IRVINE, Calif. – At its 98th annual meeting the California Avocado Society (CAS) presented the 2013 “Award of Honor” to California Avocado Commission (CAC) Vice President of Marketing Jan DeLyser. CAS President and avocado grower Chris Ambuul presided over the event, which took place in Ventura, Calif. on September 28.
“Jan DeLyser has been specifically focused on the California avocado industry for the past 15 years. Her entry into the California avocado industry came at a difficult time, when foreign imports cast an ominous shadow over our livelihoods,” said Ambuul. “In just 15 years, US consumption has increased five-fold, and we are still in business. Jan hasn’t just left a mark on our industry; she is a big reason why we are all still here.”
Ambuul noted that the CAS award recognizes outstanding contribution and dedication to the California avocado industry. He shared comments about DeLyser from industry leaders, including Tom Bellamore of CAC, Rob Wedin of Calavo, Phil Henry of Henry Avocado, John Dmytriw of Index Fresh, Ross Wileman of Mission Produce, Bryan Silbermann of the Produce Marketing Association and Scott Bauwens of WestPak.
Bob Lucy of Del Rey Avocado, who is also CAC Marketing Advisory Committee Chairman, commented, “Maybe it was Jan’s Midwest upbringing that made her so friendly and easy to be around. Maybe it was her Midwest roots that made her so credible. Maybe it was her Midwest values that made her so loyal to her colleagues. But, most importantly, maybe it was the Midwest weather that got Jan to Southern California. Our gain, their loss.”
The California Avocado Society came into being on May 15, 1915 at a meeting held at the Alexandria Hotel in Los Angeles, Calif. It is CAS’ mission to promote efficiency of production and orderly marketing toward assuring long term profitability for the business of avocado growing.
About the California Avocado Commission
Created in 1978, the California Avocado Commission strives to increase demand for California avocados through advertising, promotion and public relations, and engages in related industry activities that benefit the state’s nearly 5,000 avocado growers. The California Avocado Commission serves as the official information source for California avocados and the California avocado industry. For nutrition information and recipes visit CaliforniaAvocado.com, or join us on Facebook at Facebook.com/CaliforniaAvocados and @CA_Avocados on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram for updates.
Source: California Avocado Commission