Mike Cavallero

Michael Cavallero, retired president of North American tropical fresh fruit for Dole Fresh Fruit Company, will be the 2015 honoree at the Produce Legends Dinner during the United Fresh Midwinter Leadership Forum on 13-15 January, at the La Quinta Resort and Club.

“Mike is a tremendously deserving honoree,” said United Fresh chairman Ron Carkoski.

Cavallero has served the fresh produce industry for more than 40 years, working his entire career with the Dole Food Company and its predecessor Castle & Cooke.

Cavallero has also served on many industry boards and councils, including as a member of the board of directors of United Fresh and PMA, as well as chairman of the board of the International Banana Association.

United’s Midwinter Leadership Forum brings together all of the association’s volunteer leaders for council and board meetings, its annual United Fresh Start Foundation golf tournament to support children’s increased access to fresh produce, and the Produce Legends Dinner honoring an individual for his or her lifetime achievement in the produce industry.

Past honorees have included Joe Procacci, Frieda Caplan, Reggie Griffin and Bob Grimm.