NOGALES, AZ - As The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) maps out its blueprint for the next few years, the association is building a dynamic team of leaders to ensure the organization’s growth. FPAA held its annual meeting on November 4, both virtually and at the Tubac Golf Resort and Spa, during which it elected a new board just prior to the start of the 52nd Nogales Produce Convention and Golf Tournament.

“To serve one another’s interest in the industry is an elevated calling for Members of the FPAA,” said President Lance Jungmeyer. “The FPAA is blessed to have great returning board members as well as some new faces.”

The FPAA membership consists of distributor and associate member companies, according to a press release, and open board seats included two-year terms for eight distributor members and one-year terms for two Associate members. Members had the opportunity to submit nominations for the available seats during the 2021 Annual Meeting. FPAA Chairman, Leonardo Tarriba of Farmer’s Best International, who began the second year of his two-year term, led this portion of the meeting.

Joining Tarriba was Chairman-Elect Rod Sbragia, from Tricar Sales, and Past Chair Scott Vandervoet, from Vandervoet & Associates, who also have one year remaining in their positions.

Two distributors, Omar Losolla of Seeded Produce and Guillermo Martinez of Frello Fresh, were newly elected for a two-year term for 2021–2023.

The following distributors were re-elected for a two-year term:

• Raquel Espinoza of Produce House
• Juan Manuel Ibarra of Marengo Foods
• James Martin of Wilson Produce
• Juan Pablo Molina of Fresh Farms
• Walter Ram of Giumarra Companies
• Mikee Suarez of MAS Melons & Grapes

In addition, multiple other members were appointed to serve a one-year term.

Chuck Thomas of Thomas Produce was re-elected to serve from 2021–2022, and Alejandro Suarez of Suarez Brokerage was newly elected to serve a one-year term.

Several directors still have one year left of their term, including:

• Bobby Astengo of Peppers Plus
• Gonzalo Avila of Malena Produce
• Martin Ley of Shipley Sales
• Matt Mandel of SunFed
• Jose Antonio Martinez of Divine Flavor
• Eric Meyer of Prime Time
• Bert Monteverde Jr. of H.M. Distributing
• Lesley Sykes of The Sykes Co.

Other leaders were also named during the event, as Del Campo Supreme’s Jimmy Munguia was re-elected as Tomato Division Chairman, and Ciruli Brothers’ Chris Ciruli as Mango Division Chairman. Demetrio Kyriakis of K&K International Logistics continues to serve as the FPAA Board Representative of the Nogales U.S. Customs Brokers Association.

Congratulations to all these industry experts, both newly appointed and re-elected, on taking a vital position within the fresh produce industry.

Fresh Produce Association of the Americas