Verdant Technologies has added Maria Howarth and Kyle Palmer to its customer engagement team. They will work directly with retail, foodservice and wholesale partners to drive collaboration and promote the use of its shelf-life extension technology, according to the company.
By improving communication among supply chain decision-makers, Verdant says it aims to demonstrate the value of its freshness technology in helping produce reach consumers efficiently.
“Many of the challenges facing fresh produce today, from food waste to supply chain disruptions to inventory management, affect multiple stakeholders simultaneously,” says Harlan Ewert, director of sales for Verdant Technologies. “Our goal is to help create informed dialogue across the industry so that innovation can move forward more efficiently and deliver benefits to everyone involved.”
Howarth previously served as the senior global marketing director for the California Table Grape Commission, where she led retail marketing programs across the U.S. and 21 export markets. In her role at the commission, she also managed relationships with more than 80 retail organizations and helped drive growth in key international markets through strategic retail initiatives and industry partnerships. Previously, she held marketing leadership positions with Sinclair Systems International and several global brands.
Palmer brings more than 20 years of produce industry experience spanning retail, foodservice, category management, quality assurance and national produce strategy. Most recently, he served in multiple produce management roles at US Foods. Throughout his career, he has worked extensively with retailers, wholesalers, foodservice operators and produce suppliers to develop category growth strategies, improve quality programs and strengthen supply chain performance.
“Maria and Kyle each bring a deep understanding of how decisions are made throughout the produce industry,” Ewert says. “Their experience will help us better educate the marketplace about technologies that reduce waste, improve quality and create value for all supply chain participants. Just as importantly, they understand the importance of collaboration and partnership in driving meaningful industry progress.”
