Brie Reiter Smith

U.S.-based berry company Driscoll's had announced that fourth generation grower Brie Reiter Smith will now oversee the U.S. Northern Production Regions operations, having been based in the Southern Hemisphere. 

For the previous five years, Reiter Smith has focused on blueberry production in Chile—including her own ranch that she operates with her husband Brian Smith—as well as serving as the general manager for Driscoll’s South American operations.

In her new leadership role, she will oversee company operations for the company's largest single growing region, which includes Salinas and Watsonville, which accounts for more than quarter of total Driscoll’s revenue globally.

“Brie’s experiences in leading Driscoll’s in Chile and her approach to work with growers will greatly benefit our operations in North America,” Driscoll’s executive vice president of the Americas Soren Bjorn said in a release.

“Brie made it a priority to create strong relationships with growers, which delivered valuable insights consistently.

"Having Brie create strong relationships with independent growers across our Northern Region will deliver impactful feedback to help Driscoll’s continue to grow, harvest and sell fruit across the berry patch that deliver joyful moments to our consumers.”

As well, Fernando Sagredo has been named Driscoll’s general manager of South America which will include overseeing operations in Argentina, Chile and Peru. He will be based in Chillan, Chile, and report to Mario Steta, who has been promoted to vice president and general manager of Latin America.

Driscoll's said Sagredo brought "deep global experience" to his role, having served most recently as the commercial manager of Comfrut S.A. Prior to his time at Comfrut S.A., he was the export manager at Salmones Camanchaca S.A., general manager at Viña Tabalí S.A., and the export manager at Viña Concha y Toro S.A.

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