Birko, a leading provider of food safety solutions for the produce industry, has named Ian Bessell as the firm’s director of business development and food safety for produce.
“We’re delighted to have Ian on board at Birko,” says Kelly Green, Birko’s owner and chairman of the board. “Ian’s extensive background in fruits and vegetables throughout the produce markets will be invaluable as Birko continues expanding its food safety expertise in the produce sector.”
Bessell most recently was the business development director for produce and seafood at ABC Research Laboratories in Gainesville, Fla. His background also includes positions with Zeigler Bros. Feed as a sales specialist in pet, zoo and lab feeds, and as a research assistant with the University of Florida Food and Resource Economics Department. Bessell earned a master’s of agribusiness and a bachelor’s degree in food and resource economics, both from the University of Florida.
He is a current member of the Emerging Leaders Development Program, sponsored by the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association. Bessell serves on a number of produce industry committees, including the United Fresh Produce Association’s Food Safety and Technology Council and the Produce Marketing Association’s Produce Safety Science and Technology Committee. He also served on a Produce Safety Alliance Working Committee.
Bessell resides in Wellington, Fla.
