Fruit breeding company Bloom Fresh appoints interim CEO

The board of Bloom Fresh™ International, a premium fruit-breeding company specializing in table grapes, cherries and raisins, has appointed Josep Jove Estiarte, the chief innovation officer, as interim CEO. Kenneth Avery has stepped down as CEO following his six-month tenure, which began with the acquisition of International Fruit Genetics (IFG) by AMFresh and its merging with SNFL Group to establish Bloom Fresh as a consolidated breeding powerhouse. Avery's dedication to the company and his goal to increase grape consumption worldwide has had a positive impact on the company, and those goals are now at the forefront of its mission.

Josep Jove Estiarte

Under Estiarte, the company will continue leaning into innovation utilizing natural and non-GMO new breeding practices for a healthier, tastier and sustainable future. Additionally, Estiarte will prioritize advancing the company's objective to create value for its licensed growers, marketers and employees worldwide.

Estiarte first joined the Munoz Group in 2002 as a technologist in the table grape sector monitoring the table grape programs for UK retailers. In 2007, he was the first employee of the SNFL Group and later was appointed managing director, where he helped the company develop its breeding programs and international business expansion.

"We are delighted to have Josep at the helm as he has been instrumental in understanding the growers' challenges, identifying the market's potential and meeting consumer's expectations, to provide the world with some of the most popular, healthy and delicious table grapes," says Alvaro Muñoz, AMFresh Group chief executive officer.

"I am very excited to continue supporting the commitment to sustainable fruit breeding," said Estiarte. "The possibilities are limitless as we have a vast portfolio of varietals as well as a genetic powerhouse, setting the stage for the creation of flavorful, high-antioxidant and nature-positive varieties. Our commitment to innovation will continue to positively impact our licensed growers, retailers and consumers, making the industry more sustainable, innovative and consumer-oriented each day, through superior genetics and quality assurance for a better eating experience, amongst others."