IRVINE, CA - With the warm days of summer beginning to wind down, so too is the California avocado season. After shipping nearly 263 million lbs of avocados as of August 14, the California Avocado Commission (CAC) is preparing for its 2023 season with the appointment of Ken Melban as its new interim President following the retirement of Tom Bellamore earlier this year.

Melban joined CAC in 2011, bringing extensive produce industry experience to the organization, a release explained. Prior to becoming interim President, he served as Commission Vice President, Industry Affairs, focusing on the needs of California Avocado growers including communications, government affairs and advocacy, food safety, and export development. He also has oversight of production research for the organization.

Prior to joining the Commission, Melban worked in the areas of crisis management, marketing, and public relations.

“As we head into planning for the 2023 California avocado season, the California Avocado Commission Board of Directors is continuing its search for our next President,” said Rob Grether, Chair of the Commission Board of Directors. “We are very pleased that CAC’s Ken Melban accepted our invitation to serve as interim President of the organization.”

With Melban’s appointment and the end of the season approaching, CAC is now shifting its marketing support to off-season mode after garnering 62 million impressions for retailers who merchandised the fruit during the 2022 season.

Congratulations to Ken Melban on this appointment and CAC on a successful season!

California Avocado Commission