Gerome Raco has joined California-based Family Tree Farms in the newly created role of executive director of global development.
Raco will direct and develop a global strategy and international development opportunities for the vertically integrated farming business, with a primary focus on Family Tree’s international operations.
The company has extensive farming operations in North and South America and is now looking to worldwide expansion of its products, in particular its berry category.
“Gerome brings a unique and remarkable understanding of worldwide markets with strong concentration to Asia and Europe,” said Don Goforth, Family Tree Farms' director of marketing. “We are so happy to have him on board to bring new focus and direction to our global expansion.”
Raco most recently served as commercial director at Australian-based Fresh Produce Group, where he was responsible for developing and executing key strategies for category and product expansion, horizontal integration and intellectual property commercialisation.
Prior to this he was appointed aschief marketing officer of Holman Fresh/Freshmax Australia,following theacquisitionof Panda Ranch by the Freshmax Group. He had previously spent six years with Panda Ranch.
“We have worked closely with Gerome for many years and we cherish his friendship and business contributions to our family and company over the years and we are truly honored to now have him as a Family Tree Farms team member,” said David Jackson, founder and owner of Family Tree Farms. “We are really looking forward to expanding our international opportunities and Gerome will be key to our success.”
