VERO BEACH, FL – IMG Citrus, a family-owned, vertically-integrated citrus grower, packer, and shipper in Vero Beach, FL, renamed Todd Haffield as Director of Packinghouse Operations, a role he previously held with the company from 2010-2017.
Haffield has been with IMG Citrus since 1999 in various logistics and sales roles in addition to his director position, and contributed to many of their operational improvements, such as the installation of their 13,000 square-foot cooler, as well as the Smart line and D-Pack line systems that produced some of the highest number of cartons packed in the history of the company.
“There is no doubt in my mind that Todd will provide the leadership needed to support our outstanding packinghouse team as we continue to grow and innovate,” said IMG Citrus President, Michel Sallin, in a recent announcement to employees.
Since returning to the position in April, Haffield has already begun to implement new initiatives to support the company’s continued operational growth.
“We are introducing new labor strategies into our operation this season to manage the increased yield from the new Happy Food Grove we recently acquired,” explained Haffield. “Additionally, we are installing a state-of-the-art sorter in our processing line that will add long-term value for our stakeholders.”
IMG Citrus expects production to double during fall harvest season from the 4,000-acre Happy Food Grove they added to their citrus portfolio in April 2019.
The new sorter, a “Globalscan 7” manufactured by MAF Roda Industries in France, captures 120 images per fruit, and up to 120 fruit per second in high definition, analyzing the images against precise criteria such as percentage of blemish, weight, and density with 99% accuracy. Based on how the product compares to the set criteria, it is routed to respective marketplaces.
“We’re excited to bring the latest technology in packing equipment to our operation,” said IMG Citrus Vice President, Veronique Sallin. “The new sorter not only has the capability to grade out fruit with cosmetic or condition defects at high rates of speed, but also identifies and eliminates immature fruit, or fruit with less juice content, ensuring a product with consistent taste. We’re known for our great tasting fruit, and looking forward to bringing more of it to consumers with Todd leading the team.”
Growing up, Haffield worked in his family’s citrus business, and later for Dole Food Co., handling outbound shipping and warehouse functions before moving into sales. IMG Citrus announced the purchase of the Dole packinghouse in December, 1999, welcoming Haffield to their team soon after.
“My family has been heavily involved in the commercial citrus packing industry since the 1940’s, said Haffield. “I’ve been exposed to it all of my life. I’m very lucky to have had great teachers along the way.”
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About IMG Citrus:
IMG Citrus is a second-generation citrus grower, packer, marketer, and shipper in Vero Beach, Florida, with over 9,000 acres of productive agricultural land. Family owned and operated for 40 years, IMG Citrus was founded by Michel and Veronique Sallin. Born and raised on a French farm, Michel has a genuine love for sustainable agriculture, and an entrepreneurial spirit that fuels a passion for using the most innovative processes and technologies. Today, a second generation of family-operators is involved and working alongside the most professional industry leaders that make up the IMG Citrus team.
About Happy Food:
Happy Food is IMG Citrus’ primary consumer brand, and is marketed in North America, Europe, and Asia. The brand features bright colors, happy fruit faces, and is used to pack citrus including grapefruit, oranges, and mandarins grown in Florida, as well as South America and Mexico. Since its launch in 2013, Happy Food continues to re-energize the citrus aisle with a cheerful, contemporary brand that promotes a healthy, happy lifestyle.
About IMG Enterprises:
IMG Enterprises, the holding company for IMG Citrus, is a Florida owned and operated family agri-business with divisions in citrus, real estate, mitigation banking, and landscape construction. The mission of IMG Enterprises is to manage a sustainable enterprise rooted in the land which benefits its family, employees, and community, while having a positive impact on the environment. With over 500 employees, the company ranks 31st on the list of Top Privately Held Companies by the Orlando Business Journal. imgcitrus.com
