Oregon Fruit Products Appoints Prewett as President, CEO
oe Prewett (left) and Chris Sarles (right) stand outside Oregon Fruit Products headquarters in Salem, Ore. (Photo: Business Wire)
The board of directors for Oregon Fruit Products LLC has appointed Joe Prewett as president and chief executive officer. Prewett will assume the role effective mid-October, while current CEO, Chris Sarles, will help to ensure a smooth transition.
Prewett has been with Tillamook County Creamery Association since 2013 as executive vice president of brand and category growth, where he helped more than double the company’s net sales by leading the company’s growth planning, marketing and product innovation. Prewett has been a member of the Oregon Fruit Products board for two years and helped shape its current strategic plan.
“We’re honored to have someone of Joe’s background and expertise step in to help guide the future of Oregon Fruit Products,” said Sarles. “Joe’s experience working with our business, as well as his vision and passion for people and culture of the organization are a perfect match for what we’re seeking for the next phase of the company’s growth. I’m pleased to pass the torch and I look forward to watching Joe lead Oregon Fruit Products to even greater success in the years to come.”
Before joining Tillamook, Prewett served as vice president of marketing for Farmer Brothers Coffee, Coffee Bean International and Medical Research Institute. Prewett has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon and a master’s in business administration from the Anderson School at UCLA.
As president and CEO of Oregon Fruit Products, Sarles helped assemble the team that has helped to create the sustained growth trajectory the company has experienced. Sarles is stepping down and plans to focus on non-profit organizations that help women and children that need a “hand up” to launch forward in their lives.
“I’m excited to step into this new role with a company that has an incredible reputation for product excellence and customer service,” said Prewett. “Chris and I both enjoy developing world-class teams with bold vision and purpose. I look forward to building upon the momentum at this great Oregon company.”
Founded in 1935, Oregon Fruit Products offers a complete line of canned, frozen and shelf-stable premium fruit for consumers, foodservice operators and ingredient sales. The company is the recipient of the Oregon State University Center for Family Enterprise’s 2022 Business Renewal Award and the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2022 Agricultural Producer of the Year Award. Oregon Fruit Products is located in Salem, Ore.
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505 Southwestern, Famous for Hatch Chile Products, Celebrates 25 Years of Flavor
505 Southwestern, the country’s leading flame roasted green Hatch chile brand, celebrates 25 Years of Flavor this year and is hosting a major event in Albuquerque to celebrate the milestone in the location it was originally founded by local restaurateur and entrepreneur Roy Solomon.The celebration is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 15 at 6:30 p.m. at Tin Can Alley, on Alameda Boulevard just east of I-25. Tin Can Alley has gained national recognition as an innovative venue featuring locally inspired food, beverages, and entertainment. Santa Fe Brewing is an anchor tenant alongside several other local vendors.
As part of the year-long silver anniversary celebration of the brand, 505SW invited its fans to submit recipes featuring its world famous green chile. The winner of the contest, Southern California resident Merry Graham, is scheduled to be in attendance, and Chef May will share his twist on the winning recipe, Air Fryer Southwestern Salsa Verde Corn and Bacon Rangoons.
The event is open to the public (subject to capacity limitations) and the first 150 people to buy tickets will receive a commemorative gift bag. General admission tickets are $25 and include food from all Tin Can Alley food vendors. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite HERE.
Fans who are unable to join for the event can celebrate with 505SW virtually by participating in 25 Years of Flavor contests and virtual events by following 505SW on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.
“For 25 years, 505SW has been committed to creating the highest quality products using the best and most simple ingredients from the Hatch Valley. Now we want to celebrate with the people who have made our success possible,” said Rob Holland, executive chairman of 505SW. “We will be demonstrating our commitment to our fans and communities with a recipe contest featuring incredible prizes, other giveaways, special offers, and charitable giving all year long.”
505SW started in 1997 when Albuquerque resident Solomon began bottling and selling his unique recipes for green chile sauce and salsa. Honoring his local area code to develop the brand, Solomon’s “magic ingredient” was fire-roasted, Hatch chile.
With humble beginnings as a local favorite, the brand has grown today to become the largest nationally distributed jarred green chile sauce brand. 505SW is sold in every U.S. state and internationally. 505SW’s parent company, Flagship Food Group, operates multiple facilities in New Mexico throughout the state and created the 505SW – New Mexico True Scholars program in 2017 to support local New Mexico high school students interested in studying agriculture in college.
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Titan Farms Peaches Available in Carolina Beauty Gift Boxes
Titan Farms Carolina Beauty peaches gift boxes are back for the third season for $37, which includes 13 hand-picked peaches with a recipe book delivered straight to customers doors. Orders can be placed through Aug. 8 – August being National Peach Month.Titan Farms is the premier grower, packer, and shipper of more than 3 million boxes of fresh peaches, broccoli and bell peppers annually. Titan Farms recognizes the importance of sustainable agriculture practices and uses them to benefit America’s consumers and to protect our country’s precious natural resources.
The team at Titan Farms has an extraordinary commitment to providing only the safest, highest-quality produce for customers. Titan Farms brings modern farming and old fashion values together to put the highest-quality fruits and vegetables on your table.
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