Allen (Al) James Vangelos died on the 5th of September only four weeks following his anniversary of turning 92. Vangelos was a veteran of over 50 years working in the industry of produce.

His first job was within the food industry at Birdseye in California and was followed by an appointment in Dole Foods Corp where he was eventually promoted to President. After over 25 years at Dole and eleven years at Calavo Growers as CEO and president. Following his departure in 2000 from Calavo He and his co-founders founded Novelle Consulting LLC. Novelle Consulting LLC group, the most renowned management consultancy group that is a leader in the worldwide production business.

Furthermore to that, Mr. Vangelos served on many board members of private corporations, including BC Hothouse (as chairman), Sun World International, Key & Co., Naturipe Growers and the Russian Farm Project. He was a proud member of the fruit and vegetable sector when he was appointed the chairman of United Fresh Produce Association the in the mid-1990s.

IFPA CommentsThe International Fresh Produce Association makes the following announcement as it joins with fresh produce industry in mourning the loss of Al Vangelos, past Chair of the United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association (an IFPA legacy organization).

“Al was a supreme professional leader and volunteer and was highly regarded by colleagues for his insight and capacity to spot the opportunities and obstacles prior to them becoming apparent,” said retired United Fresh CEO and former IFPA Co-CEO Tom Stenzel. “When I first joined United shortly after he had completed his chairmanship in 1992 Al approached me to invite me into his professional circle and became a mentor for myself and many others during his lengthy career.”

Al Vangelos was a past chair of the United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association (an IFPA legacy organization).

Al Vangelos is survived by Mary who is his wife who has been with him for over 70 years. He also has six of his children (Jim, Mary Kaye, Chris, Vasi, Dan and Steve) and 14 grandchildren, and a great-grandchild. The Vangelos brothers Jim and Chris are involved in the field of agriculture as is the latter is a partner in. Vangelos was able to collaborate with them on a variety of initiatives over the last 30 years.

An honorary funeral with a celebration to follow on September 17, in the morning at 11 a.m. at the St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church located in Dana Point, California.