BAKERSFIELD, CA - If you’ve been around the organic scene a while, you likely know or know of Greg McAlister. From bringing a grocer introduction to an infant “health store” Whole Foods Market to introducing trailblazing supply changes to the California organic scene, Greg has had a storied career in organic produce.

“In February of 2020, Rod Braga and I got to go back to Austin, Texas, and attend the Whole Foods Supplier Awards. Braga Fresh was awarded as a Supplier of the Year, which felt like a full-circle moment. To go back to where I started and be given that award with Rod [Braga] and Braga Fresh was something I’m very proud of,” Greg reflected as we discussed his professional timeline. It turned out to be the beginning of a perfect bookend—Greg took a step back as Vice President of Sales for Braga Fresh just one year later and began a transition into retirement that concluded on April 25.

“Greg has been a cornerstone of our company's growth since joining us nine years ago. Both his experience and organic expertise have been invaluable, and our family will always be grateful for him,” Rod Braga, Chief Executive Officer of Braga Fresh, shared with me.

Greg’s professional timeline closely parallels the trajectory of organized organic growing. While it begins with his sophomore year of high school in 1975 working at a Tom Thumb Supermarkets in Dallas, Texas, it’s a random compulsion to check out an unfamiliar store that set him on his path.

“It was early 1983. I just happened to drive by the first Whole Foods Market and was curious. So, I went in to see what it was and ran into somebody I knew working there. They grabbed the Produce Team Leader and said they should hire me,” Greg recalls.

It was, amazingly, a pattern that would map out Greg’s career. In nearly 50 years, he never submitted a resume or even filled out a job application. His work ethic and reputation preceded him from Texas to California, where he brought his organic foundation to a shaping organic standard by helping start a couple of produce companies.

“I found a picture of the first hydrocooler we had built—we only put organic lettuce and the like in it. Just looking at that picture, I thought that was a kind of landmark moment,” Greg reflects.

While leading Ocean Organic Produce, Greg and his partner took steps to ensure organic items stayed separated from conventional throughout the process. These steps, common knowledge now, had never been taken before.

Amid blazing new trails and setting early examples of current standards, Greg came to know Rod Braga.

“Rod offered me an opportunity to come help him build out the Josie's Organic label. Since 2015, I’ve worked on improving quality and cooling techniques, changing boxes, and bringing over customer contacts to build up the sales. I got to help Braga establish itself in the market as a good quality shipper, until I felt it was time to retire,” Greg shares.

It was the perfect close to such a career, one that is impossible to fit within the parameters of this article.

Congratulations, Greg, on such a produce legacy. May what is next be just as inspiring!

LOS ANGELES, CA - A shift in business strategy is taking place at Bolthouse Farms. Butterfly has announced the separation of its portfolio company into two standalone entities: Bolthouse Fresh Foods and Generous Brands. Bolthouse Fresh Foods will carry on the century-old legacy as a leading supplier of fresh carrots. Generous Brands will encompass the market-leading premium fresh beverage and salad dressing businesses.

"We’re incredibly excited to announce the separation of Bolthouse Farms into two distinct industry-leading platforms, which will further propel the growth of these businesses and their ability to outperform for customers throughout the world," said Adam Waglay, Co-Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Butterfly. "This separation was always part of our investment thesis, and we have recruited best-in-class leadership teams which are strategically aligned to each business so that Bolthouse Fresh Foods can focus on delivering high-quality fresh produce with excellent service, and Generous Brands can become a strong, consumer-centric business with superior fresh beverage brands."

Butterfly acquired Bolthouse Farms from Campbell Soup Company in a carveout transaction in 2019. Butterfly has implemented numerous strategic initiatives that have driven topline growth in excess of 30 percent while re-establishing the company as a partner of choice to produce departments across North America.

This separation is being facilitated by way of separate debt recapitalizations of each business, enabling Bolthouse Fresh Foods and Generous Brands to continue onward as two separate companies with purpose-built strategies and leadership teams. Butterfly expects these transactions to enable increased flexibility for investment in capabilities as well as acquisitions, a press release stated.

"This separation is proof that the future of value creation within private equity is grounded in deep operational expertise and transformation through specialization, and we could not be more appreciative of the amount of work, creativity, and collaboration that went into this from all teams," said Jeff Dunn, who was promoted to Executive Chairman of Bolthouse Fresh Foods and Generous Brands and Operating Partner of Butterfly. "It's been amazing to watch the two entities develop their own unique cultures during the transition, and we are proud of the robust teams we have built across the companies."

Timothy Escamilla has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Bolthouse Fresh Foods, while Steve Cornell has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Generous Brands.

"Bolthouse Fresh Foods remains dedicated to nourishing people’s lives by providing high-quality, nutrient-dense products that continue to thrive in today’s dynamic marketplace," said Escamilla, who joined Bolthouse Fresh Foods as Chief Executive Officer in May 2023.

With 30 years in the produce industry, he brings experience across leading companies such as Dole, Tanimura & Antle, Ready Pac Foods, and more.

For more from the release, click here. And stick with ANUK for the industry’s latest.