EXECUTIVE CHANGES 1994-08-08 (1)

United Grocers Appoints Buyer

Grocers here has named Dave Bryan produce buyer. He had most recently been a produce merchandiser.

He succeeds Robert Hughes, who left the company last November to take a job at the Spokane, Wash., division of Supervalu, Minneapolis.

In his new position Bryan works in United's distribution center in Medford, Ore. The wholesaler services 130 supermarkets in Oregon and northern California. Bryan, who joined United in 1986, reports to Joe Webber, produce manager.

Del Monte Taps Marketing Head

CORAL GABLES, Fla. -- Howard Nager has been named director of marketing for Del Monte Fresh Produce here, a new position. He was director of trade relations and promotions.

In his new role, he oversees three departments, advertising, trade relations and marketing information services. His responsibilities include trade and consumer advertising, promotions, public relations and market research. Nager, who joined the company in 1988, reports to Mike Pereira, vice president of sales and marketing for North America. A successor is being sought for Nager's former position.

PMA Names Delegate in Mexico

NEWARK, Del. -- The Produce Marketing Association here has named Francisco Obregon its delegate in Mexico. It is a new position.

He is responsible for membership recruitment as well as promotion of the trade group's annual convention and international trade seminar to companies in Mexico.

Obregon studied agriculture at the University of Arizona and has worked in the industry for 25 years. From 1987 to 1993 he directed Mexican operations for Tanimura & Antle, Salinas, Calif. For the last year he has managed his own consulting firm, Solco, S.A. de C.V., in Mexico.

Almond Unit Adds Services Post

MODESTO, Calif. -- Kathleen Cabral has been named director of industry services for the Almond Board of California, a new position.

In her new post, she oversees the board's production research and serves as liaison to various affiliated organizations, growers and retailers. Cabral is handling several issues, including the onslaught of the Africanized bees in California, pesticide regulations and food safety.

Cabral was a lobbyist at the state level for various industries.

Berry Growers Form Company

OXNARD, Calif. -- Steve Yamamoto, previously with Naturipe Berry Growers, Watsonville, Calif., has joined forces with two family-owned berry growers to start a new company, Ko-Mori Berry Sales, based here.

Yamamoto was southern California regional manager for Naturipe before he resigned to start the new business with the owners of two Oxnard-based companies: C.I. Berry Farms and Kotake Farms. Both growers had previously supplied strawberries for Naturipe.

Clifford Kotake will serve as president of the new company, Glenn Kotake as vice president and Craig Kotake as treasurer. The three are brothers. Steve Nishimori of C.I. Berry Farms will serve as secretary, and Yamamoto will serve as vice president of sales and operations.