Doug Ranno has been named president of Harvest Sensations, the specialty produce, retail and foodservice distributor with operations in Los Angeles and Miami. He will lead the company and its growth in all areas including strategic planning, business development and overall team development, the firm said in a statement. He will report to the board of directors, currently chaired by Charles Gilbert.
Ranno said, “Harvest Sensations has an amazing and talented leadership board consisting of some of the top fresh produce entrepreneurs in the country. In addition, it has great facilities, people and a logistics network that is second to none. The opportunity to help lead the company to the next level, including its aggressive expansion plan, was an opportunity too exciting to pass up. I am looking forward to working with the entire Harvest Sensations team.”
Most recently, Ranno was the CEO of his own consulting firm, Doug Ranno Produce. He started this company in 2013 after selling his shares in a business in which he was founding member, Colorful Harvest. Prior to that, Ranno was national vice president of produce and floral for Wild Oats Markets family of stores. He has also held executive positions in marketing, sales and new business development at both Green Giant’s Fresh and Chiquita Brands International. In addition, Ranno has held positions as senior retailer, senior wholesaler, senior grower/shipper, and currently sits on the PMA Foundation for Industry Talent’s board of directors as well as serving in the past as a United Fresh and Fresh Produce and Floral Council Board member.
Charles Gilbert, chairman of Harvest Sensations, said, “Having Doug on board is a great opportunity for us to take Harvest Sensations to the next level of customer support, business development as well as product innovation. His four decades of experience, his knowledge and his passion for the produce industry will be invaluable to our organisation.”
