RP Distributing copes with recent death of founder, remains in Mexican grapes
RP Distributing copes with recent death of founder, remains in Mexican grapes
RIO RICO, AZ — Subsequent to the shocking death of Renato Parada, the founder of RP Distributing, his firm is moving ahead.
At age 53, Parada died March 8, just days after learning he had cancer.
The firm’s salesman, Francisco Orrantia, worked for Parada for 16 years and confirmed that Mexican suppliers had all given RP a vote of confidence to continue the sales relationship.
“The company is strong,” Orrantia said. “We will keep doing business as always.”
Parada and his wife, Kathryn (Kathy) Parada kept residences in Tucson, AZ, and outside of Minneapolis in Austin, MN. Shortly after her husband’s death, Kathy Parada relocated to Arizona to become president of RP. She will now work alongside Orrantia to run the firm.
In the Sonoran grape deal, RP has a small-volume early Perlette deal in Pesqueira, which is a major grape producing area about 30 minutes north of Hermosillo. Pesqueira will begin shipping in mid-May. Hermosillo’s green grapes suffered about 30 percent damage industrywide, he noted.
Flames will begin a week after the Perlettes.
RP Distributing also represent a grower in Caborca, which is close to the Arizona line. From Caborca, RP will distribute Sugraone and Flames under the Welch’s fresh brand, which is marketed by C.H. Robinson.
For RP, the Mexican grape deal will conclude at the end of June.
Beyond grapes, RP will continue to market in-season Mexican honeydew, white and yellow sweet corn, zucchini, red and green Bell peppers and tomatillos.
A native of Chile, Renato Parada started his produce career at International Multifoods in Minneapolis, then pursued further opportunities in California and Arizona before he founded RP Distributing in 1999. During his youth, Parada represented Chile in the Junior World Golf Championship for two years.