SANTA PAULA, CA - Just as rearranging the pieces of a puzzle can serve to make the picture clearer for those putting it together, Calavo Growers is reorganizing its operational pieces to further synergize its operations. Therefore, the avocado maven has announced that it will be enhancing its organizational structure within its Operations department to maximize its business efficiencies.
“As Calavo seeks to streamline business initiatives under our ‘one-company vision,’ one of our core strategies is to continue developing and investing in our people, as well as building a strong, integrated team to support and drive our growth goals,” stated Mark Lodge, Chief Operations Officer. “We are committed to becoming the leader in operational excellence, food safety and quality, and sustainability within the industry; these strategic changes across Calavo Operations support our long-term business objectives for all segments of the business.”
Under the leadership of its CEO, Jim Gibson, Calavo is setting out to create a “one-company vision,” which includes the joining of forces with its subsidiary, Renaissance Food Group (RFG), according to a press release.
“Through the merging of our internal divisions, we are able to leverage the legacy and expertise of the Calavo brand with the innovation and influence of RFG to form one cohesive, industry-leading enterprise,” explained Gibson. “The combined talents of the Calavo and RFG teams will help realize our vision and strengthen the future of our company.”
In addition to the integration of RFG and Calavo, other notable features of the restructuring include the promotion and appointment of new leaders. The first to note is the promotion of Cheryl Enlow to Vice President of Food Safety and Quality Assurance. In her new role, Enlow will oversee food safety and quality programs for all Calavo business units, including the avocado and guacamole divisions of RFG.
Enlow comes from a background in produce, having held positions in production and quality for various growers across the industry as well as fresh-cut companies and Safeway Corporate where she was responsible for quality of perishables, through which she became familiar with RFG and joined the company in 2015.
She received a Food Technology degree from Iowa State University, and is the current Chair of the United Fresh Food Safety and Technology Council, as well as a mentor in the United Fresh Produce Safety Immersion Program.
Joining Enlow is Omar Martinez who has been promoted to Vice President of Continuous Improvement where he will lead Calavo’s Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) and Workers Compensation (WC) teams. He will help implement the company’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics that will drive performance and responsibility to the company’s stakeholders in focal areas.
Prior to his promotion, Martinez held the position of National Director, Continuous Improvement for RFG, where his experience with Lean Six Sigma drove key performance and processes initiatives which he will continue in his new role for Calavo.
Marc Fallini has also been promoted to the role of Vice President of Fresh Operations and will be overseeing all fresh avocado operations in the U.S.
Additionally, Don Johnson, an industry veteran and longstanding leader at RFG will now lead Calavo’s purchasing and logistic initiatives to centralize packaging, purchasing and domestic logistics for Calavo’s business units.
Through its efforts, Calavo will continue to focus its attention on maintaining its principles while also bolstering its business success and enhancing the value chain for its customers.
How will this new operational strategy benefit the company going forward? AndNowUKnow will continue to bring you the latest answers.
