Brooks Tropicals promotes Rossignoli

Brooks Tropicals Inc. in Homestead, FL, announced the promotion of Jose E. Rossignoli to director of national sales. For the past two years, he had been an assistant to Neal (Pal) Brooks, president.

Since joining the firm, Mr. Rossignoli has been involved in the planning of the firm's papaya operations in Belize as well as the SlimCado avocado operations in southern Florida.

Additionally, he will be working with the retail and foodservice industries in the development of new and existing accounts to achieve higher visibility for Caribbean Sunrise and Caribbean Red papayas.

With Mr. Rossignoli's new position, Brooks Tropicals will further integrate papaya production with its merchandising and sales programs.

Mr. Rossignoli graduated from the University of Florida in 2003 with a bachelor of science degree in agriculture and earned a master's degree in agribusiness in 2004. Born in Ecuador, Mr. Rossignoli and his wife, Kelly, currently reside in Miramar, FL.

Brooks Tropicals Expands SlimCado Avocado Grove Services

To more effectively meet the needs of the avocado growers in South-Dade, Brooks Tropicals Inc. has split grove management responsibilities into two positions.

Murray Bass will focus on grower relations, building and solidifying relations within Brooks’ large family of avocado growers. As Grower Liaison, Mr. Bass will be surveying grove conditions in fields that Brooks’ owns, leases and maintains. With Mr. Bass’ extensive avocado background, these detailed grove assessments will be key in determining harvesting schedules and in efficiently addressing the concerns and needs of Brooks’ growers.

Jeff Crawford has been promoted to Avocado Production Manager. In this position, Mr. Crawford will head-up the management of day-to-day grove operations including personnel management, purchasing and production. This strategic position will pay particular attention to the economics of avocado production while insuring that the quality of fruit being harvested continues to meet the high standards that Brooks’ customers have grown to expect.

“The two positions have been set-up to work closely together,” says Craig Wheeling, CEO Brooks Tropicals. “We see vast opportunities in the avocado marketplace in 2007 and beyond. Making these strategic moves now will advance Brooks’ competitive edge.”

Located in Homestead, Brooks Tropicals is one of the nation’s largest grower, packer and shipper of tropical fruits and vegetables.

ABC's Brothers and Sisters Show Talks About SlimCados

In the "Family Day" episode originally aired 1/7/07. The character that Sally Fields' plays tells how SlimCados are a great idea would be a great investment for the family's company.