Former DUDA CEO dies at age 84

Ferdinand Stephen Duda, former CEO of Duda Farm Fresh Foods parent company DUDA, died July 12 at age 84.

Duda, a third-generation descendent of company founder Andrew Duda, began his career as assistant unit manager at the company’s farm in Belle Glade, Florida, in 1961.

Appointed CEO in 1998, he held that role until retiring in 2004.

Duda served as chair of DUDA’s board of directors from 2005-2013.

Duda Farm Fresh Foods, founded in 1926, farms thousands of acres in Georgia, Florida, Michigan, Arizona and California and produces nearly 33% of the celery grown in the U.S.

DUDA was established in 2006 to manage the company’s fresh produce operations.