Jul 11, 2022

Nabaco adds produce industry expert to board of directors

Craig Stephen, a senior leader and advisor in the consumer food and produce industry, has joined the board of directors and advisory board for Nabaco® Inc.

Nabaco manufactures a revolutionary safe and edible coating that extends the shelf life of produce. Stephen has 30 years of experience and advises businesses on operational and profitability strategies. He led several business units at Chiquita, including president and chief operating officer of Chiquita’s Far East/Austral Asia business unit, vice president and general manager of the North American fresh fruit business, and senior vice president and general manager of Fresh Express, Chiquita’s packaged salad business.

Stephen brings great expertise in production, sales, marketing and organizational development to Nabaco, according to CEO Gary Beall.

“Craig’s many years of experience adds greatly to our already seasoned team of produce professionals to push forward our revolutionary coating technology to help alleviate food waste, improve bottom lines and lower environmental impacts of such waste,” Beall said in a news release.

Kevin Frye, vice president of sales, recognizes the strength of adding Stephen.

“Craig’s broad produce industry experience, plus his executive leadership expertise, equal a tremendous asset to Nabaco. We are thrilled he is part of our organization,” Frye said in the release.

“It’s an honor to join the Nabaco board of directors and advise this entrepreneurial management team as they develop and bring cost-effective solutions to the produce industry,” Stephen said in the release. “I’m excited to join at a key point in Nabaco’s growth and share my experience in helping reduce produce waste, and improve profitability throughout the supply chain that will lead to increased access to produce worldwide.”

Nabaco is revolutionizing the produce industry with its generally regarded as safe (GRAS) approved edible coating, NatuWrap®. The patented, sustainable NatuWrap coating keeps moisture in while keeping oxygen and unwanted microorganisms out. The odorless, colorless, tasteless technology extends the shelf life of fruits and vegetables, providing value to growers, packers, retailers and consumers. NatuWrap is versatile to apply and cost-effectively reduces losses that account for billions of dollars lost each year in the produce supply chain.