The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas announced Oct. 31 that Pedro Francisco Batiz Guillen will receive the Pillar of the Industry Award at its 2025 Annual Meeting.
Batiz is a distinguished veteran of the produce industry whose career has been defined by leadership, partnership and mentorship, FPAA says. Born on Oct. 19, 1957 in Mexico, Batiz married Maria Clarissa Mexia Salido, and together they moved to Arizona, where they raised their three childre: Pedro, Clarissa and Isabella. In 1998, the family relocated from Nogales, Ariz., to San Diego, Calif., where Pedro continued to thrive and contribute to the produce industry.
Batiz began his journey in produce at just 17 years old and went on to co-found RB Packing and later Divine Flavor, alongside Alán Aguirre Sr. and Carlos Bon Sr. These companies helped reshape the fresh produce landscape and established new standards of quality and integrity in cross-border fruit and vegetable distribution.
Beyond his business achievements, Batiz has profoundly impacted individuals throughout his career. His friend and business partner, Carlos Bon Jr., says: “I can write a book about Pedro Batiz. He stands for faith and resilience… He can really bring out the best of everyone in a work group.”
Batiz’s brother, Rodolfo Batiz, echoed this sentiment, stating that Batiz “had an obsessive focus about the customer. He wanted to know strategically what they wanted, and he was always listening so as he could bring value-added items to the market ahead of their time.”
Throughout his decades-long career, Batiz has been known for his honesty, loyalty, strong work ethic and unwavering support for others — through both challenging and prosperous times. His leadership and character have earned him deep respect across the industry, from colleagues and growers to customers and even competitors.
The Pillar of the FPAA symbolizes not just decades of hard work and passion, but also the legacy he leaves behind — for his family, for the industry, and for every life he has touched along the way.
Longtime friend Alex Suarez had this to say: “Years ago, my friend Pedro shared a piece of wisdom I’ve never forgotten: ‘Do good work, stay humble, and let your impact speak louder than your words.’ It’s advice that embodies who he is and why he’s being honored today.”
