The International Blueberry Organisation (IBO) has announced that Mario Steta, Operations Director EMEA for Driscolls, has been appointed as its new chairman. In a statement, the organisation said, ‘Mario brings extensive experience and knowledge to the role and looks forward to continuing to enhance the leading global position of blueberries in the fresh produce industry, and the IBO member-producing countries globally’.
Mario commented, “The experience I’ve gained working for one of the leading berry companies makes me feel ready to embrace this role and the significant opportunities and challenges that face the global blueberry industry. Under the leadership of the outgoing President, Peter McPherson, the IBO has established a strong spirit of industry collaboration, strongly focused on furthering the development and promotion of blueberries worldwide.
Mario added, “One of my key challenges will be to further enhance the collaborative efforts of the IBO, striving to integrate all stakeholders in the industry into our organisation, and learn from and interact with other members of the global produce sector. We firmly believe that unity and transparency are essential for successfully navigating the dynamic and evolving challenges of this industry”.
Peter McPherson was formerly the general manager of Australian company Costa Group’s berry business and was IBO president for eight years. He added, “I look forward to Mario’s leadership of the IBO and am sure he will do a great job. We are going through challenging times in the industry, such as the impact of the El Niño phenomenon on production in Peru this season, the war between Russia and Ukraine, and the increase in transportation and input costs because of the global economic recession. There are also many opportunities, including room for further growth, but the industry must focus on quality, that is the key to future success. Mario’s experience at the helm of a company that has stood out in recent years for the development and introduction of new and better varieties is undoubtedly an example for the industry to follow. If he can pass on that knowledge to our members, I am sure that the future will be bright and responsible”.
The IBO currently comprises 14 member countries, representing over 90% of the world’s fresh blueberry production, with 60 associated companies, including exporters and industry suppliers.