce trade at the U.S.-Mexico border and across the country is front of mind in industry discussions today and the FPAA is promoting the conversation around the impact and challenges of the region as well as the potential yet to come.

“The FPAA Fall Convention was a great kickoff to the fall/winter season of Mexican fruits and vegetables. We were pleased to host visitors from across the nation and discuss important issues, as well as to reconnect,” Lance Jungmeyer, President of the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas, told me as he reflected on the event. “Chuck Ciruli, Jr., as the 2019 Pillar of the FPAA, was hugely influential on the association, helping expand the influence of the organization, not to mention helping launch the National Mango Promotion Board. His contributions will be appreciated by many future generations.”

Chris Ciruli, Chief Operating Officer of Ciruli Brothers, shared with ANUK what this award means to both him and his father.

“I am incredibly proud of my dad. His years of dedication with the community and trade created such an impact that some of his ideas resonate today, whether it’s the Boys & Girls Club or the National Mango Promotion Board,” Chris said. “I can’t help but think that I have the opportunity to serve in a leadership capacity today, in part, due to my dad’s tenacity and vision for an integrated industry. My dad is one of those people that say 'what if' when others say it can’t be done. His innate ability to strategize and envision opportunities have been an inspiration to my brother and I, and his work ethic and commitment to customer service, to the industry at large, have greatly influenced the core values of Ciruli Brothers and how we continue to do business today.”

This year, the FPAA celebrated 75 years at the 51st annual event, which took place November 7-9, 2019, at the Tubac Golf Resort and Spa. The show brought buyers, growers, distributors, and allied industry partners to the table for the three-day extravaganza. One of the key highlights of the event for many was when Chuck Ciruli, Jr. was presented with the Pillars of the FPAA award at the Friday Gala for his involvement, dedication, and contributions to the produce industry—but that was not all.

“This year, I certainly felt that we drilled down into how the politics, challenges, advantages, and benefits of Nogales as a key agricultural resource and region would impact each other’s businesses,” Tommy Wilkins, Director of Sales at Grow Farms, told me. “In addition, we received a cold facility update from Georgina Felix, which set the tone for the growth in the area, and Keynote Speaker Rick Stein, Vice President of Fresh Foods at the Food Marketing Institute, also had a great overview of the power of fresh in our industry. Friday was a key highlight as Mr. Chuck Ciruli, Jr., received the Pillar of the FPAA Award and what an evening it turned out to be. He is a man I have looked up to for many years and is now being recognized for a lifetime of achievement. Thank you to the team at FPAA for another amazing event!”

The convention kicked off Thursday with the Welcoming and Networking Lunch and with Master of Ceremonies Mikee Suarez, Sales Manager for MAS Melons and Grapes, who brought vision and enthusiasm to the stage.

“This year, we celebrated 75 years of the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas and 51 years of the annual Nogales Produce Convention. I was humbled to receive the invitation to be the Master of Ceremonies at this great event and at such an important time in the produce industry,” Mikee shared with me. “Between trade wars, tomatoes wars, the wrongful threat of seasonality, and countless other issues, the FPAA and companies who represent Mexican produce play a pivotal part in how we and our families will eat in the future. It’s important now more than ever for us to share our truths and stories to keep strengthening the produce industry as a whole.”

Lance also addressed the crowd, keeping the message of the event front and center as the event officially got underway. This year, storytelling was a huge theme for the FPAA as a long history of innovation and passion can inform the exciting future ahead for the industry.

Jim Cathey, Sales Manager at Malena Produce, also shared his thoughts on the convention as he looked back on the recent show.

“FPAA hosted another great event, bringing together the best and most connected in our industry to discuss the relevant topics that are impacting our business today,” Jim noted. “I would like to offer a big thank you to the FPAA team and to all those who came out to further our industry's voices on the international stage. It was amazing to celebrate the 75^th anniversary and a nice way to showcase Nogales as well.”

The conversation was rich and contributors were many. A welcomed leadership of key produce voices shared their stories about how they became part of the produce industry and their experiences during their tenure—a theme which really brought home the message that we do not only work in fresh produce, we live it. These industry voices included Raquel Espinoza from Produce House, Walter Ram from Giumarra Companies, and Jaime Chamberlain from Chamberlain Distributing. And don’t think the Hot Topics panel drew any less of a crowd! Additionally, Rick Stein’s Power of Fresh keynote had the attendees all eyes and ears, to echo Tommy, as a professional who has worked as an executive in retail for over 20 years, leading marketing, merchandising, and operating sectors for several companies. Stein touched on many things including new and evolving issues in the industry.

