Julie Olivarria’s impact on the produce industry goes far beyond her impressive career—it lives on in the relationships she built, the people she mentored, and the standard she set every day. As she steps into a well-earned retirement, her presence and influence will continue to be felt across the industry she helped shape...
A grounded constant, carrying light, compassion, and an unwavering sense of purpose, Julie Olivarria stands as a beacon in the industry. And like a beacon, she carries with her a wisdom of guidance, knowledge, and service that is a hallmark of her presence, her contributions, and her fortitude.
Growing up in California’s Salinas Valley, surrounded by agriculture, Julie saw firsthand the gamble, the soul, and the heart that went into each seed—every square foot of dirt, drip of water, full day of sun. Playing in the fields as a child cultivated a deep respect for each hand in the process. She understood what it meant to have your livelihood tied to the earth. And it was in these early experiences that the profound influence of relationships and community took root.
“Those relationships, those shared challenges, those moments when the whole team pulled together to make the impossible happen—those are what I’ll carry with me."
Julie Olivarria, Retired Vice President of Produce, Sysco
As a mother, a grandmother, a friend, a colleague, and a mentor to so many, it is hard to imagine an industry not guided by this foodservice force. And yet, even as I write that, I can see her gently stepping back from such a spotlight. To her team, to those who have depended on her will, aptitude, and deep sense of responsibility, Julie is very much a leader who leads by example, a source of inspiration and deep roots, and, without a doubt, one of the warmest people I have ever met. And it is that presence that makes this moment of transition all the more meaningful.
With Julie’s retirement on May 29, 2026, fresh in all of our hearts and minds, it feels clear that sometimes moving away from one thing is not simply that, but a movement toward something else. A calling, in its own way. After decades of leadership as Vice President of Produce at Sysco, Julie stepped over this new threshold with the same intention that defined her career. And for Julie, that looks like growth in new forms, a life at a different pace, a heart full of love for her grandchildren, and friendships that will continue to carry her forward.
In reflecting on that journey, in every conversation I have with Julie, I leave with a strong sense not just of the work itself, but the example she sets is what truly defines her, in all that she does and all those she brings to the table with her. That kind of leadership can be quiet, but it holds a consistency that can shape generations. The way we show up for others is, in the end, what endures. Julie’s leadership is not the kind that demands attention, but the kind people instinctively follow.
“The produce industry is unlike any other. There’s a passion that exists within it—people genuinely believe in what they’re selling and who they’re selling it for. We know that increased produce consumption can change lives, and we’re proud to be part of the original health food movement,” Julie shares with me. “At Sysco, I’ve made lifelong friends and learned from some of the very best. I’ve had the privilege of working with incredibly talented people who care deeply about doing things the right way. Those relationships, those shared challenges, those moments when the whole team pulled together to make the impossible happen—those are what I’ll carry with me. This chapter has been meaningful because of the people. They’re what made the work worth doing every single day.”
It’s that sense of connection, of people first, that Julie returns to again and again. And from there, her perspective widens, grounding that passion in the deeper understanding of how every hand, every step, shapes the whole.
“I learned early on to say what you mean and mean what you say. This industry is built on long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships, not transactional ones. When we grow together, we accomplish more."
“One of the biggest lessons is that while we all have our individual roles, every single person along the way is vital to our success. It starts with the ground, the seed, the fertilizer, the grower, the harvesting crews, the cooler teams, the loaders, the drivers, so many touch points before a product ever reaches a customer,” Julie begins as I ask her about the clarity that has formed over decades of experience in both the grind and the glory of it all. “It takes every one of those steps being executed perfectly for beautiful produce to end up on someone’s plate, usually within a week at most. Professionally, that taught me humility and respect. Personally, it taught me gratitude. This industry is a chain of people who care deeply about what they do, and that’s something I’ve never taken for granted.”
That same awareness of every hand in the process extends beyond operations and into relationships. Many of Julie’s colleagues describe her as not only a strong business partner, but also a trusted friend and mentor. Such a relationship can be fragile in the best of times for many, a constant act of balancing, a fierce focus on the livelihood of all parties. But with Julie, it’s as if the nature of such acts is a ritual, a tradition she holds close to her heart. This high standing she holds relationships in within fresh produce is something that Julie holds dear, and something she hopes remains in the foundation of who we are.
