On Feb. 28, Bob Von Rohr retired from his position as director of marketing and customer relations for Glassboro, NJ-based Sunny Valley International, the culmination of more than 50 years spent working in the produce industry.
Von Rohr joined Sunny Valley International 15 years ago, transitioning from a 35-year career in supermarket and gourmet specialty retail operations and merchandising, including key management positions with Genuardi's Family Markets, Zagara's Specialty Stores and Safeway.
"Bob's leadership over the past 15 years has been instrumental in Sunny Valley's continued growth. The experience he brought with him from his time in retail made him an invaluable asset," said Francisco Allende, general manager of Sunny Valley International. "We'll certainly miss him, and wish him the best in retirement."
Von Rohr intends to make the most of his retirement by spending more time with his wife, Marilena, daughter and son-in-law and, in particular, his three grandsons.
Tom Beaver, who joined Sunny Valley International in November as director of sales and marketing after three years as the director of marketing and development with the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, assumes responsibility for the day-to-day leadership of Sunny Valley's sales and marketing team. Cecilia Allende, who has been with the company for seven years, will take on additional operations management and grower relations duties.
Sunny Valley International is the exclusive marketer of New Jersey blueberries and stone fruit on behalf for the Jersey Fruit Cooperative, Larchmont Farms and Gala Farms, and also has an exclusive marketing agreement with Ridge Spring, SC, stone fruit grower Dixie Belle. Additionally, the company imports a full line of products including blueberries, table grapes, kiwi, pears and citrus.
