The International Fresh Produce Association has issued a release mourning the death of Ron Carkoski, retired CEO of Four Seasons Produce and a past chair of United Fresh Produce Association, an IFPA legacy organization. He also was a member of the industrywide Produce Traceability Initiative.
As chair of United, Carkoski led the development of UFPA’s strategic plan and the evolution of the United Fresh Start Foundation to focus on improving child nutrition, according to a release.
Prior to becoming chair of United in 2014, Carkoski was vice chair and chair of the United Fresh Wholesaler-Distributor Board, where he was instrumental in developing education and resources for the benefit of this market segment.
The “epitome of a volunteer with a servant’s heart and approach to helping the industry improve,” IFPA said Carkoski equally valued the many relationships he developed with colleagues throughout the supply chain.
“Produce is a business built on relationships, and relationships are built on trust,” Carkoski once said. “Trust is built on ethics and integrity. Regardless of how many agreements are signed and in place, if true and solid relationships do not exist, the rest doesn’t matter. If someone does make the effort to build those relationships, the produce industry is a wonderful business to build a career.”
Carkoski was recognized as The Packer’s Produce Person of the Year in 2015 and received United’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019.
“Ron was a leader who was always looking for ways to make our industry better,” said IFPA CEO Cathy Burns. “I enjoyed time spent with him at industry events and at Four Seasons, where he was very generous in hosting several PMA and United staff visits to their family of businesses to give line of sight to the daily workings of a fresh produce distributor. He leaves behind quite a legacy and we extend our deepest condolences and prayers to his family and friends.”
