Del Monte executive to keynote at United FreshMKT

The United Fresh Produce Association has lined up Del Monte Fresh Produce Inc.'s Emanuel Lazopoulos as the keynote speaker at this year’s United FreshMKT Conference June 25 in Chicago.

Lazopoulos is senior vice president, North America, sales, marketing and product management for Del Monte.

He joined the Coral Gables, Fla.-based company in 2003 as vice president of fresh-cut, according to a news release. Two years later, he was promoted to his current role, where he oversees product and business management for Del Monte Fresh North America’s major categories, including the recently acquired Mann Packing Co.

Lazopoulos is also in charge of all sales and marketing programs for North America, according to the release.

Before joining Del Monte, Lazopoulos was one of three managing directors who in 1996 founded and co-owned NewStar Fresh Foods LLC in Salinas, Calif.

Lazopoulos began his produce industry career out of college in 1979 at Castle & Cooke Inc. — now Dole Food Co. — where he ended up as vice president of sales for Dole Fresh Vegetables/Salads.

The United FreshMKT Conference runs from noon to 5:00 p.m. June 25 at McCormick Place, and includes education sessions on consumer marketing, the changing retail landscape, and food media, acording to the release.

During the conference attendees can explore the United FreshMKT Snack Break with exhibitors showing their grab-n-go and snacking solutions, according to the release. The conference concludes with the presentation of the United FreshMKT Achievement Award honoring an individual who has made significant technical contributions to the fresh produce industry.

Registration for the United FreshMKT Expo & Conference is now open.