Patrick Named New Washington State Fruit Commission President

The Washington State Fruit Commission has a new leader.  The Commission announced Wednesday that Eric Patrick has been appointed president to oversee marketing efforts for cherries and canned pears.

The Commission noted Patrick brings a wealth of experience in the fresh produce industry.

“Eric has a deep understanding of our industry,” said board chairman Doug Field.  “He has helped to market cherries, he’s helped to develop new programs, he understands sales and marketing and has relationships with many of the key players in our industry and with Northwest Cherries,” said Field. “We’re very excited to bring him on board.”

Patrick Very Familiar With Central Washington's Tree Fruit Industry

For the past 20 years, Patrick has served as marketing director for the Grant J. Hunt Company in Yakima.  The Hunt Company is a West Coast-based distributor and wholesaler of conventional and organic fresh produce with distribution throughout North America, where he also has worked closely with Northwest Cherries on cherry promotions.

Growing The Industry Moving Forward

Patrick said he always enjoyed his work at the commission and hopes to continue strengthening collaborations within the industry to serve growers.

“I really believe in Northwest cherries and want to help growers to get recognition for what I think are the best cherries in the world,” Patrick said. “I’m looking forward to working with the team, which has seen some award-winning campaigns in recent years, and build on those successes.”

Patrick says the push for healthier diets worldwide presents "fresh openings" for marketing and sales growth.

“I know the commission has been working on those health messages, and I see opportunities to work even more closely with the retailers, who are working with their own nutritionists and dieticians," Patrick noted

In part-time roles, Patrick has served as the tourism director for the city of Union Gap, WA, and as an instructor in the advertising and marketing programs at Yakima Valley College.  He continues to be a regular speaker at the college.

Patrick starts in his new role March 2nd.  He succeeds longtime President B.J. Thurlby, who retired December 31st, after 30 years with the commission.