BIRMINGHAM, AL - Alex Kontos Fruit Company and Flavor-Pic Tomato Company have announced over two-decade industry veteran, Michael Prather, has joined as the new Director of Sales and Marketing.

“Mike Prather has over 20 years of retail experience to date. He started his retail journey while he attended High School as a bagger for the local grocery store,” said John Kontos, President of Alex Kontos Fruit Company. “Within ten years, Prather had worked his way to Sr. Category Manager of Produce, along with a Degree in Computer Sciences. His work ethic, determination to succeed, and his attention to detail are qualities that accelerated our recent promotion to Director.”

Since joining Alex Kontos’ team, John says Prather has developed and delivered outstanding food safety programs for the fruit company. The company’s programs have consistently received high auditing scores from these utilized programs, according to a press release, which then ensure that customers recieve the safest product available. 

“Our companies are also in complete compliance with The Global Food Safety Initiatives and The Produce Traceability Initiatives, and just as Prather excelled our food safety programs, he lead and directed exceptionally well,” John continued. “Prather began and guided our Sustainability Program, which continuously strengthens our company in valuable and vitals ways.”

Prather is currently working alongside Auburn University and The Alabama Extension Service to help create and develop programs for the different Agriculturalists. The company said these actions have helped create food safety plans and training programs; as well as training programs for our local Alabama farmers in ethical and sustainability sourcing.

In addition to his service in the retail industry, Prather served on the SEPC Board of Directors from the early days of its forming starting in 2000 through 2006.

Alex Kontos Fruit Company Flavor-Pic Tomato Company