The Veg-Fresh Farms team was one of many companies that also raved about the event with team members Adam Cancellieri, Esther Hernandez, Mario Yubeta, and Diego Ipema in attendance for the annual convention.

“Having the FPAA event the week after Halloween was great as it allowed the opportunity for more people to attend,” Adam, Partner, Veg-Fresh Farms shared. “The layout of the booths was much better this year having it spread out. And this allowed more networking and facilitated conversations with our growers, retailers, and partners. The entertainment and dinner were fantastic and, as always, it is great to connect and spend a few days with our friends in Nogales.”

The evening provided even more opportunities to grow relationships as the Opening Fiesta and Networking Event generated dialogue that brought together new acquaintances and old friends.

To commemorate a milestone year, the FPAA also showcased the 75th-anniversary celebration of the association itself with a historical gallery that shared the legacy and growth of the association. With artifacts dating back to 75 years, the gallery took attendees on a journey from 1944 when the FPAA laid its roots as the West Mexico Vegetable Distributors Association to the present.

The first round of golf on Friday morning at the Tubac Golf Resort launched day two and also generated excitement from early morning through to the Culinary Showcase. The evening brought many industry friends together with the coveted gala event and Pillars of the FPAA Award.

Saturday brought together the event’s avid golfers for the second round followed up by a lunch and award presentation for the golf tournament’s winning teams! Drumroll, please…

Friday Winners:

• 1st Place: Jimmy Munguia and Earl Bekins
• 2nd Place: Mike Nuñez and Ernie Manzo
• 3rd Place: Kyle McGrath and Scott Kosnik
• Closest to the Pin: Harold Myers
• Longest Drive: Scott Kosnik

Saturday Winners:

• 1st Place: Mike Nuñez and Ernie Manzo
• 2nd Place: Jimmy Munguia and Earl Bekins
• 3rd Place: Adam Cancellieri and Jeff Young
• Closest to the Pin: Ivonne Maldonado
• Longest Drive: Edgar Duarte
  
  

“The FPAA Convention is an excellent way to start the produce season in Nogales with its educational sessions and social activities such as the opening Fiesta and its gala dance,” Jorge Ruiz, Sales at Agri-Packing and long-time attendee expressed. “And a what better way to end the convention than with the golf tournament. This is an awesome opportunity to talk to our friends and customers and to know what all of us expect from the season and the industry. To feel the industry and to talk about new products is a great opportunity. We love and always support this event!”

“We had more than 600 attendees at the convention, and it was a great way to celebrate 75 years with our membership,” said FPAA Vice President Allison Moore in an FPA press release. “Our guests enjoyed exceptional speakers, entertainment, networking opportunities, and great food. Events like this are a great way to celebrate this tight-knit industry.”

Produce industry events like this are essential to the health and evolution of the future of fresh—across borders, oceans, and demographics. Congrats to FPAA, on another wildly successful event and to all the attendees who take part in the continued success of the fresh produce industry today!

Fresh Produce Association of the Americas

SAN CARLOS, CA - The Board of the Chilean Blueberry Committee unanimously elected Felipe Silva, General Manager of Zurgroup, as its new Committee President. This follows the departure of Felipe Juillerat, formerly of Hortifruit.

“It is a very unique time in the blueberry industry. Not only in Chile, but also across the globe. Changes in international supply are generating different challenges worldwide,” stated Silva in a recent press release. “It is crucial that Chile achieves greater consistency in regard to the arrival condition of our blueberries. There is a new market reality with increased competition, so this is essential. If we don’t continue to raise our standards, it could affect our leading role as a fresh blueberry supplier, a position that we have developed over many years.”

Silva also highlighted both Chile’s food safety and the work being done regarding varietal replacement, which has allowed the Chilean industry to arrive to market with a better quality fruit.

“Chile has a proven food safety record, and we have a product with a spectacular and sweeter taste, so there is great potential for us to be the preferred supplier,” Silva noted. “In order to do this, we must reach new and existing markets with greater product consistency. We must also continue making progress in developing blueberry consumption in different parts of the world. Improvements in supply chains, such as the work undertaken to reduce the transit times to markets like Europe, have been important steps forward".

Silva also explained that the leadership of the Committee is key to advancing the quality and condition of blueberries, as well as the promotional actives and expansion of commercials opportunities for the Chilean blueberry industry.

“As a Committee, we have played an important role in terms of quality, which has been reflected in the quality standard presented by the Committee,” he concluded. “This will enable our industry to better compete with other origins. I look forward to working with the Committee to drive our industry forward.”

