Industry veteran Rick Eastes joins Ballantine Produce
Industry veteran Rick Eastes joins Ballantine Produce
Ballantine Produce Co., based in Reedley, CA, announced July 3 that Rick Eastes has joined the company, effective July 1.
Mr. Eastes will spearhead the company's launch of its premium "Grower's Table" concept and brand in table grapes from its California production areas.
In a press release, David Albertson, president of Ballantine, called Mr. Eastes a "recognized leader and pioneer in the fresh produce industry with specific experience in the supply and marketing of table grapes from California, the Southern Hemisphere and Latin America."
"Although Ballantine is already known for having a high-quality California table grape program, it has been our goal to prepare as much of our production as possible to deserve the highest level of recognition for the quality of the industry," Steve Ryan, vice president of sales for Ballantine, said in the press release. "Demand for premium-grade grapes in unique formats is evolving quickly, and Ballantine has committed itself and put the resources in place to meet our buyers' premium and more diversified standards."
Mr. Eastes added in the press release, "Ballantine has established its presence over decades in the San Joaquin Valley for its quality of tree fruit and grapes. As good as they are, they understand that their customers' needs are always evolving, and that the continual dedication to strive for superior quality, flavor and packaging must parallel the customer's needs to meet the ever- changing consumer expectation. Because of Ballantine's commitment to excellence, I believe I will be able to add value to not only its dedicated network of buyers but to Ballantine's supplier base as well."
Mr. Eastes said that while his first priority will be the "Grower's Table" concept for table grapes, he anticipates expanding that concept to other product lines, including imported fruit.
Mr. Eastes will spearhead the company's launch of its premium "Grower's Table" concept and brand in table grapes from its California production areas.
In a press release, David Albertson, president of Ballantine, called Mr. Eastes a "recognized leader and pioneer in the fresh produce industry with specific experience in the supply and marketing of table grapes from California, the Southern Hemisphere and Latin America."
"Although Ballantine is already known for having a high-quality California table grape program, it has been our goal to prepare as much of our production as possible to deserve the highest level of recognition for the quality of the industry," Steve Ryan, vice president of sales for Ballantine, said in the press release. "Demand for premium-grade grapes in unique formats is evolving quickly, and Ballantine has committed itself and put the resources in place to meet our buyers' premium and more diversified standards."
Mr. Eastes added in the press release, "Ballantine has established its presence over decades in the San Joaquin Valley for its quality of tree fruit and grapes. As good as they are, they understand that their customers' needs are always evolving, and that the continual dedication to strive for superior quality, flavor and packaging must parallel the customer's needs to meet the ever- changing consumer expectation. Because of Ballantine's commitment to excellence, I believe I will be able to add value to not only its dedicated network of buyers but to Ballantine's supplier base as well."
Mr. Eastes said that while his first priority will be the "Grower's Table" concept for table grapes, he anticipates expanding that concept to other product lines, including imported fruit.
