Bonduelle Fresh Americas hires VP of ag operations

Bonduelle Fresh Americas has hired Omar Bobadilla as vice president of agriculture operations for the fresh-cut vegetables and salad processor and producer of fresh produce products, including Ready Pac Bistro brand bowls and salad kits.

In addition to leading agriculture operations, Bobadilla will become a member of Bonduelle’s operations leadership team to further bolster the company’s end-to-end supply chain system and enhance operational synergies, according to a news release. Bobadilla will report to Chief Operating Officer Jon Clancy and will be based in the company’s newly renovated and expanded Salinas Valley location in California.

Bobadilla will be tasked with deepening relationships with grower communities and suppliers across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and South America.  

“Omar’s unique experience combining sourcing and operations in the fresh produce segment further enhances our already well-positioned ag team,” Clancy said in the release. “His impressive track record of improving operational effectiveness while maintaining high standards for food safety, quality and ensuring fresh product supply will benefit the company, its partners and our customers.” 

Bobadilla has nearly 20 years of experience in the fresh produce industry. Most recently he was responsible for managing Dole Fresh Vegetables’ largest processing facility, in Soledad, Calif. His has a track record for improving order fulfillment through collaboration and building synergies across various departments in the supply chain, the release said.

As Bonduelle strengthens its presence in Salinas Valley, Bobadilla’s experience in developing high performance teams will accelerate the company’s continued development of its agricultural operations in the region, according to the release.  

“I am looking forward to working with Jon and the entire Bonduelle Fresh Americas team to elevate our presence and grow our relationships in the Salinas Valley while driving efficiencies across the supply chain,” Bobadilla said in the release. “There is a tremendous amount of opportunity to continue to unlock growth for the company and our grower partners.”

This year Bonduelle is celebrating 170 years of continuous operation under the leadership of members of the Bonduelle family. What’s more, Bonduelle Fresh Americas is a Certified B Corp that collaborates with growers and partners to deliver innovative solutions to feed people's well-being while respecting the planet. Its ability to offer high-quality, plant-based products is only possible thanks to the close partnership and mutual trust with our 2,250 farmer partners in the U.S. and around the world, the release said.