WASHINGTON, D.C. – United Fresh Produce Association Chairman of the Board Reggie Griffin, The Kroger Company, has appointed Steve Burnham, senior vice president of produce, floral and bakery for Safeway Inc. to the United Fresh Board of Directors. Burnham replaces Geoff White of Safeway, who recently took a new position within the company.
“Steve is a respected leader in the produce industry and a valued voice on produce issues. We’re proud to welcome him to the United Fresh Board,” said Chairman Griffin. “Our association and the produce industry as a whole will benefit greatly from his ideas and his leadership.”
Burnham joined Safeway in 1989 and worked his way through the company’s meat unit at the store, district, division and national levels, eventually being appointed group director for the company’s corporate meat business unit in 2003. In 2007, he left the meat and seafood world and was appointed vice president of marketing planning. Burnham was promoted to vice president of produce in 2008, and senior vice president of produce earlier this year. Burnham and wife Laura have three sons and live in Livermore, Calif.
“United Fresh works hard to create an environment in which the entire produce industry, from grower to retailer, can succeed together. I am both honored and excited about this new opportunity to serve United Fresh and the entire produce industry,” said Burnham.
A full list of United Fresh board members is available at www.unitedfresh.org/about/leadership.
Founded in 1904, the United Fresh Produce Association serves companies at the forefront of the global fresh and fresh-cut produce industry, including growers, shippers, fresh-cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C. and Western Regional office in Salinas, Calif., United Fresh and its members work year-round to make a difference for the produce industry by driving policies that increase consumption of fresh produce, shaping critical legislative and regulatory action, providing scientific and technical leadership in food safety, quality assurance, nutrition and health, and developing educational programs and business opportunities to assist member companies in growing successful businesses. For more information, visit www.unitedfresh.org or call 202-303-3400.
Source: United Fresh Produce Association
