California Giant Berry Farms, Watsonville, Calif., has hired Alan Ediger as vice president of sales and Jay Brown as chief financial officer.
Ediger has 25 years of experience in the produce industry, most recently as vice president of sales for Taylor Farms’ deli division, and chief commercial officer at Earthbound Farm before that. His career also includes roles at Dole Berry Co., Dole Fresh Vegetables, Ready Pac Produce and Fresh Express.
His expertise includes all commercial functions, from sales to marketing, research and development, customer service and demand planning.
“His experience with developing business and strengthening relationships with the top retail and foodservice customers in North America, along with category management and business analyst knowhow will prove vital as we continue to grow our berry supply and become more strategic with our key customers,” Joe Barsi, president of California Giant, said in the release.
Brown mostly recently was chief financial officer and partner at Church Brothers Farms/True Leaf Holdings, where he was at for 16 years.
He has led financial and accounting functions at other companies, including a grower-shipper, harvesting company and other farming organizations, according to the news release.
“Jay has detailed knowledge as a CFO with family owned produce companies,” Barsi said in the release. “His experience of building businesses from the ground up and managing the accounting and financial functions of multiple company entities fits well with our company culture.”
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