Valley hires new Berry Category Manager
Ray Iwamoto (pictured) has joined the Valley team as the Berry Category Manager and will be responsible for managing inventories, maintaining relationships with growers, and ensuring that needs across all customer channels are met. Doug La Londe, COO, points out, “Don La Londe continues to also be responsible for the berry category, but this category is so historically important for Valley and continues to be a signature department for us; we definitely have room for two experts. Adding Ray’s expertise and grower relationships to Don’s widens our knowledge of the growers, the field conditions, market fluctuations, and potential transportation issues. Ray will help us continue to provide our customers with the best berries and the most up-to-date information.”
After 23 years on the retail side of the business, Ray joined the supply side as manager of the Giumarra International Berry Division. Prior to joining Valley, he spent the last 8 years as District Manager for Sunrise Growers, a strawberry shipper based in Placentia, CA. Ray feels that his position at Valley is a natural progression of his career thus far, “The LA Wholesale Produce Market is the most dynamic market in the U.S. and Valley has played a major role in this market for decades. Valley has actually been involved in every step of my career in produce. As a retailer and as a shipper, Valley has always been a valued partner so when the opportunity to join their team was presented, it just made sense. I look forward to helping Valley continue to be a leader in berry sales,”
Don Stalcup is new Division Manager for Valley
Don Stalcup is bringing 46 years of retail produce experience to Valley. Don’s extensive industry experience includes 25 years at Albertsons, as head of the produce department and the corporate trainer. After Albertsons, he served as Vice President of Produce for Food 4 Less, followed by a period serving in the same capacity for KV Mart. Now that he has joined Valley’s team, he will be overseeing all aspects of Valley Retail Management. CFO Carrie La Londe stated, “Our Retail Management division specializes in helping independent retail operators compete with chains by providing them with Direct Store Deliveries, Weekly Ads with Suggested Retail Pricing, Weekend pushes, Special Buy opportunities, and In-store Merchandising and Marketing help. We already have a good team in place, but we are excited that Don's leadership will lead to the development of additional services, in addition to improving our existing ones, to help our customers grow their produce business.”
The prospect of helping independent retailers take advantage of their unique communities and store formats to differentiate and create loyal customer bases enticed Don to join the Valley team. “Valley’s volume and competitive pricing is a distinct advantage for the independent retail customers. The Retail Management division takes that advantage to the next level by providing them with structure and resources to run ads, get special buy opportunities, and create show-stopping displays.” Stalcup added, “I appreciate the opportunity to use my experience and training to help a new generation of retailers.”
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
