Paramus, N.J.-based Classic Harvest has added Chris DeSana as senior director of sales for deciduous fruit.
In the newly created position, DeSana will lead Classic Harvest’s initiatives in the deciduous arena, according to a news release, with an emphasis on table grapes from the Southern Hemisphere.
Before joining Classic Harvest, DeSana had worked for a variety of firms, including Sunkist, U.S. Produce Exchange, Sbrocco Int., Seald Sweet and, most recently, Pacific Trellis as that company’s East Coast import and sales manager, according to the release.
For Classic Harvest, DeSana will be based from a newly opened office in southern New Jersey, according to the release.
“We are thrilled that Chris has chosen to join our team,” Adam Behar, managing general partner, said in the release. “His success in both sales and procurement - not only in grapes but also in citrus - fits our strategic goals. Since starting Classic Harvest five years ago, we have focused on being a year-round grower direct marketer of citrus and grapes. Adding Chris takes our grape program to the next level.”
In the release, DeSana projects the company’s import grape volumes will increase 35% over last year with additional grapes from Peru and Chile. The biggest volume of fruit will come to Philadelphia, according to the release, but some programs will arrive on the West Coast.
The first arrivals of timpson and allison variety grapes are expected in early December, according to the release.
“I am excited to join Adam, Linda, Jennifer and the rest of the team as we continue to pave a long-term sustainable path to prosperity not only for Classic Harvest but also for our retail and grower partners,” DeSana said in the release. “I’m thrilled to come on board just as the import season begins with fruit arriving from Peru next week. I also look forward to expanding Classic’s Mexico and California programs as part of a twelve-month strategic plan.”
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