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On August 5, Milne Fruit Products’ President and General Manager Randy Hageman, one of the most respected members of the Northwest Food Processors Association and NWFPA Chair in 2000, announced his retirement, effective December 31. A veteran of more than 40 years in the food processing industry, the last 19 with Milne Fruit Products, Randy has overseen the transformation of Milne from a small subsidiary of Ocean Spray Cranberries to one of the most esteemed and vibrant leaders in the food ingredient processing industry.
“Business is all about relationships, and I already know it is the people I will miss the most when I leave,” Hageman said. “I am fully aware that I am about to leave the best job in the best company in the juice industry.”
In a press release, Hageman also announced that he will be succeeded as Milne’s President by Michael Sorenson, currently Milne’s VP of Procurement and General Manager of Dohler-Milne Aseptics LLC, Milne’s newly-formed strategic alliance with Germany’s Dohler Group. Sorenson has been promoted through a series of positions since he came to Milne five years ago, and has a background in finance, sales and purchasing.
Founded as Prosser Packers more than a half-century ago, Milne Fruit Products is now a locally-owned and operated processor and purveyor of fruit juices, purees, distillates, essences, custom blends, organics and nutritional ingredients for the food processing industry. The company is headquartered in Prosser, Washington.
“Randy has always been an innovative leader in our industry and a strong supporter of NWFPA,” said NWFPA President Dave Zepponi. “His vision, insight and guidance will be missed. We wish him all the best in his retirement.”
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