MBG Marketing has selected Robert E. Hawk as the company's new chief executive officer and president effective Aug. 1.

"Bob's experience in value-added new product development and plant operations are an excellent fit for our recently completed strategic plan," Pat Goin, chairwoman of the MBG board of directors, said in a press release. "Customer and consumer awareness of the health benefits and the great flavor attributes of blueberries continue to spur high demand for fresh and processed blueberries. Bob has a broad range of experiences which will help him manage and lead our grower cooperative as we continue to identify and meet the needs and opportunities in this expanding category."

During his 35 years of professional experience, Mr. Hawk has worked in a variety of production and senior management positions at leading consumer products companies, including Weaver Popcorn Company Inc., CROSSMARK Inc., Northland Cranberries Inc. and Regal Ware Inc.

"I am very excited about MBG's solid base that has been built since 1936 and the foresight to invest in new innovations and expanded capabilities," Mr. Hawk said in the press release. "We will continue to focus on growing and delivering a high level of quality products and services that lead to solid customer relationships, loyal consumers and long-term grower profitability. I am also very impressed with the Naturipe organization and the collaborative nature of the four partner organizations. This grower-owned, global sales and marketing organization, which is focused on fresh and processed berries, is truly unique and clearly has been a point of differentiation."

"In 2013, we have several exciting projects that Bob and the MBG management team will implement, including a new value-added facility in South Haven, MI, which will consist of a state-of-the-art IQF (instantly quick frozen) berry processing plant," Ms. Goin said in the release. "We will also introduce several new proprietary blueberry varieties that have been developed by our in-house plant breeders that have incredible flavor, size and improved vigor for better shelf life. As a growers cooperative, we also focus on attracting additional high-quality growers into the organization so that we can provide a consistent supply of delicious berries to our clients. Bob will hit the ground running on Aug. 1 as this record 2012 season enters the last few months and we start preparing for double-digit growth in 2013. Needless to say, we are thrilled to have him join our team and lead the organization!"

Mr. Hawk and his wife, Tina, will be moving to the greater Grand Junction area in the very near future.