RUTHVEN, ONTARIO – Chris Jacobs, president of Clifford Produce, today announced that the Ontario-based greenhouse grower has named industry veteran Arthur O'Leary as East Coast Regional Merchandiser. O'Leary, who will operate from the Boston area, joins Clifford as part of the company's growth strategy to expand its reach in several key markets, including the East Coast. He will provide retailers, as well as foodservice operators, with sales and merchandising support.
“Clifford Produce is thrilled to welcome Arthur to our team,” said Jacobs. “Arthur has a wealth of industry experience that will be invaluable to our clients as they seek to maximize the effectiveness of their in-store merchandising strategies.”
O'Leary will be responsible for helping to roll out Clifford's consumer-focused marketing campaign, initiated last year, to clients on the East Coast. He will introduce retailers to the company's new “Superseller” merchandising display units—stand-alone units designed educate, cross merchandise, and demonstrate new products without the need for a full category reset—as well as its new packaging, which includes biodegradable “Eco-Trays” and breathable film.
O'Leary brings with him more than 30 years of experience in produce merchandising and management for companies in the Northeastern United States and Canada. He is also Co-Founder of the New England Produce Council, an organization designed to provide educational and social networking opportunities for members of the produce industry, with the ultimate goal of increasing consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.
“Arthur understands produce merchandising as well as anyone in the business. We look forward to working with him to provide our clients on the East Coast with the highest quality produce and the highest level of merchandising support,” Jacobs said.
Clifford Produce, which first began greenhouse production in 1976, is HAACP and food safety certified. The company specializes in beefsteak, on-the-vine, pink and heirloom tomatoes; red, orange, yellow and green sweet peppers; seedless and baby seedless cucumbers; as well as baby eggplant. Its premium produce is marketed under the Clifford Produce, Paysanne, and the new Family Farms labels. More information is available at www.cliffordproduce.com.
Source: Clifford Produce