PENNSYLVANIA - As fresh mushrooms gain momentum in the marketplace, the Mushroom Council is expanding its marketing team with the addition of two seasoned produce marketing leaders.

Cristie Mather steps in as Vice President of Marketing, and Adriane Rippberger joins as Director of Marketing. Together, they bring decades of expertise in fresh produce marketing and commodity board strategy, positioning the Council to drive even greater awareness and demand for fresh mushrooms.

Both will play key roles in leading the Mushroom Council’s marketing and communications efforts, including consumer, trade and industry programs.

“There has never been more interest, conversation and culinary innovation surrounding fresh mushrooms,” said Amy Wood, Mushroom Council President and CEO, in a recent press release. “Cristie and Adriane are seasoned pros at transforming ideas into action - helping turn emerging trends in the food space into everyday choices. Their expertise will be instrumental in making fresh mushrooms even more top-of-mind for consumers and trade partners alike.”

Collectively in their careers, Mather and Rippberger have helped shape marketing strategies for dozens of food and beverage organizations over the years both at agencies and in-house, including commodity boards, brands and associations representing apples, avocados, berries, dairy, grapes, pears, watermelon, potatoes, nuts and more.