Driscoll's

🌱 Big News for the Future of Food & Agriculture! 🌱 Driscoll’s is proud to announce a $5 million pledge to Cal Poly College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, a transformative investment that will launch a state-of-the-art farm store at the heart of the university’s new Plant Sciences Complex. This new hub will empower students with hands-on experience in growing, producing, marketing, and selling campus-made products — preparing the next generation of leaders to innovate across the food system. 💬 Brie Reiter Smith, Driscoll’s executive and proud Cal Poly alumna, shared: “As someone who personally benefited from Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing approach, I’m thrilled Driscoll’s gets to be part of creating new learning opportunities that will prepare the next generation of industry leaders to bring innovation and entrepreneurial spirit to the food system.” 💬 Soren Bjorn, CEO of Driscoll’s, added: “Our partnership with Cal Poly reflects our belief in the power of education, innovation and hands-on experience to drive meaningful change for our industry and communities.” 💬 Brian Horgan, Dean of the Cal Poly College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences emphasized: “Our mission is to educate and empower the next generation of growers and food innovators who will shape the future of our food systems. Support from industry partners like Driscoll’s enables us to provide students with real-world learning experiences that prepare them to meet the challenges of an ever-evolving agricultural landscape ahead.” 💬 Russ Kabaker, Assistant Dean of Advancement and External Relations at Cal Poly, noted: “This partnership with Driscoll’s is a shining example of how industry and academia can come together to create something truly impactful. The farm store will be a cornerstone of experiential learning and community connection.” The new farm store, soon to be proudly named by Driscoll’s, will serve as a dynamic retail and research hub for Cal Poly students, faculty and the community, with a sweet bonus: it’ll feature our Only the Finest Berries™ front and center. 📍 Learn more and read the full announcement on Cal Poly’s site: https://lnkd.in/gnj96diN

Brie Reiter Smith to Assume Full-Time Role as Vice Chair of Driscoll’s Board In March 2025, Driscoll’s Board of Directors selected Brie Reiter Smith to serve as its next Vice Chair. She will formally step into the role full-time in January 2026. Brie brings 14 years of experience across Driscoll’s, from leading a turnaround in Chile to redesigning our quality system and shaping product leadership across the Americas. “Brie has demonstrated exceptional leadership, resilience, and vision throughout her career,” said J. Miles Reiter, Executive Chairman. “Her appointment is a natural progression, and I have every confidence in her continued impact on Driscoll’s future.” “Brie’s transition comes at a pivotal time,” added Soren Bjorn, CEO. “Her deep understanding of our culture and ability to connect with growers and leaders across regions will be invaluable.” 📄 Read the full press release: https://lnkd.in/eQ63HQX5

Driscoll’s is proud to sponsor the North Capital Forum, a premier three-day gathering that brings together leaders from across North America to address shared challenges and develop practical, mutually beneficial solutions. As a company rooted in American agriculture and expanded through smart, strategic partnerships, Driscoll’s has seen how strong trade agreements help strengthen supply chains, improve food access, and support farmers and consumers across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. 👉 Explore the agenda and join the conversation: https://lnkd.in/eXGXKWaD We look forward to productive discussions that reinforce the future of collaboration, grounded in shared values, cross-border ties, and a commitment to innovation, prosperity, and responsible growth.

At Driscoll’s, we believe our responsibility to the communities that grow our berries doesn’t end when the harvest does. That’s why we’re proud to support the incredible work of United Food Bank and Services of Plant City—a Florida organization that’s not only feeding families but building futures. Their new facility is a testament to what happens when a community comes together. From walk-in freezers to health literacy classes and a computer lab, this space is transforming lives. We’re honored to have played a small part—through financial support, volunteer hours, and a shared belief that with food, anything is possible. Because food is dignity, hope, and connection. 👉 Watch the story unfold in our latest video—part of our award-winning docu-series, One Family, One Earth™, which celebrates the real people behind our berries: growers, harvesters, employees, and partners. As Garland Reiter, Jr., a member of our founding family, said: “For more than a century, we’ve cared deeply about the people who grow our berries and the communities in which we live and work.” Thank you Mary Heysek, Angelica Conrad Lombrana and Driscoll's Nancy Mense for helping us tell this story.

