Los Angeles-based Pacific Trellis Fruit, the owner of the Dulcinea brand, has promoted two of its sales executives.
Rob Markel now serves in the newly created position of vice president of sales for the melon division, and Dan Carapella Jr. is vice president of sales for the fruit division, according to a news release. The promotions reflect the organization’s strategy of delivering partner value, volume growth and reputation as a market leader, the release said.
“Rob and Dan are both proven sales leaders who have shown time and again the ability to bring creative offers and solutions to our customer base, maximizing returns to the growers, and going above and beyond for the organization,” Josh Leichter, CEO of Pacific Trellis Fruit, said in the release. “In their new roles, they will further impact the service levels we provide customers with and lead the Sales teams in their respective categories.”
Leichter said in the release that the promotions and new positions signify the ongoing sales growth the company has experienced.
“We are excited to have Rob and Dan leading the teams,” Leichter said in the release. “Their experience, dedication, and ability to get things done will assist our group’s efforts and strategy to continue to elevate our business, as well as growing the Dulcinea brand with high quality products targeting flavor and consumer satisfaction while providing first-class customer service. We are pleased to welcome both to their new roles.”
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Background
Specializing in melons, Markel has worked for Pacific Trellis Fruit for the past 25 years, according to the release, with extensive knowledge of growing operations, logistics, customer base, and sales management.
“We have a strong brand, and our team works diligently to provide our Fruit of Legendary Perfection,” Markel said in the release. “I look forward to working more closely with the sales group and our operations to drive both customer and consumer satisfaction while providing value to our grower partners.”
Carapella has led Pacific Trellis Fruit’s efforts and provided direction in his role as director of special projects, leading strategic initiatives for the company, the release said. He has led the East Coast sales team and the transportation department among other sales management functions, the release said.
With over 20 years of experience with companies including Oppenheimer, Fisher Capespan, Sbrocco International, and the last five years with Pacific Trellis Fruit, Carapella will now oversee the entire fruit division sales team, according to the release.
“We are very fortunate to have such a talented and dedicated sales team that provides industry-leading service to our customers and grower partners,” Carapella said in the release. “I am extremely excited to lead this group and take our sales efforts to the next level.”


