IFPA mourns United Fresh leader’s death
The produce industry is mourning the death of a longtime produce leader.
Al Vangelos, a past chair of the United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association, an International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), legacy organization, has died.
Vangelos possessed 35 years experience in the fresh produce industry, including processed foods. He was a Dole Foods Corp. executive For 11 years, Vangelos was president and CEO of Calavo Growers, a large avocado growers cooperative. He was president and CEO of Sun World Inc., chairman of BC Hothouse Foods, and chairman and CEO of Premier Valley Foods.
Al and Mary Vangelos
Throughout his career, Vangelos served on boards and leadership in food industry organizations where he worked to influence regulations supporting the produce industry.
In recent years, Vangelos was co-founder and principal of Novelle Consulting LLC, based in Laguna Beach, California.
“Al was a consummate professional and volunteer leader who was widely respected among his peers for his insights and ability to identify opportunities and challenges before they were visible,” Tom Stenzel, a retired United Fresh/ IFPA CEO, said in a news release. “When I joined United right after he completed his chairmanship in 1992, Al reached out to bring me into his professional network and was a mentor to me and so many others throughout his long career.”