CMI Fruit Announces New Marketing Hire

Wenatchee, WA – Columbia Marketing International today announced the appointment of Don Patella to the marketing team.  In his new role, Don will manage key retail accounts, developing timely promotions and provide tools to assist his customer’s in strengthening their produce categories.

With over 20 years of retail experience within Kroger, Don’s expertise in the area of growing profitable produce returns will help CMI advance customer initiatives. Don has held various management and supervisory positions within Kroger and comes to CMI after being a Regional Merchandiser covering four Kroger divisions spanning across 14 states with the primary focus on local suppliers, products and marketing across all departments within the store. 

“Understanding the dynamics of optimal selling performance is critical to both our growers and our retail customers” stated Steve Lutz, Vice President of Marketing for CMI.  “We’re excited about Don joining our team because he brings nearly 25 years of retail experience to CMI.  We’re confident that he will be a terrific resource in the years to come in working closely with our customers to identify strategies and opportunities to drive sales of CMI apples, pears and cherries,” said Lutz.

Don will telecommute from his home state of Arizona.

About CMI

Columbia Marketing International (CMI) is one of Washington State’s largest growers, shippers and packers of premium quality cherries, apples, pears and organics. Based out of Wenatchee, WA, CMI delivers outstanding fruit across the U.S.A. and exports to over 60 countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.cmiapples.com

Source: Columbia Marketing International (CMI)