Eric Patrick tapped to head WSFC, strengthen northwest cherry and pear brands

The Washington State Fruit Commission (WSFC) has appointed Eric Patrick as its new president. Patrick will oversee marketing efforts for cherries and canned pears grown in the Northwest, as well as industry education programs.

His appointment is official as of March 2. He succeeds longtime WSFC president B.J. Thurlby, who retired Dec. 31 after 30 years with the commission.

Patrick brings a wealth of experience in the fresh produce industry, which made him an excellent choice to lead the organization forward, said Doug Field, board chair.

“Eric has a deep understanding of our industry. He has helped to market cherries, he’s helped to develop new programs, he understands sales and marketing and has relationships with many of the key players in our industry and with Northwest Cherries,” added Field. “We’re very excited to bring him on board.”

Patrick spent 20 years as marketing director for the Grant J. Hunt Co., a West Coast distributor and wholesaler of conventional and organic fresh produce with distribution throughout North America, where he also has worked closely with Northwest Cherries on cherry promotions. Leveraging his agricultural experience, he also operated a marketing division that offered services ranging from print, logo and advertising design to category management. Patrick has also worked very closely with Tajin seasonings, working with the Tajin produce alliance team setting up promotions, collaborations and demos throughout North America and will continue in this capacity.

He previously spent two years as marketing director for Domex Superfresh Growers. Prior to that, he spent seven years with the Washington State Fruit Commission, first in sales for the commission’s educational magazine, Good Fruit Grower, then as the marketing director for North America for Northwest Cherries and the Washington State Fruit Commission.  

Patrick said he enjoys his work at the commission and hopes to continue strengthening collaborations within the industry to serve growers.

“I really believe in Northwest cherries and want to help growers get recognition for what I think are the best cherries in the world,” he said. “I’m looking forward to working with the team, which has seen some award-winning campaigns in recent years, and build on those successes.”