Santa Maria, Calif.-based Main Street Produce, also known as Freshway Farms, has hired Mark Murai as CEO for the vertically integrated berry grower-shipper.
Murai grew up in the strawberry business and has 40 years of industry experience with berries and other fresh produce, according to a news release. He previously held senior-level management positions with Prima Wawona, SunOpta and Sunrise Growers.
Murai will succeed retiring CEO Paul Allen, who will remain an active board member and maintain key relationships for the company, the release said.
“Mark’s broad experience allows him to understand the berry industry in a way that few people do,” Allen said. “He is also a person of strong ethics and integrity, and I am confident that he is going to be an excellent fit for Main Street’s culture, which is important because that culture has been a big part of our success for decades.
Allen said the company is in growth mode, with a plan to supply all four berries to its customers year-round.
“I am confident that Mark has the ability to execute this plan,” he said. “After starting Main Street Produce 41 years ago with my father, Alton Allen, I admit that it is hard to step back, but bringing on someone of Mark’s exceptional caliber and integrity fills me with confidence that Main Street is in good hands and will continue to have a bright future ahead. I know that my father would be very pleased.”
Murai served as president of the California Strawberry Commission for seven years, president of Calberi for seven years and president of Murai Farms for eight years. He is a past appointee to the USDA Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade, the USDA Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee, and the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board.
“We are extremely impressed with Mark’s integrity, leadership experience and style, growth vision and passion for this dynamic industry,” said Stephen Smith, a member of the board of directors. “We have no doubt that Mark’s honesty, strong reputation and strategic insight will inspire the continuation of Main Street’s tradition of quality and sustainability built by the Allen family and all of the company’s fantastic employees to better serve our valued customers.”
Murai said Main Street Produce’s “history and reputation for quality is well established.”
“I’m fortunate to have worked in the berry category throughout my career and recognize that Main Street’s strong foundation along with Farmers Gate’s support affords us tremendous opportunity,” he said. “Surrounded by a strong board, our management team will look to capitalize on the Allen family’s 50 years of integrity, experience and success to take advantage of the many opportunities in this every changing industry. Main Street’s vibrant culture and noble personal values are a perfect fit for me and give me great confidence for taking this already excellent business to the next level.”