“For more than a century, we’ve cared deeply about the people who grow our berries and the communities in which we live and work.” – Garland Reiter, Jr., Chief Commercial Officer, Driscoll’s That simple truth—spoken by a member of our founding family—captures the heart of One Family, One Earth™, our U.S. docu-series celebrating real stories of growers, harvesters, employees, and partners. Since 1904, purpose-driven farming has been our way of life—enriching lives and caring for the planet. As a community-based business, we partner with local leaders and nonprofits to invest in education, health, youth development, water stewardship, and conservation. These stories are what made One Family, One Earth™ resonate so deeply—and why it was honored across the industry for creative excellence and authenticity. 🏆 Awards: AVA Digital (Platinum), MarCom (Platinum), Telly (Bronze), Digiday (Finalist) Thank you to the communities who inspire us, the storytellers who brought these moments to life, and to everyone who believes business can be both successful and deeply human. 🏅 Learn more about the awards: https://lnkd.in/gqi4nbWv

Driscoll’s Chief People Officer, Gaëlle Le Meur, is featured in this month’s HR Executive.   Gaëlle Le Meur discusses how her global HR experience, from Europe to the Middle East and now the U.S. - has shaped her leadership approach. She emphasizes the importance of agility, cultural understanding, and people-centric practices in driving success, and underscores the value of diverse   Gaëlle explains that beyond the challenges of scaling a global workforce, it was Driscoll’s mission to delight consumers with fresh, sustainably grown berries, our vision of enriching the lives we touch, and our values of humility, trustworthiness, and passion that truly resonated with her. These guiding principles were key reasons she chose to join our organization.   At Driscoll’s, we’re committed to fostering a diverse, dynamic, and growth-oriented work environment, and Gaëlle’s leadership is a perfect match for this commitment. We’re proud to have her driving our people strategy.   Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/ejyfeKWM

Ever wondered what it truly takes to breed “the perfect strawberry”? Meet Dr. Deb Menicos, Ph.D. (Débora Liabeuf), Driscoll’s Global Director of Strawberry Breeding. With a Ph.D. in plant breeding and genetics and years as Driscoll’s molecular breeder, she embodies both rigorous science and deep-rooted passion—and is unapologetically honest about failure being part of the process for improving Only the Finest Berries™ This insightful Seed World United States article, “One Gene Promised the Perfect Strawberry. But it Didn’t Pass the Smoothie Test”, delivers a fascinating look behind the scenes at Driscoll’s flavor-first mission. Check out the full article: https://lnkd.in/dksuPZkS

Big flavor. Even bigger honor. We’re thrilled to share that Driscoll’s Sweetest Batch™ Blackberries have been named a 2025 Snack Awards Winner by Good Housekeeping! Praised as “out-of-this-world delicious” and “next-level,” our Sweetest Batch™ Blackberries were selected after rigorous testing by registered dietitians, culinary experts, and over 1,000 real consumer taste testers. Developed by our world-class team of flavor innovators—breeders, sensory analysts, and plant health scientists—these berries deliver a velvety, juicy, ultra-sweet experience unlike any other. ➡️ Read the full story: https://lnkd.in/gK9SE_vD

Driscoll’s is proud to return as a founding sponsor of the Organic Produce Summit (OPS) — the only event dedicated exclusively to organic fresh produce. Join us July 9–10 in Monterey, CA for engaging educational sessions, our exclusive farm tour, special events, and a typically sold-out trade show! 📍    Visit us at Booth 712 on the first level 🎤 Catch Driscoll’s Chief Communications Officer, Frances Dillard, alongside leaders from Braga Fresh Family Farms, The Fresh Market, Katzman Distribution, and SpartanNash on the panel: “The Pros & Cons of Private Label & Branded Organic Produce” Organic produce dominates the entire organic category, making up more than 30% of total sales — and berries continue to outperform, with sales rising another 10.3% in 2024. Guess who’s driving that growth? 🍓 Let’s connect in Monterey and shape the future of organic — together. It’s not too late to register! https://lnkd.in/gZunzRk9

Thank You, Neil DeFeo. Welcome, Berry Marttin. After 27 years of distinguished board service, Neil DeFeo retires from Driscoll’s. His leadership helped guide our transformation into a global brand and elevate our marketing discipline. A trusted advisor and seasoned CEO, Neil brought clarity, insight, and long-term impact. We also welcome Berry Marttin, a global agribusiness expert and former Managing Board Member at Rabobank. With deep experience in agriculture, finance, and sustainability, Berry will help shape our next phase of global growth. 📄 Read the full announcement here: https://lnkd.in/gEbbcBiz