Anaheim, Calif. A pioneer in U.S. fresh produce importing earned two recognitions for his contributions to the international produce trade business at an industry reception on Oct. 4. Jack V. Pandol, Sr., will receive Chiles highest presidential award, and was also recognized by Chilean and U.S. fresh fruit industry organizations. The awards were announced at Produce Marketing Associations (PMA) annual International Partners Reception at the 2009 Fresh Summit International Convention & Exposition, held Oct. 2-5.
Chilean Counsel General Jose Manuel Lira announced that Pandol will receive the Bernardo OHiggins Presidential Order of Merit, Chiles highest award; it is conferred at the discretion of the countrys president. Pandol is the first American to ever receive the award, and only the second civilian. The award is named after Chilean soldier-statesman Bernardo OHiggins (1776-1842), who was an integral figure in Chiles war for independence and served as the countrys first director supremo.
Lira announced the Chilean presidential award to family members of the 86-year-old Pandol, who could not personally attend. Representing Pandol at the reception were his nephew, John Pandol, and his grandson, Andrew Pandol. Andrew welcomed the commendations on behalf of his grandfather.
Jack Pandol is chairman emeritus and the retired president of the family-held Pandol organization of fruit growing. The award will be personally presented to him at a later date, as stipulated by government requirements.
Ronald Bown, chairman of Associacion de Exportadores de Chile (ASOEX, the Chilean Exporters Association), and Produce Marketing Association President & CEO Bryan Silbermann also presented Jack Pandol with a joint lifetime achievement award from their organizations. That award was presented in recognition of a lifetime of leadership building strong connections for the fresh produce industry around the world and, in particular, between the United States and Chile.
Jack has been a pioneer throughout his life in connecting the different parts of the global supply chain, said Silbermann. His persistence, his refusal to accept no for an answer, marked his career.
When we asked our government to recognize Jacks contribution to our industry, they immediately agreed to present him with our countrys highest honor, said Bown, describing the Bernardo OHiggins award.
Silbermann noted Pandols leadership role in produce trade, including serving as the first chair of PMAs international trade committee when it was created in 1983.
Pictured left to right: Angelica Pandol; Rodrigo Echeverria, president of Fedefruta (Fruit Growers Federation of Chile); Ronald Bown; Bryan Silbermann (holding the ASOEX/PMA lifetime achievement award); Andrew Pandol; John Pandol; Jose Manuel Lira.
Source: Produce Marketing Association