Editor’s note: The following profile is from the 2025 Packer 25, our annual tribute to 25 leaders, innovators and agents of change across the fresh produce supply chain. (You can view all honorees here.) This feature has been edited for length and clarity.
Darryl Bollack — National sales manager, Mariani Nut Co.
For the last decade, Darryl Bollack has poured his passion for produce into the Mariani Nut Company, where he has worked enthusiastically to expand the nut offerings at grocery retail nationwide and increase consumption of healthy snacking.
You bring incredibly positive energy and charisma to your work with Mariani Nut Co. What drives you to elevate the brand and drive nut consumption each day?
Ten years ago, Matt Mariani and the Mariani Nut family were focusing on their retail packaging line of California walnuts and almonds. I was given the opportunity to grow the business from scratch and the family gave me full freedom to capture any new business I could get, using my own style.
After spending 10 years representing value-added produce items in the Nor-Cal market, I realized there was a huge void with walnut and almond offerings in produce departments. For the first time in my career, I was able to put all my energy, passion and experience toward growing one brand — and an extremely healthy brand at that.
I was able to grow distribution quickly with all major California retailers and form solid partnerships and friendships that had me waking up each day with motivation and a smile.
I was then given the opportunity to represent Mariani Nut Co. at all trade shows taking place nationally. At each event over the years, I have met new, amazing, passionate produce professionals and grown a national network. I get a huge surge of energy, pride and excitement that keeps me motivated as soon as I step foot into an industry event.
What drew you to the produce industry, and what has kept you in it?
When I was 21, I got my first job in the Direct Store Delivery (DSD) beverage industry in Nor-Cal. After 10 years of beverage, seven years of working my way up with Coca-Cola, I realized that I needed a change. When I finally got the courage to get my resume out in 2004, it landed in the hands of Brad Raffanti, Liz Bunch and Shawn Dagen at Edge Sales & Marketing.
All three saw potential in me and offered me the role of managing their retail team dedicated to value-added produce brands. They mentored me and introduced me to a whole new side of the CPG industry. Each new produce professional I met and worked with had this passion and love for the industry. I was determined to give everything I had to the produce industry. Twenty years later, I wake up every day with a smile and look forward to continuing to grow with the produce industry.
Of what professional accomplishment are you most proud, and why?
Being able to help the Mariani Nut family grow their business every year. The growth of an amazing network of passionate individuals I consider my “Produce Ohana.” I’m also proud to give back and be recognized as a board member of the Fresh Produce and Floral Council, Food Industry Sales Association.
What tops your bucket list — a personal goal you aim to achieve?
To inspire, motivate or make at least one person smile each and every day, and travel the world doing it for the rest of my days.
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