Produce Industry Mourns the Passing of Larry Brown

The fresh produce industry is mourning the loss of longtime industry leader Larry Brown, who passed away April 30 in Orlando, FL, surrounded by family. Known throughout the business as a mentor, relationship-builder and passionate advocate for the produce industry, Brown spent decades helping shape the foodservice and fresh produce distribution sectors.

Most recently, Brown helped lead national sales efforts for FreshEdge, where colleagues said he brought integrity, energy and a people-first approach to every aspect of the business. FreshEdge described Brown as “an industry icon” whose impact reached every level of the supply chain.

Brown joined FreshEdge in 2023 as chief strategy officer after an accomplished career that included leadership roles with some of the produce industry’s best-known companies. Prior to FreshEdge, he spent 12 years with Coastal Sunbelt Produce, most recently serving as senior vice president of sales. Before that, Brown spent 16 years with FreshPoint, where he held several leadership positions, including vice president of sales.

Over the course of his career, Brown became widely respected not only for his sales leadership and industry knowledge, but also for his willingness to mentor others and build lasting relationships across the produce business.

“Larry’s commitment to the industry and his peers always inspired me to give just a little bit more to everything I did,” said Daniel Corsaro, chief commercial officer of FreshEdge. “He invested time and energy into making sure I was successful personally and professionally regardless of the impact it had on him.”

Greg Corsaro, president of FreshEdge, added Brown made a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.

“Larry was a genuinely great person in all respects, and everyone who had the privilege of encountering him is better off because of it,” Corsaro said. “We are saddened that he is no longer with us, but we are even more happy and grateful that he touched our lives.”

FreshEdge Chairman Steve Grinstead called Brown “a special person” whose influence stretched throughout the industry.

“Larry had that impact on me and literally hundreds of others in our great industry,” Grinstead said. “Please join me in celebrating an amazing career and a life well lived.”

FreshEdge CEO Andrew Iacobucci added that Brown’s contributions and leadership left a lasting mark on the produce business.

“Larry’s humanity was obvious from a first meeting and his countless contributions to our industry have made him one of the greats,” he said. “The industry has lost a titan and we at FreshEdge have lost a cherished colleague and friend.”