Anita Fial has retired from her position as president of PR agency Lewis & Neale (L&N) after being a voice in food communications for over 50 years, particularly for the fresh produce industry.
According to a press release from the company, on 8 March, family, friends, colleagues and representatives from throughout the food industry gathered to celebrate Ms Fial’s career, which culminated with her tenure as president of L&N for 23 years.
Ms Fial has been an influential voice in food communications, with an industry relationship dating back to the mid 1950s, when L&N first began to work with United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association.
Over the years, she has impacted numerous commodities, brand and countries and her passion for educating people about the foods they eat as a vehicle to drive consumption has been steadfast over the past 50 plus years.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of a “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the International Foodservice Editorial Council (IFEC) in recognition of Ms Fial’s long-time involvement and role in helping the organization grow for more than five decades.
In honour of Ms Fiel, L&N’s parent Company, CRT/tanaka, has announced a scholarship in her name to continue education in food communications. To date, more than US$9,000 has been raised for the scholarship fund.
“Anita has been a mentor to many and a PR industry giant, especially in food communications,” said Mark Raper, president of CRT/tanaka, which acquired L&N as a wholly owned subsidiary in 2009. “She will be missed. But we look forward to accessing her wisdom and expertise as a consultant for many years to come.”
Going forward, Ms Fiel will now serve as a senior consultant at L&N and CRT/tanaka.
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