Monterey Mushrooms, a vertically integrated researcher, developer, grower, packer and distributor of premium mushrooms, mushrooms genetics and mushroom ingredients, announced that George Haggar has been appointed president, Monterey Fresh, effective November 15, 2023. Haggar will work alongside Monterey Mushrooms’ founder and chief executive officer Shah Kazemi. Haggar will relocate from Australia to the U.S. to lead the fresh mushroom production business, which operates eight growing sites throughout North America.
The arrival of Haggar furthers Kazemi’s commitment to the future of Monterey Mushrooms as a technology-enabled industry member and together, the two will work to drive sustainable, profitable growth for the business.
The appointment of Haggar to this new role is a significant piece of a broader strategic restructuring being implemented to drive sustainable growth across Monterey’s core business segments – fresh mushrooms, genetics/biotechnology and nutraceuticals.
Haggar brings extensive experience across industrial and fresh produce sectors. Over the course of his career, he has been recognized for his expertise in the fresh produce supply chain and track record of top-line growth, customer engagement and operational excellence.
He serves as an executive director on the Board of One Harvest, Australia’s largest operator in the fresh-cut salad sector. He previously served as chief executive officer of Nutrano Produce Group, an Australian-owned fresh produce grower, packer and marketer. Prior to this role, he was chief executive officer of Murray River Organics, an Australian producer, packer, marketer and seller of certified organic, natural and better-for-you food products. Before Murray River Organics, he served as chief operating officer of Costa Group, an Australian horticultural company. Earlier in his career, Haggar held various executive general management roles at Visy Industries and TNT Australia. He holds a Bachelor of Economics and a Bachelor of Laws.
“George is an accomplished executive in the fresh produce sector,” said Mr. Kazemi. “George has deep experience in the fresh produce industry and has been connected with Monterey Mushrooms indirectly for many years, originally through his role as COO of the Costa Group, a mushroom grower in Australia. We believe George has the experience, capability and energy to lead our fresh mushroom business into the future, at an exciting time for growth and innovation in the industry.”
“I am thrilled to become the president of Monterey Fresh Mushrooms,” said Mr. Haggar. “I look forward to working closely with my new teammates to build on the company’s strong foundation and to drive sustainable growth in fresh mushroom production. All of this while continuing to provide our customers the quality and consistency that they expect from us.”
For more information:
Lindsey Occhipinti
Monterey Mushrooms, LLC
Tel: +1 (831) 763-5355
locchipinti@montmush.com
www.montereymushrooms.com