Aug 24, 2022

Okanagan Specialty Fruits expands executive team

Okanagan Specialty Fruits, Summerland, British Columbia, is expanding its executive team.

Daryl Johnston has joined the company as vice president of sales and business development, and Don Westcott was promoted to senior vice president.

Neal Carter, president of Okanagan Specialty Fruit, developer and grower of the non-browning Arctic apple varieties, said Westcott has proven to be a dedicated and capable member of the company’s executive team.

“While he will continue to play a central part in leading the company’s operations team, his new position will also see him take a more active role in strategic business matters,” Carter said in a news release. “I’d like to congratulate Don on his promotion, which is very well-deserved.”

Johnston brings more than 32 years of experience, with a food and beverage background in fresh produce, frozen processing and consumer packaged goods industry. He has worked for Dole Fresh Vegetables, Southern Specialties, and most recently, Titan Farms Sales and Palmetto Processing Solutions.

“OSF is continuing to grow at a rapid pace. Expanding our executive team into more department-focused roles, and ensuring we have strong leadership in place, will play a vital role in our continued success,” Carter said in the release. “We feel very fortunate to welcome Daryl to the team and are certain his vast experience and network will contribute immensely to increase Arctic apple availability throughout the U.S. and Canada.”

“Arctic apples are such an amazing product, and their superior freshness and 28-day shelf life offers new opportunities that are waiting to be explored. I’m looking forward to helping lead the company into a market-leading position,” Johnston said in the release.