BAKERSFIELD, CA - Sun World International is once again working to build its prowess on the supply-side, this time with the promotion of a new leader. The company recently revealed the appointment of Michele Melillo to Vice President of Grower Support Services, where he will oversee all technical assistance and applied research programs and staff, as well as assist with variety evaluations and management of the supplier’s global test site.
“We consider providing support to licensed growers as vital to our global programs; for the consumer to buy exceptional table grapes and stone fruits, the variety must have great genetics and must be successfully grown,” said Melillo. “If we don’t get the farming part right, it’s a tough track for our fruit to travel down the rest of the supply chain. It is this importance we place on making sure our growers are informed and equipped with the best research and assistance, which for the last two years have spurred the company to invest in building our agronomic talent in leading grape-growing countries.”
According to a press release, Melillo recently managed Sun World’s agronomic support activities. A passionate viticulturist since 2004, Melillo is extremely committed to utilizing his extensive experience garnered in Europe, Australia, and North and South America to improve cultural practices and sustainability. Further contributing to his expertise in the space, Melillo received a B.Sc. in Agronomy at the University of Bari, Italy, and an M.Sc. in Horticulture and Agronomy at UC Davis, California.
“It’s a pleasure to announce Michele’s promotion,” said Jeffrey Jackson, Sun World’s Executive Vice President. “This decision is an important move for our company as we bolster the agronomic support we provide to licensed growers and further improve the performance of our varieties globally.”
As Vice President of Grower Support Services, Melillo will be tasked with overseeing Sun World’s Grower Support Services team, which supports its network of 1,800+ growers in 15 countries, including regions such as the United States, Europe, Australia, South America, Israel, North Africa, and South Africa.
We here at AndNowUKnow cannot wait to see where Michele Melillo takes the Sun World team next as the supplier continues to wield these longstanding relationships to forge a path to success in the produce industry.
