Duda Farm Fresh Foods Honors Bob Sloate Following 50-Year Produce Career

Duda Farm Fresh Foods is recognizing the retirement of Bob Sloate, a respected produce industry veteran whose five-decade career spanned both the retail and grower-shipper sides of the business and helped shape fresh produce merchandising for retailers across the country.

Sloate retires after 50 years in the produce industry, including 23 years with Duda Farm Fresh Foods, where he most recently served as national account manager. During his tenure, he played a key role in sales management, customer development and expanding the company’s relationships with major retail customers.

Throughout his career at Duda, Sloate helped support the growth of several key product categories, including celery, sweet corn and value-added produce. He also managed the company’s Wellington business unit, contributing to operational growth while helping strengthen Duda’s position in the fresh produce marketplace.

“Bob’s impact on our business and the broader produce industry cannot be overstated,” said Alan Ediger, vice president of sales for Duda Farm Fresh Foods. “His deep understanding of the retail landscape, combined with his unwavering commitment to customer success, helped shape meaningful partnerships and drove growth of fresh produce distribution for decades. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bob is known for his integrity, mentorship and genuine relationships, leaving a lasting legacy at Duda Farm Fresh Foods and across the industry.”

Before joining Duda, Sloate spent 28 years with Winn-Dixie, where he held a variety of leadership positions, including produce buyer, district supervisor and location director. His experience working in both retail operations and merchandising gave him a unique perspective that proved valuable as he transitioned to the supplier side of the business.

That background helped Sloate become a trusted resource for retailers, particularly in produce category management and merchandising strategies. He worked closely with customers to position fresh and value-added produce as convenient meal and snack solutions, while helping retailers adapt to changing consumer preferences.

Colleagues credit his ability to understand the needs of both retailers and suppliers as one of the reasons he was able to build long-lasting business relationships throughout the industry. His reputation for consistency, reliability and customer service earned him respect from customers, growers and fellow produce professionals alike.

Reflecting on his career, Sloate said Duda’s family-oriented culture made his years with the company especially meaningful.

“My time at Duda has been fulfilling, blessed, and rooted in family, thanks to a culture of respect, integrity, and leadership that truly cares for its people,” Sloate said. “I’m proud of the milestones and relationships built along the way, and I hope my legacy reflects my faith, passion for the business, and commitment to treating others the right way in what will always be a people-driven industry.”

Founded more than 100 years ago, Duda Farm Fresh Foods has grown from a celery producer into one of North America’s leading growers, processors and marketers of fresh vegetables under its Dandy brand. Company officials said Sloate’s contributions helped strengthen that growth while reinforcing Duda’s commitment to customer relationships and innovation.

In retirement, Sloate plans to spend more time traveling with his wife, enjoying his role as a grandfather, volunteering at his church’s food pantry and pursuing outdoor hobbies including bird hunting, fishing and golf. His retirement marks the close of a career that touched nearly every facet of the fresh produce industry and leaves behind a legacy of leadership, mentorship and lasting partnerships.