Larry Brown, a 30-year veteran of the fresh produce industry and a key leader at FreshEdge, passed away on April 30, in Orlando, Fla. Known for his strategic leadership at major distribution firms, including FreshPoint and Coastal Sunbelt, Brown most recently served as a driving force behind FreshEdge’s national sales and strategy initiatives.
“Larry’s humanity was obvious from a first meeting and his countless contributions to our industry have made him one of the greats,” says Andrew Iacobucci, CEO of FreshEdge. “The industry has lost a titan and we at FreshEdge have lost a cherished colleague and friend. Our thoughts are with Larry’s family and his many friends as we all cope with his passing.”
Fresh Edge says Brown, vice president of sales at FreshEdge, was instrumental in guiding the company’s national efforts. In the produce industry, Brown was known as the connective tissue between the Midwest and Southeastern supply chains. His move to FreshEdge helped the company expand its footprint.
“Larry was a genuinely great person in all respects, and everyone who had the privilege of encountering him is better off because of it,” says Greg Corsaro, president of FreshEdge. “We are saddened that he is no longer with us, but we are even more happy and grateful that he touched our lives.”
Brown joined the company in 2023 as chief strategy officer before leading the company’s national sales efforts.
“Larry’s commitment to the industry and his peers always inspired me to give just a little bit more to everything I did,” says Daniel Corsaro, chief commercial officer of FreshEdge. “He invested time and energy into making sure I was successful personally and professionally regardless of the impact it had on him. I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to work side by side with Larry at FreshEdge.”
Brown also worked at Coastal Sunbelt, where he served as senior vice president of sales, and also at FreshPoint, where he held various leadership roles.
“We all have many people pass through our life journey,” says Steve Grinstead, chairman of FreshEdge. “Every once in a while, a special person comes along and makes a forever impact on your life. Larry had that impact on me and literally hundreds of others in our great industry. Please join me in celebrating an amazing career and a life well lived.”
