Mar 20, 2023
Naturipe hires director of premium products

Naturipe Farms has hired John Johnston as director of premium products, a new position at the berry company.

The position aligns with Naturipe’s long-term focus on premium products, which will leverage its grower/owner investments in proprietary genetics, according to a news release. Johnston will take the lead on the current premium products Mighty Blues, Mighty Reds and Green House Strawberries and champion the expansion of new premium products.

John Johnston

“I’m thrilled to join the Naturipe Farms team and have always admired the company as an innovative leader in the global berry industry,” Johnston said in the release. “This is a unique opportunity to leverage my experience to accelerate and expand Naturipe’s leadership of the premium berry category.”

With his undergraduate degree from Purdue and his Master of Business Administration from Cal State Long Beach, Johnston has devoted more than 15 years of his career to the food and agribusiness industries with companies including Driscoll’s, Chiquita, Fresh Express and H.J. Heinz. He also demonstrated his dedication to the industry, holding both elected and volunteer positions with the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council.

Johnston will report directly to Jim Roberts, president of sales.

“I am extremely excited to bring John on board, as he is going to be an outstanding addition to the best berry team in the world,” Roberts said in the release. “His focus on premium products will help further differentiate Naturipe Farms from our competitors and provide a return on the investments our owners have made on new genetics focused on flavor and quality.”




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