Salem, Ore./Press Release -- The Oregon Fruit Products team appointed Chris Sarles as the new CEO. Sarles brings extensive experience in business management and team leadership.

 

Sarles was raised in Portland, Ore., and graduated from Oregon State University in 1987 with an International Business degree focused on marketing and economics. He has worked in the beverage distribution industry in varying roles including ownership of Alehouse Distributing and later leadership in both Washington and Oregon for Columbia Distributing, as well as Young’s Market Company.

 

His ability to impact business lies in the areas of innovative team leadership and sales development.  While with Columbia Distributing, he helped to integrate multiple acquisitions into the company, building a stronger organization.  He looks forward to working with the Oregon Fruit Products team to continue to develop and execute a clear strategic plan that will meet the growing demand for specialty fruits in the retail, foodservice and industrial segments of the industry.  He will help Oregon Fruit Products successfully launch value added specialty fruit products, as well as expand Oregon Specialty Fruit in the domestic and export grocery segment.