SOLEDAD — Braga Fresh is promoting Colby Pereira to chief operating officer, making her the first person to hold that title as the company enters its 95th year in business.
“Colby’s family farming background and reasoned, no-nonsense approach to problem-solving are an asset for this new position,” said Rod Braga, company CEO. “Her leadership and team building capabilities are instrumental to our continuous growth and success.”
Pereira joined Braga Fresh in 2020 as vice president of operations. In addition to managing the farming, harvesting, shipping and processing operations, she also led the Covid response team.
The executive change comes as the company expanded its value-add capabilities in recent years with the Josie’s Organics brand. Currently, the company has more than 1,600 employees, a large organic and conventional land base, two processing facilities and four shipping locations.
As COO, Pereira will be responsible for driving strategic initiatives to continue the company’s growth.
“Colby has been an integral part of the team, working across multiple departments giving her a diverse understanding of our complex business,” Braga said. “She will guide the team in creating a sustainable roadmap, for the future.”
Pereira has a rich background in agriculture and is a recognized leader who serves on multiple industry and community boards. She attributes her passion for agriculture to her grandfather, Anthony Costa, a pioneer in the Salinas Valley.
In 1928, Sebastian and Josie Braga started farming California’s fertile soil on what is now known as the Braga Home Ranch in Soledad. Today, the third generation continues the family values of sustainable-organic farming.
Braga Fresh sets aside 10% of farmland to beneficial habitat and has the goal of being carbon neutral by 2025. Now vertically integrated, Braga Fresh combines innovation with tradition to grow, harvest, and process fresh vegetables and leafy greens through the Josie’s Organics and Braga Farms brands.
For more information about the company, visit bragafresh.com.