For her, that foundation has always come back to one thing: relationships.
“This has always been a relationship business, and I hope it always is. I’ve been described as tough but fair, and I take a lot of pride in that. For me, the balance comes from being consistent—showing up the same way whether we’re negotiating a contract or sharing a meal,” Julie tells me. “People want to work with people they trust. They want to know you’ll tell them the truth, that you’ll stand by your word, and that you’ll be there when things get hard. I’ve always believed that strong relationships make strong business, not the other way around.”
For Julie, those relationships were never abstract. They were lived, built over time, and in many ways, took hold early, in that first moment she saw herself in this industry
“In my early 20s, I applied for a role at a produce company, and while I waited to be interviewed, I could see and hear the sales office in action. I guess you could say it was love at first sight, because from that moment, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I’ve always loved the fast pace, the fact that no two days or challenges are ever the same, and most of all, the people. That combination hooked me early and kept me here for more than 30 years,” Julie reflects.
“SAY YES. So many doors opened for me because I raised my hand and took on challenges outside of my role. I never looked at it as doing extra work; I looked at it as learning, growing, and becoming more valuable to the team."
Such a meaningful journey has been made more beautiful by mentors and lessons, successes and failures. None that Julie could imagine growing without.
“There have been so many impactful people in my career. From early mentors who taught me the fundamentals of the business, to growers who showed me what true passion for the land looks like, to colleagues at Sysco who pushed me, challenged me, and believed in me,” Julie expresses. “I’ve been fortunate to work with leaders who gave me opportunities before I believed I was ready, and partners who treated me like family. Their influence shaped not just my career, but the kind of leader I tried to become, one who listens, one who learns, and one who lifts others up the way I was lifted.”
This dynamic, loving, and also accountable form of leadership, learned and given, is something that Julie hopes she has encouraged and supported in her team and in those who are just coming into their commitment to fresh produce.
“I learned early on to say what you mean and mean what you say. This industry is built on long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships, not transactional ones. When we grow together, we accomplish more,” Julie remembers. I can feel the richness of her legacy surfacing in her mind as she makes space to share her wisdom with me. “Trust is earned through consistency, showing up the same way in good times and bad. Be transparent, be accountable, and remember that every decision you make affects someone else in the chain. When leaders model that mindset, it creates a culture where people feel valued and connected.”
For newcomers entering the fresh produce industry today, building a meaningful and lasting career is not for the faint of heart. But it will be a worthy challenge and an unending gift.
“Say YES. So many doors opened for me because I raised my hand and took on challenges outside of my role. I never looked at it as doing extra work; I looked at it as learning, growing, and becoming more valuable to the team,” Julie describes. “This industry rewards curiosity, resilience, and heart. If you show up willing to work hard, willing to learn, and willing to build relationships, you’ll find a career that gives back far more than you put in.”
And so, while we celebrate Julie Olivarria and all she has given to this industry, it is not with a sense of finality, but of gratitude and continuation. Congratulations, Julie, on a remarkable career. The door you helped shape in fresh produce remains open, and your presence and example will continue to guide those who follow.
“Julie’s retirement marks the closure of a highly impactful chapter, not just for Sysco, but for the produce industry. Having had the privilege to work with her I have a personal perspective on her journey and the legacy she leaves behind. She always demonstrated a rare combination of strategic clarity, emotional intelligence, and an unwavering commitment to doing things the right way. Under her leadership, Sysco strengthened grower relationships, expanded sourcing capabilities, and enhanced consistency and quality. She pushed the organization to think differently about how produce could drive value and differentiation. Her superpower was clearly her focus on people. She understood that strong teams are the foundation of sustained success, and she made that happen!”
“Julie and I have essentially grown up together in this industry over the past 25 years. We both started out on the sales desk and somehow figured it out along the way, she at Sysco and me supplying her and team with their carrot needs. We have worked through our share of challenges, had a lot of conversations that only made our partnership stronger, and shared more than a few bottles of wine over the years. I still laugh thinking about her saying that we should retire at the same time; she clearly had the better plan. I could not be more excited for Julie as she settles into this next chapter, enjoying peaceful days, more time with family, and making memories with her precious grandbabies. Best wishes, Jules!”
