California Table Grape Commission appoints senior marketing director

Maria Montalvo is stepping into an expanded role, supporting current promotions and consumer communications as well as growing export markets to include Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Headshot of Maria Montalvo. Photo: Courtesy of California Table Grape Commission
Headshot of Maria Montalvo. Photo: Courtesy of California Table Grape Commission
(Photo: Courtesy of California Table Grape Commission)

In the latest move to strengthen the global marketing focus of the Fresno, Calif.-based California Table Grape Commission, Maria Montalvo has been promoted to senior marketing director, according to a news release.

“Maria’s role in the global marketing of California table grapes continues to expand for the very good reason that she is a talent,” Kathleen Nave, president of the commission, said in the release. “She is a key member of a high performing team that is bringing new ideas and new energy to retail and consumer work in markets around the world.”

In her new role, Montalvo will continue to develop retail promotion initiatives and consumer communication strategies to help move California table grapes throughout the U.S., Central America and Mexico while expanding her export market portfolio to include Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Related news: What’s ahead for table grape, cherry breeding

Montalvo’s promotion to senior marketing director is the result of continued efforts by the commission to center its marketing work around a core team of people dedicated to driving demand of California grapes and delivering key commission messaging in U.S. and key export markets, according to the release.

Montalvo joined the commission in 2019 and has over 20 years of marketing, promotion and sales experience.

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