United Fresh Produce Association Honors Del Monte Fresh Produce As Industry Advocate Of The Year

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United Fresh Produce Association honored Del Monte Fresh Produce as the Produce Industry Advocate of the Year last week at the Washington Public Policy Conference. Del Monte Fresh Produce has been a long-time leader in the public policy arena, serving on the United Fresh Nutrition and Health Council, Food Safety and Technology Council and Fresh-Cut Processor Board. United Fresh Produce Association President and CEO Tom Stenzel presented the award to Dave Russell, Del Monte Fresh Produce vice president of sales, national accounts.

“Del Monte Fresh Produce is proud to be the recipient of the United Fresh Produce Industry Advocate of the Year Award,” said Russell. “Our continuing commitment to United Fresh and its efforts to keep our nations’ leaders and government focused on the major policy issues impacting our industry is a reaffirmation of the positive returns to our company and all other industry stakeholders.  We would like to encourage all members of United to increase their participation and play an active role in advocating for our industry. The results are worth the effort.”

Del Monte Fresh Produce has been instrumental in advocating for public policies that support the produce industry, as well as supporting initiatives that create healthier school environments, including Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools. “They’ve donated more than 20 salad bars to schools, and are a leader in bringing fresh vending machines to schools, even when those vending machines carry other company’s product,” said Stenzel.

The United Fresh Produce Industry Advocate of the Year Award pays special recognition to one United Fresh member each year that serves as an advocate for the entire produce industry. Honorees are leading companies and associations that make an impact and drive the industry forward.

Past award winners include the following.

·         2012 – Four Seasons Family of Companies

·         2011 – National Watermelon Association/Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association

·         2010 – CH Robinson

·         2009 – Pro*Act, LLC

·         2008 – Walter P. Rawl & Sons

·         2007 –  New York Apple Association, Inc.

·         2006 –  Sunkist Growers, Inc.

·         2005 –  L & M Companies

·         2004 –  Produce for Better Health Foundation

·         2003 –  Tanimura & Antle

·         2002 –  Capital City Fruit Company, Inc.

Learn more about the United Fresh Produce Industry Advocate of the Year Award by visiting the United Fresh website at http://www.unitedfresh.org/newsviews/advocacy_resource_center/advocate_of_the_year.

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