Sun World Names Clark Operations Director; Sanchez Assumes New Licensing & Grower Relations Role

COACHELLA, California  – Sun World International LLC has named Tom Clark its director of southern facilities and operations in Coachella where he will have responsibility for managing all packing and cold storage operations and staff and for supporting the company’s southern California grower base, Executive Vice President David Marguleas announced here this week. Clark most recently served as general manager of Lo Bue Citrus and has an extensive background in managing citrus packing and cold storage operations throughout California’s San Joaquin Valley. 

“Tom brings great fruit packing and handling expertise as well as a deep appreciation for growers' needs,” Marguleas said, adding that the appointment reflects Sun World’s 38 year commitment to the southern California citrus industry and to professionally handling Coachella Valley grapes, peppers, berries and citrus for its local growers.

In a related move, the company has appointed Joe Sanchez its North American director of grower relations and licensing. Sanchez, who previously managed the company’s Coachella facility and has worked for the Company since 2007, assumes responsibility for all sourcing and licensing activities in the San Joaquin Valley and in Mexico. This will include management of Sun World’s California stonefruit licensing business and supporting the company’s central California base of grape growers. He will also oversee the company’s Hermosillo, Mexico grower relations and licensing staff. In his new role, Joe will be based at Sun World’s Bakersfield office.

“Joe’s knowledge of Sun World and our proprietary varieties as well as his experience with our California growers suit him well to this new role,” Marguleas said. 

Sun World is one of the United States’ leading producers and marketers of fresh fruit and operates one of the world’s largest table grape and stonefruit breeding programs. Since its inception in the mid-1970s, the Company’s Variety Development Center has released more than 90 varieties with improved flavor, size, color, shelf-life and extended seasonality. In addition to production on its own California farms, Sun World licenses producers to grow its proprietary varieties in North America, Europe, South America, Australia the Middle East and South Africa.

Sun World is a leading innovator in the development, production, distribution and promotion of fresh produce. It maintains integrated agricultural operations throughout central and southeastern California and licensing offices in South Africa, Europe, Mexico, Australia and Chile. For more information, please visit www.sun-world.com

Source:  Sun World International LLC