From a former DJ turned champion of indoor ag to a self-proclaimed data nerd using analytics to inspire smart decision-making to a greenhouse industry trailblazer — while this year’s Packer 25 honorees represent a diverse group, their personal stories and career paths reveal a common theme: The fresh produce industry is fueled by passionate people committed to sustainability, improving the lives of those who grow our food and increasing consumption of fruit and vegetables.
Two decades ago, The Packer launched this annual edition to recognize the incredible work of incredible people in produce.
Each year, we invite our internal staff and the produce industry at large to nominate distinguished veterans, leaders, innovators and rising stars of the fresh produce industry for the honor.
This year, The Packer is once again shining a light on 25 talented and inspiring people making a difference across the fresh produce supply chain. (Click a name below to view a profile story about that honoree.)
The 2024 Packer 25 includes:
• Billy Augustine — President, All American Produce Co.
• Bryan Barsness — Vice president of sales and marketing, GrubMarket
• Giovanni Cavaletto — U.S. division president, GLC Cerritos
• Lauren Cleaner — Manager for consumer public relations, The Wonderful Company
• Michelle Deleissegues — Senior vice president of marketing, Gem-Pack Berries LLC
• Joe Esta — Vice president, Wada Farms Marketing Group
• Dez Forsythe — Vice president of supply chain, NPC Powered by Foodbuy
• Karin Gardner — Vice president of marketing, Oppy
• Chris Gerlach — Vice president of insights and analytics, U.S. Apple Association
• Madison Hopper — Marketing manager, Equifruit
• Cassie Howard — Senior director of category management and marketing, Sunkist Growers
• Patricia Jimenez — Vice president of contracts, Buyers Edge
• Carl Mastronardi — Co-founder and president, Del Fresco Pure
• Joe Merenda — Co-CEO and president, Misionero
• Davis Mochizuki — National director of Produce, Albertsons
• Jose Luis Obregon — President, IPR Fresh
• Dennis Payne — Director of merchandising produce and floral, The Fresh Market
• Jorge Quintero Jr. — Managing member/founder, Grower Alliance LLC
• Rosey Reuder — Produce and floral buyer, Target
• Ajit Saxena — Communications manager, Mucci Farms
• Daniel Spivey — National director of produce, Sprouts Farmers Market
• Kait Thornton — Fourth-generation orchardist and social media maven
• Josh VanDeWalle — Director of value chain engagement, Bayer Crop Science
• Mitch Wetzel — Vice president of sales and marketing, Sunview Marketing International
