United Fresh Taps Senior Tech Adviser

United Fresh Produce Association has brought Nathan Dorn aboard as senior technology adviser, in which capacity he will help build its education and trade show technology platform in support of the inaugural United FreshTEC Conference & Expo, which is slated to debut June 13-15, 2017, in Chicago.

In his new role, Dorn will share expertise in robotics, engineering, mechanical harvesting and other technology applications gained from his tenures with the Reiter Affiliated Cos., Gallo Family Vineyards and the Pepsi Bottling Group. As well as his current consulting role, he is CEO and co-founder of Food Origins, a startup focused on precision data collection and analytic services for hand-harvested produce. Dorn was previously director of knowledge and innovation for Oxnard, Calif.-based Reiter, where he implemented worldwide organizational mechanization programs for fresh berry harvest and nonharvest activities.

Dorn began his career as a US Navy nuclear mechanic for the submarine fleet. He’s currently organizing host for the RoboUniverse Ag Robotics Track, and an advisor to various startup organizations, the Cal Poly/California Strawberry Commission Research Center, Hartnell Junior College and the Mixing Bowl.

Noting that Dorn would “bring a new level of technical expertise to the FreshTEC team at United,” United Fresh President and CEO Tom Stenzel said, “Nathan will be a great asset as we work to create a new innovation platform at the show that will combine expert education for industry operations executives, and highlight technology innovations and applications throughout the growing, packing and processing of fresh foods.”

The United FreshTEC Conference & Expo is designed to highlight the most innovative technologies coming to the produce business, from farm to table.

Washington, D.C.-based United Fresh unites companies across every segment of the fresh produce supply chain, including growers, shippers, fresh-cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations.

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