RIO RICO, AZ - As SunFed continues to build on the company's 2016 strategic growth initiatives, Brett Burdsal, Craig Slate, and Mark Cassius, have been promoted to new leadership roles within the company.

Burdsal, who is transitioning from the company’s Director of Marketing to Vice President of Marketing, said that he will not only be working on how the company markets its message, but how and where the company grows. He said, “This is a great transition for me as we continue to build the Perfect Produce® Brand, increase market share, expand our nation presence, and improve retail penetration."

In this role, Burdsal will work on marketing and elevating the Perfect Produce® brand, its messaging, and the company’s innovations, driving the connection between the retailer, foodservice partner, and consumer, according to a press release.

Slate, who has been with the SunFed team since early 2015, will be moving up from Director/General Manager of the company’s Texas Division to Vice President of Sales. In this role he will be helping SunFed further its expansion into year-round availability, spearheading efforts such as opening operations in South Texas, refining strategies at the Nogales, Arizona, headquarters, and managing all North American sales responsibilities.

“Our company will see many changes this year and in my new position I will be working to bring premium product to our retail partners with increased efficiency and less travel time through our expansion in South Texas,” Slate says. “Texas will complement our Nogales operations to improve access to major cities in the Eastern half of the U.S., as well as Canada and beyond for our Mexican grown produce.”

Slate will also focus on key relationships with retail, foodservice, and wholesale partners, according to the release.

Last, but not least, Cassius will move up to Executive Vice President and General Manager, broadening his focus from sales, marketing, and new product development to encompass a greater emphasis on operational, core business, and administrative responsibilities.

“This is an exciting time and as we grow our leadership team, there will be more to come from SunFed and our Grower partners,” Cassius said, adding that he will work closely with Danny Mandel to maintain and elevate the tradition of superior quality and flavor innovation that he has envisioned for SunFed as the company continues to evolve.

Congratulations to Brett, Craig, and Mark on this latest step in their careers with SunFed!

SunFed