U.S. Produce Industry Loses a Lifetime Advocate in Edward Duda
August 19, 2024 The produce industry recently lost an icon in Edward “Ed” Duda. According to a news release from DUDA (parent company of Duda Farm Fresh Foods), Ed passed away on Aug. 11, 2024 at the age of 91.
Edward “Ed” Duda
Photo courtesy of Legacy.com
The news release notes that Ed was a third-generation descendent of company founder Andrew Duda and the first of his generation to serve as President of the company. He began his career with DUDA in 1957 as a farm supervisor at its Belle Glade agriculture operation. He held a variety of significant roles within the company before being elected President in 1977. He was later named President and Chairman of the board, followed by President and CEO. In 1992, he relinquished his duties as President, continuing to serve as CEO until his retirement in 1998. He served as Chairman of the DUDA Board of Directors until 2005. Ed also served as chairman of The Viera Company Advisory Board.
In addition, he served as Director of the Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida from 1982 to 1998, trustee of Florida Institute of Technology from 1989 to 1996, and was elected chairman of United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association in 1996.
Upon learning about Ed Duda’s passing, the International Fresh Produce Association released a statement:
The International Fresh Produce Association mourns the passing of Ed Duda, a past Chair of United Fresh Produce Association (an IFPA legacy organization) and influential leader in fresh produce community.
“Ed was a critically impactful Chair who always put the fresh produce industry first and a pleasure to partner with during his tenure as an association leader,” says retired United Fresh CEO and retired IFPA Co-CEO Tom Stenzel. “As United Fresh Chair, he was a strong voice for grower-shippers and a tireless advocate for the needs of the fruit and vegetable production community.”
For more on Edward Duda’s life, see his full obituary at legacy.com.
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