IFPA Announces New Board Members for 2027
IFPA announces new board members for 2027, led by Elyse Lipman as board chair, guiding the association’s growth and development in the produce industry.
The International Fresh Produce Association has announced its 2027 board slate, which will be installed at the 2026 Global Fresh Produce & Floral Show in Orlando, Florida, from October 14-16. The new officers and directors will be confirmed by a ballot shared with the membership.
The board is guided by the executive committee, led by Elyse Lipman, CEO of Lipman Family Farms, who will assume the role of board chair in 2027. Current Board Chair Patrick Vizzone will become the immediate past board chair.
Lipman and Vizzone will share reflections on the second year of IFPA’s strategic plan during the show, highlighting key milestones achieved on behalf of members worldwide. Lipman stated, “It is a true honor to step into the role of IFPA Board Chair at a time when our industry’s purpose has never been more clear or more important.”
Lipman added, “Every day, the fresh produce and floral community helps nourish families, bring beauty and joy to people around the world, strengthen economies and advance a more sustainable tomorrow.”
The executive committee will include Mohammed Abbas, president and COO of Del Monte Corporation, as Chair-Elect; Mark Campion, president of retail for Taylor Farms, as Board Treasurer; and Adrielle Dankier, CEO of Nature’s Pride, as Board Secretary and Sustainability Council Chair.
Other members of the executive committee include Steve Grinstead, executive chairman of FreshEdge, as At-large executive committee member and U.S. Council Chair. They also include council chairs from various regions, such as Luiz Roberto Barcelos from Brazil, Marc Evrard from Europe, and Inés Masallach from Mexico.
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The IFPA board represents member companies from small family businesses to large international corporations across the global fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain, with six continents represented. At-large representatives include retail leaders such as Kevin Doty from Whole Foods Market, Kim Gray from Schnuck Markets Inc., and Liz Van Niekerk from Marks & Spencer.
Directors completing their service in Orlando include Anna Lopez from H-E-B, Ruth McLennan from Giant Eagle, and Chip Walker from SSi LLC/Pro*Act. The new board slate will work to address the challenges and opportunities facing the fresh produce and floral industry.
Their focus will be on supporting the industry through advocacy and sharing insights to help businesses grow. It will also involve addressing barriers to progress.
The installation of the new board slate will take place during the 2026 Global Fresh Produce & Floral Show, which will bring together industry professionals from around the world to discuss key issues and trends in the fresh produce and floral community.
They will work together to strengthen the industry.
