Produce industry veteran Dan Branson dies

Mucci Farms has announced the passing of Dan Branson, senior director of business and product development for the Kingsville, Ontario-based greenhouse grower. He died March 11, a news release said. 

Branson joined Mucci Farms in August 2021 after a long career in the produce industry, most notably with Loblaw Cos. 

“We have worked with Dan on both sides of the business for nearly 20 years,” CEO Bert Mucci said in the release. “More than a great produce executive, he was also a fine man [who] was well liked by everyone. We are heartbroken for his family and offer our deepest condolences to them.”

Mucci Farms’ relationship with Branson started long before his employment with the company, as he was a key figure in spearheading numerous programs as a retail executive, including the innovative greenhouse strawberry project, according to the release. Since joining the supply side of the industry, he greatly assisted the sales and marketing teams with his extensive understanding of the retail environment. He enthusiastically offered his insights on a variety of topics both internally and externally, with a special passion for the major global challenges of the day, the release said.

Branson was a “forward-thinker and thought leader” who served as a board member for the Canadian Produce Marketing Association, and he will be missed in every corner of the produce industry, the release said.

“Dan was more than a colleague, he was a dear friend,” Joe Spano, Mucci managing partner and vice president of sales and marketing, said in the release. “He made a lasting impression on the Mucci Farms family and the expertise he eagerly shared with our team will continue to serve the company for many years. We will miss him dearly.”

Branson, 57, leaves behind his mother and son. Funeral details will be made available on the Mucci Farms LinkedIn and Facebook pages when they are available.