Sep 9, 2024

Longtime produce leader mourned

The produce industry is mourning the death of a longtime produce leader.

Al Vangelos, a past chair of the United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association, an International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), legacy organization, has died.

Vangelos possessed 35 years experience in the fresh produce industry, including processed foods. He was a Dole Foods Corp. executive  For 11 years, Vangelos was president and CEO of Calavo Growers, a large avocado growers cooperative. He was president and CEO of Sun World Inc., chairman of BC Hothouse Foods, and chairman and CEO of Premier Valley Foods.

Vangelos chaired United Fresh in 1991. He was chairman of United Fresh’s Grower-Shipper Board in 2008.  In 2009, he was honored by an industry publication as its Produce Man for All Seasons award.

Throughout his career, Vangelos served on boards and leadership in food industry organizations where he worked to influence regulations supporting the produce industry.

In recent years, Vangelos was co-founder and principal of Novelle Consulting LLC, based in Laguna Beach, California.

“Al was a consummate professional and volunteer leader who was widely respected among his peers for his insights and ability to identify opportunities and challenges before they were visible,” Tom Stenzel, a retired United Fresh/ IFPA CEO, said in a news release.  “When I joined United right after he completed his chairmanship in 1992, Al reached out to bring me into his professional network and was a mentor to me and so many others throughout his long career.”

A memorial funeral and celebration is scheduled for Sept. 17 at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Dana Point, California.