CASTROVILLE, CA - It is with great sadness that we report the recent passing of former President and Chief Executive Officer of Ocean Mist® Farms Ed Boutonnet.
Boutonnet was a devoted grower/owner of the industry-leading company for over 40 years, where his vision as President and CEO from 1990–2015 helped develop the company into a strategically focused industry leader. The Boutonnet family remain actively involved as valued grower/owners of the company.
Possibly one of the most noteworthy things Boutonnet championed while at the Ocean Mist helm was positioning the company to be a major player in a very competitive landscape of grower/shippers, a press release stated. Creating an organizational structure and working with the leadership to identify, create, and implement a strategic plan, mission, vision, and values laid the groundwork for what was to come.
He was a proud and steadfast steward of the land and understood the many facets of farming and the inherent challenges that exist in the profession. His passion for farming, this community, and developing and mentoring next generations of Ocean Mist employees into future leaders was unrivaled. When making long-term strategic business decisions, Boutonnet’s first and final consideration was always the welfare of Ocean Mist Farm employees.
Current President and CEO Chris Drew remembers Boutonnet with great respect and reverence. Reflecting on early words of wisdom he shared, “There is no such thing as luck. Luck should be defined as when good preparation and opportunity meet. Pay attention to the details—opportunity lies behind the smallest details. And if you don’t make a mistake every now and again, you’re not trying hard enough—just don’t make the same mistake twice.”
Boutonnet served on multiple boards sharing his time, passion, insights, and expertise to support and further worthy causes that were near and dear to his heart. He rightfully received several awards, honors, accolades, and recognition for his many contributions to, and accomplishments in the agriculture industry.
The Ocean Mist Farms corporate headquarters office in Castroville, California, has a reserved sign in its parking lot that has been for the exclusive use of Boutonnet since 2010. His memory will live on as the company nears its centennial year in 2024.
Our condolences go out to all of those who were touched by the life of this industry great.
