Roe receives Florida Citrus Packers’ highest honor

Maitland, Fla.-based Florida Citrus Packers honored Quentin J. Roe with its John T. Lesley Award for Excellence Aug. 25 during Packinghouse Day.

The John T. Lesley Award is the organization’s highest recognition, reserved for individuals making sustained and outstanding contributions to Florida’s fresh citrus industry, according to a news release.

“Quentin’s love of Florida citrus and Florida specialty fruit is legendary,”  Peter Chaires, executive vice president, said in the release. “His career was built through hard work and tenacity, but also through relationship-building and investing in others. Florida Citrus Packers congratulates him on this well-deserving award.”

Roe is known for his innovative marketing, packaging and merchandising expertise. He continually demonstrates a keen understanding of every aspect of fresh citrus production, packing, shipping and sales, according to the release.

Active in various industry associations for decades, Roe has given his time and talents to serve as president of Florida Citrus Packers; board member and chairman of New Varieties Development & Management Corp.; board and executive committee member of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association; and member of the Citrus Administrative Committee, overseeing a federal marketing order for fresh Florida citrus. He also previously served on the Florida Citrus Commission, beginning his term in 1991.