Keep reading AndNowUKnow for the latest in all things produce.

Fruits from Chile

SEATTLE, WA - In July of this year, ANUK first heard news that Amazon planned to launch a new grocery store, one that would be an alternative to Whole Foods. This push to become a bigger name in retail is becoming a full-blown reality, as spokespersons confirmed to CNET that Amazon plans to open its new banner in California next year.

After the e-tailer published several job postings, an Amazon spokesperson confirmed to the news source that it would be opening a new grocery store in Woodland Hills—a neighborhood in Los Angeles—in 2020.

The store will be unlike Whole Foods, but the source did not disclose further details. Its selection, price range, and brand name are still up for speculation. However, the job posting names the Woodland Hills location as “Amazon’s first grocery store,” which may mean that the banner is affiliated with the company’s brand name. It also hints at the possibility of multiple sites.

Curiously, the new store will not feature Amazon Go technology, instead opting for a more conventional checkout scheme.

How will Amazon’s foray into brick-and-mortar continue to pave its way to grocery success? AndNowUKnow will keep you updated on the latest.

Amazon

BOSTON, MA - Mi oh my, I guess there really is something better than pumpkin pie: a fresh produce and meal kit teamup! Ocean Spray and HelloFresh are starting the week off strong with the announcement of a new partnership that's granting Ocean Spray the title of exclusive provider of dried cranberries to HelloFresh in 2020.

"As we look to highlight the versatility of the cranberry year-round across different occasions, a partnership with HelloFresh was a perfect fit," said Chris O'Connor, Vice President of Marketing at Ocean Spray. "With our dried cranberries being gluten-free and packed with antioxidants, we are proud to be partnering with a meal kit company that supports a well-balanced lifestyle."

According to a press release, the partnership begins in January of 2020 and serves as a launchpad for future tech-focused retail partnerships for Ocean Spray, which hopes to continue to boast the versatility of the cranberry and advocate its year-round health benefits in the new year.

"At HelloFresh, we give home cooks a rewarding cooking experience by offering delicious recipes that use only the highest quality ingredients," said Jens Reich, SVP of Marketing at HelloFresh. "We're excited to partner with Ocean Spray, an iconic brand comprised of family-owned farmers who share the same passion for sustainability, flavor, and quality as we do."

The two companies rang in the new partnership with a cranberry harvest bog event that gave HelloFresh team members the chance to learn about cranberry farming and the health benefits and history of the superfruit directly from sixth and seventh generation farmers in Massachusetts.

Before the partnership officially kicks off in 2020, Ocean Spray’s cranberry sauce will be featured in the HelloFresh Thanksgiving Box, which is available for order now with delivery beginning on November 12.

Congratulations to Ocean Spray and HelloFresh on this exciting partnership!

Ocean Spray HelloFresh

SALINAS, CA - Respected industry leader Grace Ho has joined Church Brothers Farms as its new Vice President of Food Safety and Quality (FSQ). Ho brings over 18 years of fresh produce industrial and research experience to the grower and its True Leaf Farms division.

“This role is critically important, and we wanted to hire the right person that could lead our strong FSQ team that consists of more than 120 knowledgeable employees,” said CEO Brian Church. “Grace is at the forefront of food safety innovation; she has the expertise and leadership we need to guide us in the use of new technologies and processes.”

According to a press release, Ho’s passion for food microbiology and safety, as well as her expertise in validating and commercializing new technologies, resulted in the invention of Fresh Rinse™, a revolutionary fresh produce wash with the potential for significant food safety benefits, making her an excellent addition to Church Brothers Farms ranks.

Prior to joining Church Brothers Farms, Ho served as the Senior Vice President of Food Safety and Quality for the Castellini Group of Companies. She has also held roles like Director of Food Safety and Technical Services at Misionero Vegetables and Senior Principal Scientist at Chiquita Brands International/Fresh Express. Ho is also a lead instructor for Preventive Controls Qualified Individuals (PCQI) and Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP).

Ho holds a Ph.D. in food science and technology from Iowa State University. Her publications include scientific papers in peer reviewed journals, book chapters, and technological reviews, with her latest being a book chapter on sanitation standard operating procedures.

Congratulations to Grace Ho on her new role!

Church Brothers Farms

PEBBLE BEACH, CA - It is with our deepest condolences that we share the recent passing of one of the industry’s own. Frank Robert (Bob) Nunes peacefully passed away at his home in Pebble Beach, California, on November 6, at the age of 88—a short distance from California’s Salinas Valley where he was raised and lived out his passion and grew an amazing career.

