International Fresh Produce Association Welcomes New Board of Directors for 2026

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has officially announced the lineup of new officers and directors for its 2026 Board of Directors. This esteemed group of volunteer leaders will be confirmed via a ballot shared with IFPA’s membership and will commence their service during the 2025 Global Fresh Produce & Floral Show, scheduled for October 16-18 in Anaheim, California.

Leadership Transition

Guiding the IFPA Board of Directors is the executive committee, set to be led in 2026 by Chair-Elect Patrick Vizzone, founder and managing partner of AgroNovare. Current Board Chair Tammy DeBoer, president of Harris Teeter, will transition to the role of past board chair. During the upcoming Global Produce & Floral Show, Vizzone and DeBoer will reflect on their experiences from the first year of IFPA’s strategic plan and discuss critical industry topics.

Commitment to Industry Advancement

Vizzone articulated the significance of the fresh produce and floral industry in enhancing global health, sustainability, and economic development: “Though our sector plays an essential role, there are still barriers that prevent us from reaching our full potential. Addressing these challenges is a core component of IFPA’s mission—through advocacy, actionable insights, and the unification of our community to tackle common issues.”

He added, “Serving as chair in 2026 is a tremendous honor, and I eagerly anticipate collaborating with the IFPA staff and this distinguished group to champion fresh produce and effectuate meaningful change in our industry and beyond.”

Executive Committee Members

Joining Vizzone on the executive committee are:

• Elyse Lipman, CEO of Lipman Family Farms – 2026 Chair-Elect
• Mohammed Abbas, EVP and COO of Del Monte Fresh Produce – Treasurer
• Steve Grinstead, CEO of FreshEdge – At-Large Executive Committee member and incoming U.S. Council Chair
• Adriëlle Dankier, CEO of Nature’s Pride – At-Large Executive Committee member and incoming Sustainability Council Chair

New Board Appointments

The new board comprises the following chairs for various councils:

• Dean Gall, COO of Premier Fresh Australia – Australia-New Zealand Advisory Board Chair
• Jeff Priebe, VP of Quality Assurance and Food Safety at Danaco Solutions – Food Safety Council Chair
• Jin Ju Wilder, VP of Marketing and Business Development at Vesta Foodservice – Foundation for Fresh Produce Chair
• Adolf Kievet, Managing Director at FreshWorld – South Africa Council Chair
• Steve Grinstead, CEO of FreshEdge – U.S. Council Chair

At-Large Representatives

The following individuals have been appointed as at-large representatives:

• Bernado Calvo, CEO of Sun World International
• Jim DiMenna, President of Red Sun Farms
• Nicolas Moller, Chairman of Hortifrut
• Carlos Oramas, CEO of The Gems Group
• Shawn Peery, VP of Produce at Albertsons

Director Transition

As this new team assembles, several board directors will complete their terms in Anaheim:

• Aribel Aguirre Beck, CFO/CAO at Naturipe Farms
• John Anderson, Chairman, CEO, and Managing Partner at Oppenheimer Group
• Richard Byllaardt, Chairman at Citrus Australia
• Paulina Criticos, CEO, EMEA at Westfalia Fruit
• Bret Erickson, EVP at Little Bear Produce
• Dwight Ferguson, Director at Nourse Farms
• Stefanie Katzman, CEO of Katzman
• Clint Lewis, CEO of AgroFresh Solutions
• Karen Nardozza, CEO of Moxxy Marketing
• Jaco Oosthuizen, CEO at RSA Group
• Jennifer Pulcipher, Director of Food Safety and Compliance at North Bay Produce
• John Simko, President and CEO of Sunshine Bouquet Co.

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