Longtime produce industry leader recognized for decades of entrepreneurship and contributions to the U.S.-Mexico fresh produce industry
(NOGALES, AZ.) – The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) is proud to recognize Robert “Bob” Meyer as the recipient of its 2026 Pillar of the Industry Award, honoring his longstanding contributions, entrepreneurial leadership, and lasting impact on the fresh produce industry.
With a career spanning more than five decades, Meyer has played an important role in the evolution of the North American tomato industry, helping expand commercial production, distribution, and market opportunities while navigating the changing demands of the fresh produce business. He also helped develop many talented men and women who went on to become important parts of this industry including FPAA chairwoman Raquel Espinoza, Tomato Division chairman Javier Badillo, former FPAA president Jesse Driskill, long-time Meyer Tomato sales manager, Butch LaVelle, Jaime Hernandez, and many more.
“Bob not only shaped the industry, but he shaped a lot of people in the industry,” said Raquel Espinoza, FPAA chairwoman and CEO of Produce House. “You can find a lot of Meyer Tomato alumni at respected produce companies across the U.S.”
Meyer’s journey began in 1955 when he and his father, Leo Meyer, established Meyer Tomato Company in King City, California, in the southern Salinas Valley. What began as a family agricultural operation grew into a significant tomato growing, packing, and shipping enterprise, eventually expanding beyond California into Mexico.
As agricultural production and consumer markets evolved, Meyer recognized new opportunities and guided the company’s expansion into Mexican growing regions. By the late 1990s, the company’s operations had increasingly shifted toward Mexico, strengthening its ability to supply fresh tomatoes and vegetables to U.S. customers and reflecting the growing importance of cross-border agricultural trade.
Under Meyer’s leadership, Meyer Tomato Company became a major supplier of tomatoes and winter vegetables from Mexico, building lasting relationships with growers, distributors, and customers throughout the industry. The company’s operations helped meet growing demand for fresh produce in U.S. markets and supported year-round availability.
In 2009, Meyer expanded the distribution of Mexican-grown tomatoes and vegetables through a sales and marketing partnership. The agreement brought millions of additional cases into an established distribution network, creating new opportunities for growers and strengthening access to U.S. markets. In its heyday, Meyer Tomatoes was one of the nation’s leading tomato shippers.
Beyond his business accomplishments, Meyer’s career reflects the determination, adaptability, and entrepreneurial spirit that have helped shape the fresh produce industry. From the agricultural fields of California to the growing regions of Mexico and the distribution networks serving North America, his work illustrates the importance of relationships, innovation, and long-term commitment in an industry built on trust and cooperation.
The FPAA Pillar of the Industry Award recognizes individuals whose careers have made meaningful and lasting contributions to the fresh produce industry. Honorees represent the dedication, leadership, and vision that have helped strengthen the industry and create opportunities for future generations.
“Bob Meyer has dedicated much of his life to the fresh produce industry, building a successful business and adapting to the many changes the industry has experienced over the years,” said Lance Jungmeyer, President of the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas. “His experience, commitment, and contributions to the industry are exactly what the Pillar of the Industry Award is intended to recognize. We are pleased to honor Bob and his many years of service to the fresh produce community.”
About the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas
The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas provides a voice for more than 100 U.S. companies involved in the importation and distribution of fresh produce grown in Mexico. Founded in 1944 in Nogales, Arizona, the association has grown to become one of the most influential agricultural groups in the United States.
For more information about FPAA and its advocacy work on behalf of the fresh produce industry, please visit www.thef
