Produce industry icon Allen (Al) James Vangelos passed away September 5, just four weeks after his 92nd birthday. Al worked in the produce industry for more than 50 years, an industry that he loved.
Son James Allen Vangelos, said, “My Dad was the father any son or family could ever dream of. First he was a mentor and that allowed me to grow and make great life decisions including my 35 years in the produce industry supplying sustainable packaging, something that Dad would brag about and always supported me. Dad was a leader and held many CEO titles in numerous companies over his long storied career and helped influence and shape what the produce industry is today. In fact Dad served on his last board position at 90 years old for Naturipe. Dad and my siblings camped, rode lots horses, went to family reunions, why? Because of Dad’s support and love for all of us. Dad was a solid Christian and supported anyone no matter what their lot in life was. He was a true human progressive. Dad gave me the tools to be CEO of three companies along with support of successful careers by all my 5 siblings. Through Dad’s leadership and mentoring I have received 100’s of texts and emails sharing personal stories on how Dad affected their careers and lives on many profound ways. One thing was in common: they all loved my Dad, AJ Vangelos!! Dad wasn’t old School. He was always new school! Dad was a Teacher, Mentor, Father, Friend, husband to my beloved Mother for 70 years. And he always had time for anyone in need on any subject that he could help with. I could go on and on but the tears will start to flow again and again. My dad, like many leaders, had the mold broke the day he was born and he lived his life that way.”
David Marguleas, CEO of Sun World International, said, “Al Vangelos touched countless people throughout his life. His energy, curiosity and sense of humor were legendary at the many produce businesses he led. To me and undoubtedly to many others, he was an inspiration, a character in the best sense of the word, a teacher and, importantly, a wonderful friend.”
International Fresh Produce Association BB #:378962 released this statement:
“Al was a consummate professional and volunteer leader who was widely respected among his peers for his insights and ability to identify opportunities and challenges before they were visible,” said retired United Fresh CEO and retired IFPA Co-CEO Tom Stenzel. “When I joined United right after he completed his chairmanship in 1992, Al reached out to bring me into his professional network and was a mentor to me and so many others throughout his long career.”
From the Family:
After serving in the U.S. Marines, Al Vangelos lived in St. Louis, MO where he was set up on a blind date with Mary Panos. It was literally love at first sight, as he proposed just 4 months later, on Christmas. They married in April 1954 and had 6 children during the next 13 years.
Al and Mary moved from St. Louis to Northern California in 1959, as he started work in the food/produce business for Birdseye. Soon after, he moved to Dole Foods Corporation in their processing division and was then transferred to the fresh pineapple and vegetable side of the business.
After over 25 years with Dole, where, as company President, he helped facilitate the sale of Bud Antle Lettuce to Dole Veg in the late 1970s, he then had the opportunity to become the CEO & President of Calavo Growers in 1987. He spent 11 years with Calavo, where he built the co-op and their avocado business to become the largest avocado supplier in California. He pioneered avocados being packed and shipped from Mexico by opening the first packing shed there, despite numerous threats to his personal safety.
In 2000, after leaving Calavo, he and partners opened the Novelle Consulting LLC group, a leading management consulting group in the global produce industry. Al loved to share stories of working with the Russian Government, opening the first branded co-op for potatoes and met with all the leaders in Russia, including Mikhail Gorbachev. This was all during the time Russia was considering becoming a democracy. He was rightfully proud of his work in Russia as the brands he developed still exist today.
In 2002 he was the President and CEO of US Harvest Green Inc., an investment company that largely invested in fresh produce businesses.
In 2008 he accepted the offer to become the CEO & President of Sun World International. He transitioned the company to become solely a developer and grower of grape varieties and proprietary grapes, and successfully led them through a company sale.
Al served on many private company boards, including BC Hothouse (as Chairman), Sun World International, Key and Company, Naturipe Growers, and the Russian Farm Project. He proudly served the produce industry when he was elected Chairman of United Fresh Produce Association the mid-1990s.
A little-known fact about Al, is he worked with an entrepreneur who developed the flak jacket for the NFL and improved helmets that today most quarterback’s wear. The first adopters were Dan Pastorini and Joe Montana. Both were using the jacket to protect broken ribs and injuries.
Al was most proud of his Greek heritage and his family. Al is survived by Mary, his wife of 70 years, six children (Jim, Mary Kaye, Chris, Vasi, Dan and Steve), 14 grandchildren, and one great grandchild. His sons, Jim and Chris are active in the produce industry and Al was able to work alongside them on many projects during the past 30 years.
A memorial funeral and celebration will be held on Tuesday, September 17 at 11:00am at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Dana Point, California.
