After nearly 50 years in the fresh produce industry, Craig Laker is retiring at the end of the year.
Laker, director of sales for Camarillo, Calif.-based Houweling’s Group, was recognized for his career by Kevin Doran, Houweling’s Group CEO.
Laker began his produce career as a teenager in 1970 at Loblaws, according to the release. He was hired by Sunkist in 1976 and then Horne and Pitfield Foods in 1978. Laker joined BC Hot House Foods Inc. 1985, according to the release.
In 2010, Craig moved from BC Hot House Foods Inc. to join Houweling’s in Delta, British Columbia, according to the release. A year later, Laker, with his wife Jill, relocated to Camarillo, Calif., where Houweling’s 125 acre year-round greenhouse farm is located.
“Craig and I go back to my first days in the greenhouse industry,” Doran said in a news release. “Already seasoned then, he invested in sharing his knowledge and helping to build our successes. When coming to Houweling’s in late 2014, Craig’s presence on the team was a welcomed and familiar sight. It has been a pleasure and while he will be missed on our team, I know he and Jill will be enjoying their retirement.”
Another co-worker praised Laker’s contribution.
“I have been extremely fortunate to have worked closely with Craig for over 20 years,” Mike Reed, executive vice president of sales at Houweling’s Group, said in the release. “He taught me a great deal about the industry and truly had a passion and commitment to the business and for his fellow teammates.”
