Westfalia Fruit appoints president, North America

June 9, 2026 — Westfalia Fruit BB #:300553, a global leader in the avocado industry, today announced the appointment of Tommy Padilla as President, North America. Padilla joined the business on June 1.

One of the most respected figures in the global avocado trade, Padilla brings more than two decades in the global food industry, the majority of it dedicated to avocados, along with a track record of building international sales, shaping export strategy and developing high-performing commercial teams. He arrives at a pivotal moment for Westfalia Fruit as the company accelerates its growth across North America.

Padilla began his career in the food industry within the spice sector before moving into fresh produce with Mission Produce, where for over more than a decade, he helped build and grow the company’s international avocado export business.

During that time, he developed the commercial team, expanded sales channels across multiple international markets and was instrumental in the company’s early push into Europe. After twelve years at Mission Produce, he joined Calavo in 2022 to grow its international avocado business, before moving to Del Monte in 2024 as Vice President of Avocado, the role he held immediately before joining Westfalia Fruit.

Padilla has also played a significant role in opening the South American growing origins to multiply export countries. His firsthand knowledge of avocado origins around the world, and how each one performs through the season, positions him to deliver even greater consistency, quality and choice for Westfalia Fruit’s retail and foodservice customers.

“Tommy’s extensive knowledge of the avocado and his proven ability to foster growth across international markets make him a tremendous asset to the team. His appointment is a clear signal of our commitment to the North American market and our ambition to lead the global avocado category,” said Chris Bush, Group CEO at Westfalia Fruit.

“Westfalia Fruit’s diversity of origin, depth of expertise and clear sense of purpose are second to none in this industry. I am excited to join a team with the ambition to be the world’s leading avocado company, and to help our customers across North America win with avocados,” said Padilla.

The appointment supports Westfalia Fruit’s strategy to become the world’s leading avocado company, grounded in its purpose to do good with every avocado. With one of the most diversified country-of-origin portfolios in the industry, Westfalia Fruit is uniquely positioned to give customers a year-round supply, reliable quality and reduced market volatility.

About the Westfalia Fruit Group
The multinational Westfalia Fruit Group is a leading supplier of fresh and convenience avocado products to international markets. The Group also offers a wider, diverse basket of fruit and related products through its vertically integrated supply chain throughout the year. Founded more than 75 years ago on guiding environmental, social, governance, and sustainability principles, these practices, rooted in the legacy of our founder, Dr Hans Merensky, remain at the heart of everything the Group does.

Today, operating in 17 countries across five continents, the Westfalia Fruit Group prides itself on advancing sustainable agricultural practices and being a responsible corporate citizen within the communities in which it operates.

As a frontrunner in the avocado industry, with involvement across the entire supply chain, from the selection of plant material through to supply to customers globally, Westfalia Fruit grows, sources, ripens, packs, processes, and markets accredited avocados around the world. Convenience avocado products include guacamole, smashed avocado, avocado cubes, slices and halves, avocado oils and dried mango.

Westfalia Fruit grows fruit in all major origins across the Americas and Africa and also sources from partner orchards, giving the Group one of the most diverse avocado-growing footprints in the world. Westfalia Fruit’s dynamic and integrated supply chain, spanning from research to the consumer, benefits all stakeholders. The Group’s research division, Westfalia Technological Services, is the world’s largest privately funded subtropical fruit research unit. Its dedicated team of scientists and technicians focuses on varietal development, innovation, and environmental matters, and plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the global avocado industry.

A supplier of choice to retail, wholesale, and foodservice customers, Westfalia Fruit operates sales offices across the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America, southern Africa, and Asia. Pack and product formats are tailored to customer requirements, delivering quality, service, and innovation. For more information, visit www.westfaliafruit.com.