After 8.5 years with berry industry leader Naturipe Farms, the company's executive vice president of marketing Robert Verloop has decided to step down from the role, effective today.

Robert Verloop

Verloop joined the grower-owned group in February 2008 as a member of the executive management team, and was responsible for global brand management, marketing, corporate communications, new product development and innovation, while also leading the strategic planning team.

More recently, he also served as the COO of Naturipe Brands LLC – a Naturipe Farms subsidiary, where he was responsible for the development of new strategic business units, leveraging the Naturipe brand and infrastructure.

"It’s hard to quantify all the contributions Robert made in his time at Naturipe," Naturipe Farms CEO Dwight Ferguson said in a release.

"His impact on our marketing and strategy at Naturipe Farms and our subsidiaries has been significant and lasting."

Ferguson said Verloop was leaving the company well-positioned for success, and on behalf of the whole Naturipe team wished him the best in his personal and professional future.

“After returning from my 23rd PMA Fresh Summit, I looked over the goals we have accomplished and the objectives that we have met over the last 8 ½ years, and in talking with Dwight, we both agreed that now was the right time for me to step aside," Verloop said.

"My immediate plans are to take off some time over the holidays, work on my golf game, spend time with my family, do some traveling and volunteer work and explore new opportunities and challenges."

Naturipe Farms chairman of the board David Munger also thanked Verloop for his years of "excellent service".

"His contributions have made us a better company, especially for the benefit of our Customers, Consumers, Growers and Employees," Munger said.

"It is impossible to put into words how much I have enjoyed working for the Naturipe organization. This is a very unique business model that balances the grower needs, with those of our customers, and consumers," Verloop added.

"It has been an honor and a privilege to work alongside our distinguished growers and staff, and be part of the incredible growth Naturipe Farms has seen over the years."

Prior to joining Naturipe Farms, Verloop was the former vice president of global larketing and Licensing for Sunkist Growers, Inc., and he started his marketing and management career as vice president of the California Avocado Commission.

Verloop has served on the board of directors for the Produce Marketing Association (PMA), Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA), the Produce For Better Health Foundation (PBH), and is a frequent speaker and moderator at produce industry events.

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