Prime Produce International continues in growth mode
Prime Produce International continues in growth mode
Prime Produce International LLC announced a new retail and foodservice account manager and a new 40,000-square-foot packing and cold-storage facility in Orange, CA.
PPI has named Michelle Spelman to the position of retail and foodservice account manager. Ms. Spelman has been employed in the avocado industry for over 15 years, most recently as marketing director at the California Avocado Commission.
In this newly created position, Ms. Spelman will develop all retail and foodservice sales programs, including avocado promotions that will add value for Prime Produce customers.
Gahl Crane, sales manager for Prime Produce, said in a statement, "In 2006, we tripled our avocado sales volume. This new position was created to better service our expanding customer base. Michelle's extensive background in the avocado industry and her commitment to excellence will be a benefit to our current and future customers."
PPI also announced that it has signed a long-term lease for the packing and cold-storage facility in Orange, CA, that was formerly occupied by the Villa Park Orange Association. This facility is also the new home to the PPI corporate office.
PPI President and Chief Executive Officer Avi Crane said in a statement, "It makes business sense to continue to locate our packing, cold storage and sales office in the heart of the highest per-capita consumption of avocados in the United States."
Mr. Crane added that leasing this facility is "consistent with our objective of being a specialized avocado marketer offering a year-round supply to our customers."
In addition to leasing the facility, PPI has made major improvements to the H&H Avocado packingline that will improve efficiencies and provide a quality pack. H&H Avocado is PPI's wholly owned subsidiary and is one of 12 companies specializing in packing California avocados.
The growth at Prime Produce is coming from expanding sales with existing customers as well as new interest in the company's innovative approach with new products like Prime Ripe avocados, which are ripened with a proprietary technology that provides even ripening, increased flexibility and lower cost than traditional ripening methods and was introduced in October at the PMA Fresh Summit in San Diego.
PPI has named Michelle Spelman to the position of retail and foodservice account manager. Ms. Spelman has been employed in the avocado industry for over 15 years, most recently as marketing director at the California Avocado Commission.
In this newly created position, Ms. Spelman will develop all retail and foodservice sales programs, including avocado promotions that will add value for Prime Produce customers.
Gahl Crane, sales manager for Prime Produce, said in a statement, "In 2006, we tripled our avocado sales volume. This new position was created to better service our expanding customer base. Michelle's extensive background in the avocado industry and her commitment to excellence will be a benefit to our current and future customers."
PPI also announced that it has signed a long-term lease for the packing and cold-storage facility in Orange, CA, that was formerly occupied by the Villa Park Orange Association. This facility is also the new home to the PPI corporate office.
PPI President and Chief Executive Officer Avi Crane said in a statement, "It makes business sense to continue to locate our packing, cold storage and sales office in the heart of the highest per-capita consumption of avocados in the United States."
Mr. Crane added that leasing this facility is "consistent with our objective of being a specialized avocado marketer offering a year-round supply to our customers."
In addition to leasing the facility, PPI has made major improvements to the H&H Avocado packingline that will improve efficiencies and provide a quality pack. H&H Avocado is PPI's wholly owned subsidiary and is one of 12 companies specializing in packing California avocados.
The growth at Prime Produce is coming from expanding sales with existing customers as well as new interest in the company's innovative approach with new products like Prime Ripe avocados, which are ripened with a proprietary technology that provides even ripening, increased flexibility and lower cost than traditional ripening methods and was introduced in October at the PMA Fresh Summit in San Diego.
