Naturipe logo 2012

Naturipe Farms announced the appointment of Jerry Moran as the director of business development-west and the promotion of Kasey Kelley as the director of business development-east. Moran and Kelley will lead strategic sales and business development in their respective markets, the company said.

“We are excited to welcome Jerry to the Naturipe team and equally pleased to promote from within and see Kasey take on this new role,” said Dwight Ferguson, CEO of Naturipe Farms. “They are both experienced and talented berry experts who are respected and trusted throughout our industry.”

The company has seen consistent double-digit growth in recent years, driven in part by the demand for its proprietary varieties, expanded production base and the growing consumer demand.

Prior to joining Naturipe Farms, Moran was the bush berry category manager at California Giant for seven years and previous held several positions at Driscoll’s over a five-year period. Moran will be based at the company’s headquarters in Salinas, CA and will report to Vince Lopes, vice president of sales-west.

“I am excited to join the Naturipe Farms team,” Moran said. “It’s motivating to see their commitment to building upon the proprietary variety programme and drive to expand the customer base. I am looking forward to be a part of it.”

Kasey Kelley joined Naturipe in 1998 and has been an integral part of the company’s growth, Naturipe said. He will continue to be based out of the Grand Junction, MI office and will report to Jim Roberts, vice president of sales-east.