Valley Fruit & Produce Welcomes New Operations Manager & Corporate Credit Manager

Doug La Londe, COO at Valley Fruit & Produce, announced the recent hiring of Robert Valero as the company’s Operations Manager.  In his new role, Robert Valero will be responsible for the coordination of activities, procedures, and policies at all of Valley’s produce warehouses and distribution facilities.  “Valley Produce has been integral to the growth of the produce industry in Southern California.  As the Company continues to grow and expand nationally, it is incorporating new ideas and technologies,” said Valero.  “While Valley’s growth is exciting, we still have a strong focus on quality and service.  The Company’s core values and stability are important to me so I feel grateful to be joining the Valley team.”

Robert Valero is bringing over 40 years of grocery retail experience to Valley’s operations.  Valero has directed total store operations for several multi-unit retail operations including Vallarta, Numero Uno, Avanza, and Viva Market.  “For Valley to expand into new markets with our products and services, we need to increase our capacity through improved efficiencies and accuracies.  Robert’s proven team building and leadership skills are not only going to help us accomplish that, but they will help us elevate our customer service, employee development, and expense control initiatives as well,” explained La Londe.

Gustavo Lasso de la Vega is now supervising and managing all credit functions across all company divisions for Valley Fruit & Produce, including Continental Sales.  He reports directly to CFO Carrie La Londe and COO Doug La Londe and is responsible for strengthening customer relationships while maintaining the highest quality possible of accounts receivable.  Ms. La Londe added, “Our financial strength and stability sets us apart from our competition and Gustavo’s experience and policies will help us maximize sales while keeping our credit standard very high.”

Mr. Lasso de la Vega brings over 23 years of credit management experience to Valley.  Previously, he was Corporate Credit Manager for Ernest Packaging Solutions for 18 years, managing the credit department for nine regional divisions throughout California, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, and Texas.  He is also a member of the Credit Management Association (CMA) and was elected to four 2-year terms as the Chairperson of their Credit Paper Trades during the years of 2002-2012.  Mr. Lasso de la Vega shared, “Every Valley customer is important, no matter their size or volume, and by offering honest, direct communication, various options for proving credit worthiness, and proactive credit  and collection policies, we can help them grow their business and increase our own sales.  I am gratified to be an integral part of Valley’s continued growth and success.”

For More Information, Contact:

Jin Ju Wilder
Director of Marketing
Tel. (213) 627-8736
Cell (626) 318-9418
JJW@valleyproduce.com

About Valley Fruit & Produce:

Valley Fruit & Produce, established in 1920, is a full-line wholesaler/distributor of quality fresh fruits and vegetables servicing a diverse customer base located throughout the United States and overseas.  From facilities in the Los Angeles Wholesale Produce Market (LAWPM), the Alameda Trade Center, and the 6th & Alameda Food and Produce Center, Valley deploys expert teams of produce specialists to provide solution packages that are unique to each customer. 

Without exception, Valley Fruit & Produce promises highly competitive pricing, guarantees its quality and service, and stands by the commitments made to customers.  Recognizing that they are only as successful as their customers, Valley turns every day into an opportunity to help their customers grow.

This is a practice Valley has lived by since 1920 and it is the fundamental reason why Valley is one of the largest and most highly regarded produce wholesalers in all of Southern California.

Source: Valley Fruit & Produce