Progressive Produce and Pacific Trellis Fruit announced several changes in executive leadership which are designed to enhance the ongoing partnership between the two brands.
Eric Coty joins Pacific Trellis Fruit as executive vice president of fruit. With more than 30 years of industry experience, Coty has served in executive roles across sales and marketing, grower relations, quality control, and operations. In this newly established position, Coty will spearhead the market strategy for the Fruit division, which includes grapes, stone fruit, cherries, and citrus. Coty will manage relationships throughout the supply chain, with a focus on driving sales and creating sustainable operations that support Pacific Trellis' growth.
Josh Leichter has chosen to step away from his responsibilities as CEO at Pacific Trellis Fruit but will retain his role as director of imported grapes. For the past two seasons, Pacific Trellis Fruit has been one of the largest importers of South American grapes, with a diversified supply base across multiple countries and growing regions.
© Progressive Produce
L-R: Eric Coty, Josh Leichter, Cory Stahl
Cory Stahl leaves his position of vice president of sales for Progressive Produce to assume the role of executive vice president of Dulcinea Melons at Pacific Trellis. He will lead the market strategy for the melon division as it continues to scale. Dulcinea brand impressions reached more than 100 million consumers in 2024. Throughout his time at Progressive, Stahl has contributed to every business unit. Notably, he was integral to the successful launch of the asparagus and wet vegetable category, and in 2018 assumed the role of vice president of sales, overseeing asparagus, wet vegetables, chilis, herbs, citrus and third-party logistics services.
Scott Leimkuhler is now executive vice president at Progressive Produce. He will lead the market strategy for all of Progressive's key categories including potatoes, onions, yams, asparagus, wet vegetables, chilis, herbs and citrus. Leimkuhler, who has been with Progressive Produce for more than 15 years, exemplifies the company's commitment to year-round conventional and organic production, nationwide logistics, and outstanding customer service.
Marty Kamer, previously CEO of Progressive Produce, and Simon Miller, will serve as Group CEO and CFO/COO, respectively, of both companies. Though the companies will remain two distinct entities with unique product offerings and go-to-market strategies, this transition is a strategic move that will allow them to share resources and serve growers and customers.
© Progressive Produce
L-R: Scott Leimkuhler, Marty Kamer, Simon Miller
This announcement marks the culmination of a partnership 18 months in the making. Last year, Progressive Produce joined Arable Capital Partners, which also holds a majority stake in Pacific Trellis Fruit. This led to a symbiotic relationship between the two entities, in which Kamer and Miller worked alongside Leichter and other executive leadership to forge a path forward as two separate and distinct entities.
For more information:
Oscar Guzman
Progressive Produce
[email protected]
https://www.progressiveproduce.com/
Howard Nager
Pacific Trellis Fruit
[email protected]
https://www.pacifictrellisfruit.com/
