Produce industry stalwart Al Vangelos remembered as respected leader

The fresh produce industry is remembering longtime industry leader Allen “Al” James Vangelos, whose career spanned over 50 years. Vangelos, 92, died Sept. 5, according to an obituary announcement.

Vangelos and his wife, Mary, moved from St. Louis to Northern California in 1959 as he started work in the produce business for Birdseye. He later joined Dole Foods Corp.'s processing division and was then transferred to the fresh pineapple and vegetable side of the business. He more than 25 years with Dole, and as company president he helped facilitate the sale of Bud Antle Lettuce to Dole Veg in the late 1970s.

In 1987, Vangelos had the opportunity to become CEO and president of Calavo Growers. He spent 11 years with Calavo, where he built the co-op and their avocado business to become the largest avocado supplier in California, according to the announcement. He pioneered avocados being packed and shipped from Mexico by opening the first packing shed there.

In 2000, after leaving Calavo, Vangelos and partners opened Novelle Consulting LLC, a management consulting group in the global produce industry.

He enjoyed sharing stories of working with the Russian government, opening the first branded cooperative for potatoes and meeting with the country's leaders, including Mikhail Gorbachev. This was during the time when Russia was considering becoming a democracy, and he was proud of his work in Russia as the brands he developed still exist today, the announcement said.

In 2002, Vangelos became president and CEO of US Harvest Green Inc., a company that largely invested in fresh produce businesses.

In 2008 he began serving as president and CEO of Sun World International. He transitioned the company to become solely a developer and grower of grape varieties and proprietary grapes, and led it through a company sale, according to the announcement.

Vangelos served on multiple boards of directors, including for BC Hothouse as chairman, Sun World International, Key and Co., Naturipe Growers, and the Russian Farm Project. He also was elected chairman of United Fresh Produce Association, one of the International Fresh Produce Association's legacy organizations.

“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,” retired United Fresh CEO and retired IFPA co-CEO Tom Stenzel said in a statement. “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.”

Vangelos is survived by Mary, his wife of 70 years; six children (Jim, Mary Kaye, Chris, Vasi, Dan and Steve); 14 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. His sons Jim and Chris are active in the produce industry, and Vangelos was able to work alongside them on many projects during the past 30 years.

A memorial funeral and celebration is planned for 11 a.m. local time Tuesday, Sept. 17 at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Dana Point, Calif.