Ippolito International Announces New Addition and Promotion in Sales Department

Salinas, California – Ippolito International is pleased to announce the addition of Heather Fuller to its Sales team as Vice President of Business Development. With over twenty years in the fresh produce business, Heather began her industry work as a field inspector in the Salinas Valley, earning her way to a commodity crop manager’s role and then into a sales management position, most recently at Braga Fresh growing the organic category in both commodity and value-added sales.

She is a graduate of the United Leadership Class 24, and has held numerous volunteer positions at the IFPA on the Grower Shipper and Fresh Cut councils. Heather has a deep appreciation for the produce business and what it takes to get fresh vegetables from the farm to the shelf. “I am passionate about working with our partners to develop programs, find solutions and grow their business, and I am thrilled to be joining this incredible company and talented team,” Heather said.

“Heather has a skill set that truly fits our sales bench. Her strength in the value-added side will play well with our strategy to grow our value-added business,” said Dan Canales, Sr. Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Processing.

“Heather’s focus on customer development fills a need on our sales team,” said Ron Mondo, President. “With her on board, we will expand our overall customer reach, especially in the retail segment. We look forward to working with her!”

Ippolito International is excited to announce the promotion of one of its established leaders, Michele McNeece, to the role of Vice President, New Business Development.

Michele has over four decades in the fresh produce industry, including 12 years with Growers Express in Salinas, California, and most recently as the National Director of Business Development at Ippolito International. While at Ippolito International, she has played a key role in developing and expanding the company’s value-added program and core commodity lines.

In her role as Vice President, New Business Development, she will continue to focus on new account development across both retail and foodservice channels while continuing to strengthen existing partnerships nationwide.

“Michele has a strong reputation for collaboration and integrity, and she is well-regarded for the energy and drive she brings to the business,” said Ron Mondo, President. “Her commitment to building long-term customer partnerships has been a key part of Ippolito’s success, and her promotion is well-deserved.”

Michele added, “In our industry, there is always something new to learn – and I mean that both on the grower/shipper side of things, as well as with customers. I’m excited to continue working with our team to build and strengthen our customer relationships along the way.”

Ippolito International is a second-generation family-owned business and a full-service grower- shipper-processor operating year-round with seasonal operations in California and Arizona. We offer a robust product line of conventional and organic premium quality vegetables under the Queen Victoria brand and are the largest supplier of fresh Brussels sprouts in North America. www.qvproduce.com