“I have had the privilege of selling produce to Julie Olivarria since 1992, in a time when business relationships were built on handshakes and trust. Julie has always been a customer I am proud to work with—she embodies integrity and has consistently proven herself in this challenging industry. Through hard work and dedication, she has achieved remarkable success and ascended to the top at Sysco, serving as an example for others at every stage of her career. Julie is not only a valued customer but also a friend, and Prime Time is proud of our years of doing business together. All of us at Prime Time wish Julie the very best in her next chapter and sincerely thank her for being such a trusted partner.”
“Julie Olivarria’s retirement really feels like the end of an era for me. She’s one of those rare people who can step into a complicated situation and quickly get to what truly matters. Her breadth of experience across the industry and her ability to cut through the noise have always set her apart. From her humble beginnings in grower/shipper sales to her rise to Vice President at a Fortune 500 company, Julie has had an incredibly impressive journey. I’ve genuinely appreciated the opportunity to work with Julie over the years, and I’m grateful to also call her a friend.”
“I first met Julie 30 years ago when she was a sales coordinator at NewStar Fresh Foods. She definitely wasn’t a wallflower, and it wasn’t unheard of for her to drop a one-liner on you that would leave you speechless. Her fearless spirit and work ethic quickly earned her a larger role, and then led to what became a fantastic career with Sysco. To one of my closest friends in the business, congratulations on a great career and for setting such a strong example for the women following you.”
“The working relationship I have enjoyed with Julie has been one of the great privileges of my career. What began as a valued customer relationship became a lasting friendship—one built on trust, mutual respect, and shared experience. Julie has always brought integrity, vision, toughness, and a much-needed sense of humor to every crazy situation the produce industry has thrown our way! I hope Julie can enjoy unlimited time with her family (especially her grandchildren) in her retirement!! Thank you for all the years of partnership and friendship!!”
“Julie is the kind of leader who brings out the very best in people. By recognizing individual strengths and thoughtfully coaching areas of growth, she built confident, high-performing teams and lasting relationships. A true role model for our industry and the next generation of leaders, she will be deeply missed. I’m so excited for her next chapter with her family and incredibly grateful for her lasting impact.”
“I just love Julie’s approach to work and to life. I have known her to describe herself as a 'more the merrier’ kind of gal. This reflects in her leadership and building impactful teams—she truly delights in people and sees their strengths. Her sense of community and lifting others up also has been inspiring. I’ll never forget her calling me and saying, ‘Jamie, what are we going to do to keep young women professionals in our area engaged in produce?' What a nudge! That sparked immediate action on our part. Her career is defined by dedication, heart, and a core approach I have heard her share with many: If there is an opportunity you are pursuing, never take ‘no’ as the final answer. I wish my good friend Julie and her family all the best in her next journey. The future is bright.”
"Congratulations, Julie, on an amazing career and what is sure to be a wonderful bit of rest. From a grower-shipper perspective, Julie has always stood out for her strong understanding of both the shipper and the buyer. She brings a practical, balanced approach and a genuine respect for the people behind the product. As she retires, it’s clear her impact on the industry and the relationships she’s built will be lasting. Julie has been a trusted voice and partner, and she will certainly be missed."
“Julie and I were speaking last fall, and it sounded like she still had many years left in the tank, so it was very surprising to hear the news of her upcoming retirement. Being the same age and both of us having young grandchildren, I could not be happier for Julie as she moves into this next chapter of her life—one where she can fully enjoy time with her family. Having spent over 35 years in the produce industry, I have met many great people along the way, and Julie is definitely one of the very best. I have been fortunate to work with Julie during her years of leadership at Sysco, and she has always been a consummate professional. The positive personality she exudes is contagious to everyone around her, and that could not be more evident than in the loyalty and respect of those who were part of her team. We have been fortunate to share many meals and plenty of laughs together, and I am confident those moments will continue even as she enjoys retirement with her husband, Paul. Congratulations Julie, on all that you have accomplished throughout your career, and thank you for the friendship you have brought to Ellie and I.”
