Global blueberry breeder and nursery stock company Fall Creek Farm & Nursery has named Oscar Verges as International Chief Operations Officer. In his new role, Verges will be responsible for the company’s international subsidiaries including Europe, Mexico and Peru and will oversee licensee relationships in Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and South Africa.
“With the blueberry industry’s extraordinary growth globally and our company’s commitment to serve the world’s blueberry growers, Oscar’s rich leadership and management experience in the produce industry throughout Latin America and Europe is perfectly suited to carry forward our mission and vision to bring optimal success to growers and to play a key role in helping to further build and support the blueberry industry in these developing geographies,” said David Brazelton, president of Fall Creek. “Oscar will drive our strategic plan for growth in these critical international locations.”
In reference to his new position, Verges said: 'I am delighted to join the Fall Creek family. Blueberries are a hot item in the produce aisle. And when people in produce think of blueberries, they undoubtedly think of the Brazeltons and Fall Creek.
“With the industry's largest blueberry variety portfolio, a state-of-the-art international nursery network, and unparalleled grower support, there's no better place to be for those of us committed to the development of this healthy industry around the globe, year-round.'
Verges began his career working for Chiquita Brands International as part of its Global Management Development and Executive Leadership Development programmes.
He worked in several countries including the US, Costa Rica, Colombia, Panama, and others in different finance and operations positions of increasing responsibility before moving to Chiquita’s European headquarters in Belgium where, among his other responsibilities, he led the development of a Pan-European banana ripening and distribution network before taking on the role managing director for the fresh-cut fruit business.
Oscar then moved to Royal in Spain, where he got his first introduction to the blueberry business in Morocco, distributing to retailers across Europe.