Bob founded the Nunes Company in 1976 with his brother Tom, building the company into one of the most recognized and respected fresh produce companies in the United States and beyond. As an industry pioneer and visionary in the marketing of fresh produce to consumers, Bob was the recipient of numerous awards for his significant contributions to the industry as well as his extensive giving to philanthropic organizations throughout California over the past 40 years.

“My great-uncle Bob was a true gentleman, a visionary, and a beacon in our industry,” Tom Nunes V, President of The Nunes Company, said. “He had an incredible passion and love for the people that helped build our company. I am so grateful for the mentorship and guidance he blessed me with. Bob never stopped looking ahead. He was never afraid of bold moves, and he laid the foundation for the Nunes Company's future success. He was the light of our company—a light that will forever shine bright for all of us.”

Bob was the child of Portuguese immigrants and, from those humble beginnings, he grew to live a rich, full, and wonderful life. Bob was raised on a farm in Chualar, California, and through hard work, family love, and education, he enjoyed personal independence, culminating in a creative and determined vocation in the produce industry.

A graduate of Salinas High School, Bob headed to Stanford University, majoring in economics. Following college, he became a vegetable inspector with Monterey County before joining a Salinas grower-shipper as the bookkeeper. Bob joined his brother Tom In the early 1960s and handled sales and marketing for Growers Exchange before founding Nunes Bros. of California Inc. in 1966. Bob believed that marketing to consumers was the key to success.

The formation of Nunes Bros. allowed the company to begin experimenting with cutting-edge marketing ideas aimed at the consumer, becoming one of the first companies to film wrap lettuce. Bob’s innovative ideas helped him land a seat on the Board of Directors of the Produce Packaging Association, which later evolved into the Produce Marketing Association. In 1968, United Fruit Company (a.k.a. Chiquita Brands) bought Nunes Bros. as one of five Salinas Valley vegetable grower-shippers that were to become Interharvest. Bob and Tom briefly ran that company until resigning in 1972 and taking a five-year hiatus from the produce industry. In 1977, they restarted and launched The Nunes Company.

With an eye for innovation and ingenuity, Bob’s approach to selling the company’s products focused on celebrities as spokespersons for the newly named “Foxy” brand vegetables, right out the gates. Over the next 20 years, he would utilize model and actress Brooke Shields, actor Paul Newman, and Dr. Dean Edel, among others, to promote the health and nutrition of Foxy brand products. Working with his brother Tom, The Nunes Company built the highly recognizable Foxy brand into a mainstay on retailers’ shelves across the Northeast.

“In addition to being a mentor, a friend, and a role model, Bob was the most innovative person I’ll ever know,” shared Organic Produce Network Co-Founder Matt Seeley, who worked for 30 years with Bob at The Nunes Company. “He was two steps ahead of conventional thinking and brilliant in developing sales and marketing strategies. But most importantly, Bob was about integrity and honoring your commitments; it’s the reason he was able to build such a special and well-respected company. He was reserved, and never bragged or boasted about himself. He let the quality of the products he produced speak for him on a daily basis and for nearly 50 years nobody has done it better.”

Throughout his many successes, he lived by the simple philosophy, “When the cup runs over, spread it around.” He spent his last years doing his best to help the very young, the old, the very sick, those who cannot care for themselves, and animals. As a child, he wanted to start a Boys Town for Dogs. Through his support of the SPCA, Peace of Mind Dog Rescue, and other endeavors, he nearly did.

In addition to serving on the Board of Directors for Produce Packaging Association and Western Growers Association, Bob also served on the boards of Grower-Shipper Vegetable Association, American Institute of Food and Wine, and Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital Foundation. He served as President of Central California Lettuce Co-op.

In 2007, Bob was recognized for his generous support of both produce and community endeavors as the recipient of the E.E. “Gene” Harden Lifetime Achievement award by the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California. He also received the Hall of Fame Award from the National Steinbeck Center and the Distinguished Trustee Award from the Community Foundation of Monterey County in 2010. His philanthropic outreach was recognized by the Alex de Tocqueville Society of United Way.

The industry leader is survived by his son Bob Jr., and daughter-in-law Kim; daughter Kimberly, five grandchildren, a niece, nephews, and his brother Tom.

A rosary will be held Thursday at Struve & LaPorte Funeral, with a mass at St. Joseph’s Church in Spreckels, CA at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 15.

Our hearts go out to all those who knew Bob and we extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends during this time.