Oxnard-based Mission Produce has hired two sales representatives to boost its domestic sales department.
Dale Sanders has over 12 years of sales experience in agricultural seeds and fresh produce, his responsibilities having included new business development and key account management. Santiago Peña has seven years of sales experience and previously worked at Boskovich Farms, where he was responsible for selling over 20 commodities, and managing customer relationships.
“These additions will serve to strengthen the depth of our sales group,” said Mission’s sales director Patrick Cortes. “Both Dale and Santiago have backgrounds in the produce industry and experience in sales. Individually, they have proven to be solid sales performers, and their talents are a great addition to our growing team at Mission.”
According to Sanders, Mission’s strong sense of purpose and its growth culture is what attracted him to the company. “I’ve lived in Ventura County for the past 10 years, and have heard a lot about Mission, its focus on avocados, and how it is growing. I want to be a part of that,” he said.
Peña indicated that he has paid close attention to the company and how it has grown over the years. “I grew up on an avocado ranch in Somis, California, and have a strong understanding of the business from the production side. Working in sales at Mission creates an opportunity for me to utilise my background and work for a great company,” he said.
Mission Produce is one of the world’s biggest avocado suppliers. The company recently opened new state-of-the-art packing facilities in Oxnard, California and Chao, Peru.
In addition to California and Peru, the company has operations in Mexico, Chile, Canada, The Netherlands and China, as well as nine value-added ripening centres across North America.
