NOGALES, AZ - A distinguished industry figure has gained well-deserved posthumous recognition as the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas honors Emilia Gotsis, Founder of Omega Produce, as Pillar of the FPAA.

“My aunt was a woman ahead of her time; she was the epitome of hard work and class, and it was her wit and grace that helped grow Omega into a reputable company,” Celida Gotsis, President of Omega Produce Company, stated. “What I admire the most about her was that she always had a seat at the table. My Aunt Emilia immersed herself into a male-dominated industry and was successful in forging her own path.”

Emilia Gotsis will be officially honored with this prestigious recognition on November 2, 2023.

The Pillar of the FPAA honors individuals who made a contribution to the association and industry over the course of their lifetimes, a press release explained.

“In 1950, Emilia founded Omega Produce. Prior to that, she had worked with other produce companies in the old downtown Nogales and was one of the few women involved in the industry at the time,” said Nick Gotsis, Emilia’s nephew and Vice President of Sales at Omega. “After many years of long 16-hour days, after founding Omega Produce, Emilia cemented her reputation through her diligence, dedication, and intelligence. I was proud to work alongside her from 1986–1998.”

Emilia continued her work with Omega until her death in 1998. Her brother George, also a Pillar of the FPAA, joined Omega as a partner in 1951.

Cheers to the legacy of this beloved industry trailblazer!

Fresh Produce Association of the Americas