Produce Industry Executive Takes on Expanded Strategic Role as Senior VP of Sales & Marketing
Naturipe Farms Promotes Robert Verloop

Naples, FL – March 16, 2009 – Naturipe Farms today announced an expanded role for Robert Verloop as the new Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing. Effective immediately, the former Vice President of Marketing will step into the new role with an eye on long-term strategic sales and marketing developments. Robert's responsibilities at Naturipe Farms will continue to include all marketing programs, consumer research, sales promotions communications, advertising and public relations, as well as government relations.

Robert Verloop has been involved in the produce industry for more than 25 years. He joined Naturipe Farms in February 2008 after serving more than seven years with Sunkist Growers, most recently as Vice President of Global Marketing and Licensing. He started his career in the production side of the citrus and avocado industries, moving into marketing in 1992 at the California Avocado Commission. Robert has been active in numerous produce industry organizations, having served as Chairman of the Produce for Better Health Foundation.
He is a graduate of the United Fresh Leadership Program. He currently serves as a Director of the Canadian Produce Marketing Association Board of Directors.

In his newly-created position, Robert will work closely with Vice President of Sales Brian Bocock to support the firm’s sales expansion and increase distribution and penetration of Naturipe Farms’ branded products. “With the growth in our production base, especially in blueberries and strawberries, we are able to provide a broader level of service and products to clients in multiple channels,” said Robert. “I look forward to working with our sales and marketing staff to build new programs that will expand our services to existing clients and allow us to strategically
expand our client base accordingly.“ Naturipe Farms is the number-one producer and marketer of fresh blueberries and has moved into the top three of California strawberry growers-marketers. The company of grower-owners offers a full spectrum of fresh seasonal varieties including blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and raspberries. To ensure year-round availability and to provide “locally grown” produce in season, Naturipe Farms supports regional grower programs and sources
from major growing areas throughout North and South America. The company supports local growers by placing emphasis on sources, traceability and regional labeling. “At Naturipe Farms, we are committed to excellence in quality and service to help make the berry category profitable for our clients and our growers. We are very supportive of our current sales team lead by Brian Bocock, our
Vice President of Sales. Brian and Robert have developed a great working relationship over the last year and have built exciting new programs that integrate sales and marketing. With Robert in this new role, we will continue to
solidify that integration,” said Rich Amirsehhi, interim President and CEO. “Our successful growth over the last five years has been driven by our sales services and quality improvement programs. This new arrangement will allow us
to leverage our internal strengths and expand our service levels to match that growth.” 

Naturipe Farms LLC, is an international, grower-owned producer and marketer of wholesome, good-for-you foods headquartered in Naples, Florida. The company sources products from throughout North and South America to ensure year-round availability for “locally grown” and in-season produce, including a full line of  conventional and organic premium berries. Naturipe Farms, formed in 2000, is a partnership between Hortifrut SA, MBG Marketing and Naturipe Berry Growers with locations in Salinas, CA, Delano, CA, Grand Junction, MI, Dallas, TX, Boston, MA, Miami, FL, Santiago, Chile, Los Reyes, Mexico and Buenos Aires, Argentina.

999 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 102
Naples, Florida 34108
239.591.1664
www.naturipefarms.com

Publication date: 3/17/2009

respond to this article    print

Receive the daily newsletter in your email for free | Click here

 

<< back | www.freshplaza.com