Aug 1, 2023

Matthew Lyons joins Naturipe’s value-added fresh division

Naturipe Farms, Salinas, California, has hired Matthew Lyons as director of business development of value-added fresh.

In his role, Lyons manages Naturipe Farms’ Value-Added Fresh division as it expands in the foodservice, quick-serve and retail channels. Lyons will also contribute to new product development.

“Working with a household name in the berry industry is exciting in its own right, but I am truly excited to work with the value-added team as we expand Naturipe’s reach into healthier produce-forward snack and meal options,” Lyons said in a news release. “I’ve enjoyed a partnership with the Naturipe team over the years, and I am honored to now stand beside them in this role.”

A food industry professional with more than three decades of experience, Lyons most recently was director of sourcing at Produce Alliance, where he supported customer proposals, client design and optimizations, and new channel endeavors. He also spent nearly six years with Starbucks Coffee Co. as a sourcing manager. For the first two decades of his career, Lyons worked at River Ranch Fresh Foods in multiple operation divisions, including sales and development. His uniquely well-rounded background, which also includes nine years of working with Naturipe Farms as a customer, makes him a strong fit for the company as it continues to expand and innovate business and product lines.

Lyons reports to Steven Ware, vice president and general manager of Value-Added Fresh.

“We are enthusiastic for Matthew to join our value-added team here at Naturipe,” Ware said in the release. “He comes with not only an extensive knowledge of the food industry, but also with a unique perspective on Naturipe from his time as a customer. The team believes he will play a key role in the expansion of the brand in new product development and sourcing.”