FPAA elects new board at annual meeting

Nov. 11, 2026 (TUBAC, AZ ) – The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) BB #:144354 held its 2026 Annual Membership Meeting on Wednesday, November 4, at the Tubac Golf Resort & Spa, bringing members together to reflect on a year of active advocacy, industry engagement, and continued efforts to strengthen the fresh produce trade between the United States and Mexico.

The meeting provided an opportunity to review the association’s accomplishments, discuss priorities for the coming year, and elect board members and division leadership.

FPAA chairwoman Raquel Espinoza and FPAA president Lance Jungmeyer presented updates on the association’s work across Arizona, Washington, D.C., and Mexico, highlighting ongoing efforts to protect market access, address regulatory and trade challenges, and strengthen relationships with government agencies and industry partners. Discussions also focused on key issues affecting cross-border produce trade, industry operations, and opportunities for continued collaboration.

Jungmeyer reviewed the association’s accomplishments and ongoing initiatives, including industry advocacy, member engagement, educational programming, and preparations for the Southwest International Produce Expo (SWIPE) 2027, scheduled for January 13–15 in Tucson, Arizona.

The meeting marked an important transition in FPAA leadership as outgoing Chairwoman Raquel Espinoza of Produce House concluded her term and welcomed incoming Chairman Guillermo Martinez of Frello Fresh. FPAA expressed its appreciation to Espinoza for her leadership, dedication, and service to the association and its members.

Members also unanimously elected Javier “JJ” Badillo of Fresh International LLC as the new FPAA Vice-Chair, following his nomination and acceptance during the meeting.

The Board elections welcomed two new Distributor representatives, Denisse Mercado of Tricar Sales and Rene Contreras of Trippple Produce, who will serve alongside returning Board members.

The following individuals were unanimously elected to serve on the FPAA Board of Directors:

Distributor Members – Two-Year Terms

• José Antonio Martinez – Divine Flavor
• Kyle McGrath – EarthBlend
• Lesley Sykes – The Sykes Company
• Scott Vandervoet – Vandervoet & Associates
• Griselt Cerezo – Robinson Fresh
• Gonzalo Avila – Malena Produce
• Denisse Mercado (New) – Tricar Sales
• Rene Contreras (New) – Trippple Produce

Associate Members – One-Year Terms

• Ana María Cota – Ahern Seeds
• Jorge Ruiz – Agri-Packing

Division Chairpersons – One-Year Terms

• Tomato Division: Luis Mario Morales – Chucho Produce
• Grape Division: John Pandol – Pandol Brothers
• Mango Division: Chris Ciruli – PennRose Farms

All nominations were approved unanimously by the membership.

The Annual Meeting also provided an opportunity to recognize two individuals for their outstanding contributions to the fresh produce industry.

John Pandol of Pandol Brothers was honored as FPAA’s 2026 Member of the Year, recognizing his leadership, service to the association, and commitment to advancing the interests of the fresh produce industry.

“No matter where you look, John Pandol is a big part of the FPAA’s success,” said FPAA President Lance Jungmeyer. “You can find John at a USMCA panel in California on one day, and the next day in Washington, DC, pushing for industry concerns. He really puts his shoulder into benefitting the table grape industry, and the importing industry at large.”

Robert “Bob” Meyer, longtime produce industry entrepreneur and founder of Meyer Tomato Company, was recognized with the 2026 Pillar of the Industry Award, honoring his decades of contributions to the tomato industry and the development of U.S.-Mexico fresh produce trade.

“Bob’s contributions to the industry, and his passion, really made him a legend, especially in the tomato business. He personally mentored many of the industry’s top sales executives,” Jungmeyer said.

As FPAA looks ahead, the association remains focused on advocating for its members, addressing evolving trade and regulatory challenges, and creating opportunities for industry collaboration and growth. With newly elected leadership and continued engagement from its membership, FPAA looks forward to building on its accomplishments and advancing the interests of the fresh produce industry in the year ahead.

About the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas

The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas provides a voice for more than 100 U.S. companies involved in the importation and distribution of fresh produce grown in Mexico. Founded in 1944 in Nogales, Arizona, the association has grown to become one of the most influential agricultural groups in the United States.

For more information about FPAA and its advocacy work on behalf of the fresh produce industry, please visit www.thefpaa.com.

Contact: Lance Jungmeyer (lance@thefpaa.com) or  Allison Moore (amoore@thefpaa.com)