Lodi, CA – Rivermaid Trading Company has hired Kyle Persky to fill the role of Sales Manager for its fresh Pear and Cherry business. Persky will be based in Rivermaid’s Lodi, California office.
Prior to joining Rivermaid, Persky was employed at Scully Packing Company, one of California’s largest pear grower/packer/shippers. Persky managed domestic and international sales for Scully Packing from 2008 – 2015, focusing his efforts primarily on key North American retail and wholesale customers. Persky worked for Carter Thomas LLC, for six years prior to his employment at Scully Packing, managing pear sales in the US and Mexico.
Persky says, “There have been significant changes in the California pear industry since I began my career in pears 14 years ago. The total fresh pear volume has adjusted from an oversupply situation to a level that is now more sustainable going forward. The California pear deal is a very relevant part of North American retailers’ pear category calendar. As the California pear category leader, Rivermaid is stable and well-positioned in the market. I’m looking forward to advancing our success.
“My primary goal at Rivermaid is to work with the sales team to optimize distribution opportunities in California cherries and pears, ultimately providing our growers with the highest possible returns. Over the years I’ve developed strong relationships with retailers and wholesalers throughout North America. My experience has given me the knowledge of how to deliver fresh produce across many distribution channels.
“I’m particularly excited about the fast-approaching cherry season. Rivermaid has made significant investments in the field and packing house over recent years and are set to thrive in the intensely competitive market. I think we have the best cherry program among the California shippers.
Hiring Persky was not a difficult decision for Rivermaid CEO, Patrick Archibeque. Archibeque says, “Kyle and I worked worked together at Carter Thomas for two years, plus we’ve been competitors in the pear business for many years now. I have first-hand knowledge of Kyle’s capability and work ethic. And, as a long time competitor I know Kyle understands Rivermaid in ways only a competitor can. His knowledge will bring additional strength and insight to our team.”
Persky began his role as Sales Manager at Rivermaid Trading Company on February 1, 2016.
With plant operations centralized in Lodi, California, Rivermaid Trading Company handles all varieties of pears and cherries from the major growing regions of Central and Northern California and Oregon. Rivermaid is California’s largest grower and marketer of California Bartlett pears and a top five grower and marketer of California Bing cherries. The company owns and manages 7,600 acres, and operates 80,000 sq. ft. of packing facilities. These packing operations include 5 pear packing lines, 2 cherry packing lines with automated clamshell and bagging capabilities and 7 forced-air cooling tunnels to help maintain flavor after fruit conditioning or packing. They pack under the brand names of Rivermaid, Blue Anchor, Golden Glow, Quercus Lake, Redwood Empire and Joe Green.
Source: Rivermaid Trading Company
