Fresh Produce Association of the Americas Presents Bill Sykes With 2022 Pillar of the Industry; Lance Jungmeyer, Leonardo Tarriba, and Lesley Sykes Detail
NOGALES, AZ - A long-time produce leader will be gaining the spotlight at the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) Nogales Produce Convention & Golf Tournament on November 4. The FPAA has awarded the 2022 Pillar of the Industry recognition to Bill Sykes, Founder and Vice President of The Sykes Company.
With a career spanning 48 years in fresh produce, Sykes is a seasoned veteran who has played an active role in the industry, in addition to serving as Chairman and Vice Chairman at the FPAA and 10 years on the Board of Directors. In 1978, he founded The Sykes Company, which has developed a reputation for its high-quality table grapes, and now squash and watermelon.
As explained in a press release, Sykes was actively involved in a number of industry issues.
Some involvements include Country of Origin Labeling, the Superior Grape patent issues with Superior Farms in California, the Southern California Avocado Growers campaign to stop import of Mexican avocados, the Coachella Table Grape Association’s attempt to get relief from damages from Mexican table grape imports, and many other international issues.
“Bill Sykes was a consequential leader,” said FPAA President Lance Jungmeyer. “Ensuring market access for Members’ fresh produce is the most vital function of FPAA. Then, like today, protectionist forces sought to limit Mexican fruits and vegetables, and Bill led the FPAA delegation on numerous trips to keep the market flowing.”
This award highlights the accomplishments of an industry member who has exhibited a history of volunteering time, effort, and impactful contributions to support the association and the fresh produce sector.
“Bill is the kind of man people are able to rally around. In a crucial time, he was able to bring together all of our voices,” said FPAA’s current Chairman, Leonardo Tarriba of Farmer’s Best. “He provided a great example to many of the people who have served on the Board or been Chairman since.”
Sykes currently serves as a mentor to his daughter, Lesley Sykes, who is now responsible for day-to-day operations.
“My dad’s motto has always been ‘be proactive and not reactive,’” she noted. “Throughout his career, he’s been great at taking calculated risks and looking for new opportunities. I’m lucky to have him as a mentor as I continue our family’s legacy in the industry.”
Read more about this influential leader’s extensive career here.
Congratulations to the indelible industry leader!
