Soledad, Calif.-based Braga Fresh has promoted Colby Pereira to chief operating officer, making her the first person to hold that title in the company’s 95 years growing fresh produce.
“Colby’s family farming background and reasoned, no-nonsense approach to problem-solving are an asset for this new position,” Rod Braga, CEO at Braga Fresh, said in a news release. “Her leadership and team building capabilities are instrumental to our continuous growth and success.”
Pereira joined Braga Fresh in 2020 as vice president of operations. In addition to managing the farming, harvesting, shipping and processing operations, Pereira also led the COVID response team, according to the release.
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The leadership updates come on the heels of Braga Fresh’s expansion of its value-add capabilities with the Josie’s Organics brand. Today, the company has more than 1,600 employees, a sizable organic and conventional land base, two processing facilities and four shipping locations, according to the release. As COO, Pereira will be responsible for driving strategic initiatives to continue the company’s growth, according to the release.
“Colby has been an integral part of the team, working across multiple departments giving her a diverse understanding of our complex business,” Braga said in the release. “She will guide the team in creating a sustainable roadmap for the future.”
Pereira has a rich background in agriculture and is a recognized leader who serves on multiple industry and community boards, according to the release. She attributes her passion for agriculture to her grandfather, Anthony Costa, a pioneer in the Salinas valley.
