Driven by Passion, A Q&A with Desirae Perez, Marketing Manager, Prime Time Produce

The line between personal and professional passions is sometimes a thin one. If you are lucky enough to find something you love and turn it into a career—at least, in my experience—many other aspects of life seem to fall into place. Such is the case with Desirae Perez, Marketing Manager at Prime Time Produce. 

For Desirae, marketing transcends her job title to inform the way she sees the world every day. In just the short amount of time we had to chat, I quickly learned how this industry ace brings her own marketing flare to the fresh produce space. 

I invite you to continue reading and find out for yourself the ways in which Desirae is changing the game.

Chandler James: During your time in fresh produce, you have had the opportunity to cut your teeth on many different supply-side companies. What was your journey to fresh produce like, and how did you end up at Prime Time Produce?

Desirae Perez, Marketing Manager, Prime Time Produce: I got my start in the industry at California State University, Fresno (go Dogs!), where I pursued a degree in Agricultural Business. Surrounded by passionate professors and hardworking peers, I developed a deep appreciation for the agricultural industry and its impact.

During my summers, I gained hands-on experience interning with Limoneira and Fresh Pacific Fruit and Vegetable. After graduation, I joined Mission Produce^® as an intern in the Quality Department. This led to a full-time role as QA (Quality Assurance) FDC Supervisor, which I held for two years before transitioning into supply chain for another two years. Recognizing my creativity and strategy strengths, I moved into marketing—a field where my passion and skillset truly flourished. 

I was fortunate to be part of a company that valued mentorship, recognized internal talent, and encouraged professional growth. After achieving many successes at Mission Produce, I embraced a new opportunity at Prime Time, excited to bring my experience and enthusiasm to a company known for its excellence in fresh produce.

CJ: Now that you have a couple of years under your belt at Prime Time, how have you seen the brand evolve in your role as the company’s Marketing Manager?

DP: Prime Time is on an exciting trajectory, focused on expansion, modernization, and elevating the company to new heights. With these ambitious goals, the marketing team is at the forefront, driving innovative projects that enhance both internal operations and external brand presence. We are dedicated to delivering high-quality work that meets the evolving needs of our industry.  

As we continue to advance, we’re actively working on transformative initiatives that will shape the future of Prime Time. Exciting developments are on the horizon, and we can’t wait to share them soon.

CJ: There’s no doubt that you have played a major role in that continued evolution. How would you sum up your approach to produce marketing?

DP: Effective produce marketing starts with understanding the audience. As a B2B (business to business) company, our goal isn’t to market directly to consumers but to provide value to our customers. We focus on ensuring our products and services consistently meet their standards and evolving needs, reinforcing trust and reliability.

With projects like social media, we take a dynamic approach—balancing education, engagement, and entertainment. We showcase behind-the-scenes moments at Prime Time, highlight the benefits of our products, and incorporate trending content to keep our audience informed and inspired. By blending strategy with creativity, we create a compelling brand presence that resonates across all platforms.

CJ: What are some marketing strategies you hope to continue or begin implementing in the future?

DP: I am committed to strengthening our marketing strategies by ensuring our deliverables are not only eye-catching but also a true reflection of what we do. I take great pride in being a part of a team that not only highlights our company’s achievements and initiatives but also brings its story to life.

As the storytellers of the company, the marketing team plays a crucial role in shaping our brand narrative and delivering it to the right audiences. Whether engaging potential customers, strengthening relationships with growing partners, or connecting with prospective employees, I recognize the importance of tailoring our messaging to resonate with each group effectively. We will continue to elevate Prime Time’s presence and impact through strategic, engaging marketing efforts.

“Recognizing my creativity and strategy strengths, I moved into marketing—a field where my passion and skillset truly flourished.”

Desirae Perez, Marketing Manager, Prime Time Produce

CJ: Let’s get a bit more personal for those who have not gotten to collaborate with you yet. Outside of work, what are some of your passions in life?

DP: Creativity and staying up to date on trends have always brought me joy, which is why I naturally gravitated toward marketing. I love the balance of strategy and creativity that the field offers. To further develop my expertise, I recently began pursuing my MBA at Chico State—a step that will help me continue growing in my career.

Outside of work and school, I enjoy spending time with my loved ones and my cat, Spencer. You can often find me wine tasting, reading a good book, or indulging in my favorite reality TV shows.

The opportunity to highlight a rising star as passionate and unique as Desirae is not lost on me. Now that I call her a true industry friend, I can hardly wait to see what she does next.