Nogales produce pioneer Emilia Gotsis to be honored as Pillar of the FPAA

The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas plans to honor the late Emilia Gotsis, founder of Omega Produce in Nogales, Ariz., as a Pillar of the FPAA on Nov. 2.

The Pillar of the FPAA recognizes individuals who contributed to the association and industry over the course of their lifetimes, according to a news release.

Gotsis was an inspiration to many, especially in a time when few women started their own produce companies, J. Nick Gotsis, vice president of sales at Omega Produce, said in the release.

“In 1950, Emilia founded Omega Produce,” he said. “Prior to that, she had worked with other produce companies in the old downtown Nogales and was one of the few women involved in the industry at the time.”

Gotsis cemented her reputation through her diligence, dedication and intelligence, J. Nick Gotsis said in the release.

Gotsis continued her work with Omega Produce until her death in 1998, the release said. Her brother George, also a Pillar of the FPAA, joined Omega Produce as a partner in 1951.

“My aunt was a woman ahead of her time; she was the epitome of hard work and class, and it was her wit and grace that helped grow Omega into a reputable company,” Celida Gotsis, president of Omega Produce, said in the release. “What I admire the most about her was that she always had a seat at the table. My Aunt Emilia immersed herself into a male-dominated industry and was successful in forging her own path.”