Salinas. CA – The United Vegetable Growers Cooperative (UVGC) recently announced the hiring of it's first full time CEO, Eric Schwartz. Mr. Schwartz is an industry veteran with over thirty-years of experience in fresh, processed, and frozen vegetables and fruit, and frozen meals. He also brings a depth of experience in branded and private label products, in both domestic and international settings. Past positions held include CEO, Patterson Vegetable Company, and President, Dole Fresh Vegetables. Most recently Mr. Schwartz was the principle at OMS, a consulting business providing management support for court appointed receiverships, and private equity companies targeting the processed vegetable industry.
Tony Alameda, the current Cooperative Board President said that the board felt it was time to initiate a full time focus. "In the past we had success with various members managing our strategic direction in addition to managing their own business."
Mr. Alameda went on to say, " Due to the recent growth in our membership and the complex issues we face in vegetable production, the board determined that a full time focus was needed. Eric provides insight and the bridge we need between growing, processing, and the end users in retail and food service".
United Vegetable Growers Cooperative is a non-profit agriculture cooperative focusing on leafy greens and row crop vegetable production in the western United States. Both conventional and organic products are represented and membership is not limited to California.
For more information about membership or benefits please call 831-809-2322, or send inquiries to ericschwartz.oms@comcast.net
Source: United Vegetable Growers Cooperative