SANTA PAULA, CA - A significant leadership transition is underway at Calavo Growers as Danny Dumas has been named Senior Vice President and General Manager of Calavo Grown, effective July 11. He steps into this position as 49-year company veteran Robert Wedin has announced his retirement.

“I’m excited about assuming this new role at a time when I can have a real impact on Calavo’s long-term growth,” Dumas said. “I’m looking forward to working with our customers to provide consumers with the on-trend, healthy foods they seek.”

Dumas has been a member of the produce industry for over 30 years, having gathered a large part of his experience at Fresh Del Monte Produce, having held roles including Senior Vice President North American Sales, Marketing and Product Management, Vice President Sales - Canada, and Vice President Operations Fresh (Europe and Africa). Most recently, he served as President of Courchesne Larose USA, a press release explained.

Back in April 2022, Calavo announced it would be reorganizing its business into two segments, Grown and Prepared, with a Senior Vice President and General Manager responsible for each. Dumas will head the Grown segment consisting of fresh avocados, tomatoes, and papayas in his new role.

“We are fortunate to have someone with Danny’s experience and capabilities join the team,” commented Brian W. Kocher, President and Chief Executive Officer. “His knowledge of fresh produce sales, marketing, and operations will be an asset to the company as we move forward under our new segment structure that aligns product fulfillment responsibilities with P&L management.”

Dumas takes over this role from Wedin, who played a crucial role in expanding Calavo’s line of high-growth avocados and related commodity foods. Throughout his time with the company, he has remained a steady and consistent guide, always working to find winning solutions for its customers, growers, and company.

He currently serves as Chairman of the Hass Avocado Board Global Data Committee and is a former Executive Committee member at producesupply.org. Wedin is also the past Director of the California Avocado Commission and past Chairman of the Avocado Inspection Committee.

“I’m truly fortunate that I’ve had such a long and successful career at one company, but after nearly 50 years, it’s time for me to take a step back,” Wedin said. “The people at Calavo are like a family to me, and while I will miss seeing everyone every day, I’m looking forward to this next chapter.”

Kocher also commented on Wedin’s retirement.

“I want to thank Rob Wedin for his nearly 50 years of service to Calavo,” he said. “Rob has been looking forward to his retirement for some time, and I appreciate that he has not only continued working until we filled his role, he also agreed to stay on through the end of the year as an adviser through the transition.”

Best of luck to Danny Dumas and Robert Wedin as they start down these new pathways.

Calavo Growers