The next Chair of the Australian Fresh Produce Alliance elected

Recently, AFPA (the Australian Fresh Produce Alliance) members unanimously elected Mr. Anthony Di Pietro, CEO, LaManna Premier Group (LPG) as AFPA Chair for 2021. 

Mr. Di Pietro is CEO of LPG since 2016, following the merger of LaManna Group and Premier Fruits Group. Prior to this, he has been the CEO of Premier Fruits Group since 2003. With significant experience in the horticultural industry, Mr. Di Pietro is also the Chairman of Melbourne Victory FC. He will take the place from Michael Simonetta of Perfection Fresh, who served as AFPA Chairman during 2020.

AFPA members are 13 largest fresh produce growers, marketers and suppliers in Australia, representing half of the industry's annual turnover. The AFPA is entirely funded by membership fees, and membership is at the CEO level of each member company.

2020 has been a particularly challenging year for the horticulture industry due to the Covid pandemic, which creating uncertainty in the domestic and export markets. According to Mr. Di Pietro, the AFPA has been instrumental in delivering a number of significant industry outcomes over the past year, including visa extensions for horticultural workers who are unable to return to their home countries due to the pandemic; the successful restart of the Seasonal Workers Program; the creation of a reference group on product integrity and food safety issues; and the successful Extraordinary General Meeting on important changes to the constitution of grower's RDC, Hort Innovation. "Over the next year, we hope to continue to deliver important outcomes for industry,' he added.

The AFPA was established only two years ago, during this time it has proven itself as a leader in industry advocacy and a key force in fostering partnerships between growers, retailers, industry associations and government at all levels.

Mr. Di Pietro concluded: "As chair, I look forward to ensuring that the AFPA continues to provide leadership on core industry issues.”

The Australian Fresh Alliance is made up of Australia's major fresh produce growers and suppliers. AFPA members represent over 1,000 farmers through commercial agreements and more than 15,000 employees directly through peak harvest, and up to 25,000 in the grower network. Moreover, they represent half of the industrial turnover of the Australian fresh fruit and vegetable sector.

Click here for more information about the AFPA.