SANTA PAULA, CA - Calavo Growers has not one, but two updates to share as it has announced a new leader and entered a transitional period for its year-round tomato program in Mexico. The supplier revealed it has added Kurt Kistler to its team as Vice President of Sales, Tomatoes and Papayas, as Brian Bernauer retires.
Kistler brings over 25 years of fresh produce industry experience after having spent the last seven years at Charlie’s Produce. He also previously held positions at Taylor Farms and United Natural Foods, Inc., according to a release. During his tenure at those respective companies, he became proficient in managing a national sales department, brokerage, purchasing, grower relations, marketing, and quality control.
In his new role at Calavo, Kistler will direct all aspects of the grower’s tomato and Hawaiian papaya programs, including sales, grower relations, and shipping operations. He will report to Mike Browne, Executive Vice President, Sales and Operations.
“We are excited to have a well-rounded and knowledgeable leader in Kurt to support and grow our tomato and papaya programs,” stated Browne. “We also would like to thank Brian Bernauer for his many years of leadership with Calavo and wish him well in his retirement.”
This announcement comes as Calavo’s greenhouse tomato program in Jalisco, Mexico, gets ready to wrap up in January as the Culiacán season begins. The region typically has a mid-December start, but due to heavy rainfall during planting season, this year’s start may be slightly delayed until late December/early January.
“We are estimating a record volume season from Culiacán, with promotable volumes January through May,” said Kistler.
The company continues to offer its greenhouse-grown rounds, which come in a variety of packs and sizes.
“We’re looking forward to plenty of really good-quality fruit,” added Megan Stallings, Senior Account Manager, Tomato Sales. “Upcoming changes to the Tomato Suspension Agreement could likely affect markets, however, as we head into that Culiacán season.”
Cheers to Kurt Kistler on his new role!
