United Fresh names achievement award winners

The United Fresh Produce Association will present its 2017 FreshTEC and FreshMKT Achievement Awards to two leaders who have made their mark on the fresh produce industry.

Receiving the FreshTEC award for outstanding technical achievements is Peter Quiring, owner & CEO of NatureFresh Farms. Receiving the FreshMKT award for outstanding marketing achievements is Roger Pepperl, marketing director for Stemilt Growers.

FreshTEC Achievement Award

Prior to NatureFresh, Peter Quiring started a company called South Essex Fabricating, located in Leamington, Ontario. As the forerunner to NatureFresh, South Essex Fabricating (SEF) was established to drive innovation in Canada’s high-tech commercial greenhouse industry. Quiring’s enterprise continued to grow and soon developed into NatureFresh Farms.

Since its foundation, the vertically integrated corporation has built nearly 2,000 acres of greenhouses for growers in North America and owns 130 acres in Ontario with an additional 45 acres in Delta, Ohio.

“Peter’s contributions to greenhouse technology have advanced the industry significantly,” said United Fresh President & CEO Tom Stenzel. “His competitive drive and commitment to invest in technology advancements in controlled growing environments are what set him apart. We’re proud to honor Peter with this FreshTEC Achievement Award.”

FreshMKT Achievement Award

Roger Pepperl began his produce career working his way up from produce manager to senior buyer/merchandiser during 21 years with Meijer, Inc. He then joined Stemilt’s team as marketing director in 2000.

The advent of new packaging and new proprietary varieties in the tree fruit world has been a huge focus for Pepperl over the past several years. He was the mastermind behind Stemilt’s line of kid-sized fruits, Lil Snappers. Roger recently helped Stemilt launch a new label for its pear program, called Rushing Rivers pears.

“Roger’s contributions to the marketing and merchandising of fresh fruits and vegetables have advanced the industry significantly,” said Stenzel. “His innovative marketing programs, unique approach to merchandising and foresight to stay one step ahead of the curve are what set Roger apart from his peers. We’re proud to honor him with this FreshMKT Achievement Award.”

Both Quiring and Pepperl will be recognized on Tuesday afternoon, June 13, at the United FreshTEC and FreshMKT conferences, respectively, in Chicago. Registration is available online at www.unitedfreshshow.org.