MISSION VIEJO, Calif. (July 18, 2017) – The Hass Avocado Board (HAB) whose vision is to be the catalyst for fresh avocados being the No. 1 consumed fruit in the U.S. and industry stakeholders being successful has named John B. McGuigan as the new Director of Industry Affairs for the organization.
John has worked with multiple commodities and in various-sized organizations over 30 years, with both domestic and international responsibilities.
“Fresh avocado consumption has catapulted in the last decade, and it’s exciting to join an organization whose goals are not only strategic but purpose driven,” McGuigan said.
John will focus on critical HAB goals, including continued development of supply and demand data, quality and sustainability. His industry engagement efforts will aim to strengthen the industry’s awareness and support of board’s activities and programs.
“HAB’s mission of avocado market expansion in the U.S. will benefit from John’s extensive experience, strategic mindset and passion for our industry” said Emiliano Escobedo, Executive Director.
As Vice President of West Coast Operations for Florida-based Ayco Farms, John expanded the company’s footprint in the west while managing all supply chain and sales efforts. John served Dulcinea Farms LLC, a business unit of Syngenta AG, for six years, first as vice president of sales and marketing and then as general manager. These positions followed a 24-year career at Sunkist Growers, Inc., where he was Vice President of Fresh Fruit Sales.
Among a number of industry board positions, John was a founding member of the California Citrus Growers Association Board of Directors, where he served from 2004 to 2008. He participated with Produce Marketing Association for over eight years in multiple capacities including Produce Electronic Identification Board, the Retail Board, and on the organization’s main Board of Directors. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration/Marketing from St. Bonaventure University, St. Bonaventure, NY.
About the Hass Avocado Board
The Hass Avocado Board (HAB) is an agriculture promotion group established in 2002 to promote the consumption of Hass Avocados in the United States. A 12-member board representing domestic producers and importers of Hass Avocados directs HAB’s promotion, research and information programs under supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture. Funding for HAB comes from Hass avocado producers and importers in the United States.
