Following the announcement at this year’s PMA Fresh Summit show in Anaheim, California, Jack Pandol Sr., chairman emeritus of Pandol Bros, last week received the Bernardo O’Higgins Presidential Order of Merit from the Chilean government.
Protocol dictates that the Chilean honor must be presented to the recipient in person but due to health reasons the 86-year old Mr Pandol could not attend the reception at PMA Fresh Summit in early October.
Instead, José Manuel Lira, consul general of the Chilean consulate in Los Angeles, arrived at the Pandol offices in Delano on Wednesday 4 November to bestow the honor to Mr Pandol personally on behalf of the President of Chile, Madam President Michelle Bachelet.
“It was quite an honor for the Chilean government to recognize the incredible influence that Jack has made to its fresh fruit industry and within their agricultural community,” said David Dever, president and CEO of Pandol.
“He certainly made his mark through his incredible passion and dedication for the country. We are just thrilled that he was able to receive this award in person and celebrate with his family, colleagues and friends.”
The Order of Bernardo O’Higgins is awarded by Chile to foreign citizens that have displayed an extraordinary contribution to the arts, sciences, education, industry, business or humanitarian and social cooperation.
The Order has five ranks of honor and Jack Pandol Sr. was awarded the highest rank, the rank of Gran Cruz (Grand Cross), putting him in the company of Heads of State, High Ranking Diplomats, Nobel Laureates and other distinguished persons.
