Bob Von Rohr retired from his position as director of marketing and customer relations at Glassboro, N.J.-based Sunny Valley International, the culmination of more than 50 years in the produce industry.
Joining Sunny Valley 15 years ago, Von Rohr had transitioned from a 35-year career in supermarket and gourmet specialty retail operations and merchandising, including management roles with Genuardi’s Family Markets, Zagara’s Specialty Stores and Safeway.
“The experience he brought with him from his time in retail made him an invaluable asset,” Francisco Allende, Sunny Valley general manager, said in a news release. “We’ll certainly miss him and wish him the best in retirement.”
Tom Beaver, who joined Sunny Valley International in November as director of sales and marketing, will assume responsibility for the day-to-day leadership of sales and marketing. Beaver previously was director of marketing and development for New Jersey Department of Agriculture. Cecilia Allende, who has been with the company for seven years, will take on additional operations management and grower relations duties, according to the release.
Sunny Valley International is exclusive marketer of blueberries and stone fruit for the Jersey Fruit Cooperative, Larchmont Farms and Gala Farms, and also has an exclusive marketing agreement with Ridge Spring, S.C., stone fruit grower Dixie Belle. The company imports a full line of products including blueberries, table grapes, kiwifruit, pears and citrus.
Von Rohr intends to spend more time with his wife, Marilena, daughter, son-in-law and, in particular, his three grandsons, according to the release.
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