As operations and business continue to grow, Del Rey Avocado added a new sales representative to its team. Though 2020 has been an interesting and challenging year, to say the least, the team at Del Rey Avocado welcomes Victoria Cao to its sales team to continue to grow its reach. Cao grew up in Fallbrook and attended Fallbrook High School. Upon graduation she moved onto San Diego State University where she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Marketing. After graduating, she began her career in the fresh produce industry with some of the

Generation Farms (generationfarms.com), the smallest big company in produce, continues its expansion with the addition of respected produce industry veteran Mike Thomas to the newly created position of General Manager. Thomas began his produce career over 30 years ago as a third-generation vegetable grower at his family’s Florida produce company. Over the years, he has excelled in every aspect of the business, from growing and production to packaging, distribution and sales, which gives him the breadth and depth of experience necessary to oversee Generation Farms’ continued growth. "As we

Brighter Bites, a nonprofit organization that delivers fresh fruits and vegetables directly into families’ hands, announces the addition of Chelsea Collins to its board of directors to further strengthen community relations in its seven cities and continue to develop the company’s nutrition education pillar. “Chelsea Collins has a strong track record of engaging communities and bringing people together,” said Lisa Helfman, founder and board chair of Brighter Bites. “We are thrilled to have her guidance as we build stronger relationships within the communities and schools we serve as we carry

Carl Northam grew up in Shafter, CA, in the 1940s and ‘50s in the heart of the agriculturally rich San Joaquin Valley, so it seemed only natural to look for a job on a ranch when he was first seeking employment in his late teens. In 1960, Northam did, in fact, secure what he calls a “gopher” position with nearby Vignolo Farms. At the time, Vignolo Farms was a row crop operation growing alfalfa, cotton, wheat and beans. “The founder, C.J. (Ted) Vignolo, was a personable fellow so I stayed around,” said Northam. In those early years, Northam didn’t think much beyond the next day so he didn’t

Established sales specialist, Tyler Hiriak, recently joined PennRose Farms as the company continues to provide year-round value and deliver on its commitment to unmatched customer service. “Throughout my career in the produce industry, I have been fully engaged in creating and growing new and existing business. At PennRose Farms, I am looking forward to doing the same. PennRose Farms has made its mark building a solid foundation as a direct grower — delivering high-quality produce while being immersed in our customer’s success. I am thrilled to join the team and excited to help design new

Dole Food Co., a leader in top-quality fresh produce, announced that Timothy Escamilla has been promoted to president of Dole Fresh Vegetables. As division president, Escamilla will be tasked with leveraging his more than 25 years of senior-level agricultural industry and operations experience at Dole and other produce organizations, to develop and implement a forward-looking strategic plan for sustainable growth and create a shared vision and culture for continued financial success. Escamilla will be taking over for Michael Solomon who will be departing Dole. Over his tenure Solomon has been