Speak to anyone who has had the privilege of being Victoria Lopez’s mentor, and they will sing her the highest of praises. Lauded for her curiosity, determination, and collaborative nature, the Fox Packaging Manager has drawn on the best qualities of the vets who have guided her industry journey—and the result is a well-rounded leader with a wealth of expertise.
Like many, Victoria’s foray into produce was unexpected, sparked by a temporary role with Fox Packaging.
“At the time, I was working in the arts,” Victoria reflects. “After years of working with a group of business flippers across several industries, including staffing, distribution, and sales, I stepped away to focus on writing, completed a novel, and even went on a book tour.”
Not long after, Victoria’s business colleagues called on her again, requesting help with a short-term
HR project.
“It took them about two weeks to convince me to take what was supposed to be a three-day assignment,” Victoria laughs. “The project turned out to be with Aaron Fox at Fox Packaging, and it certainly did not last three days. I ended up working as a temp for about 100 days.”
"Packaging may seem technical from the outside, but it sits at the intersection of branding, sustainability, agriculture, and supply chains."
Victoria Lopex, Marketing and Business Development Manager, Fox Packaging
Utilizing her creative and strategic background, Victoria eventually proposed creating a new marketing department, transforming what had originally been a temporary HR role into a new division of the company. Nearly nine years later, her role has evolved into Marketing and Business Development Manager.
“Fresh produce is an industry centered around something essential: food,” shares Victoria. “Supporting systems that help nutritious food reach communities is meaningful work. Packaging may seem technical from the outside, but it sits at the intersection of branding, sustainability, agriculture, and supply chains. The connection between business, sustainability, and community makes the work feel important.”
Aaron Fox, Vice President of Fox Packaging and President of Fox Solutions, has been a vital mentor since Victoria’s first day with the company. From explaining regional sweet potato varieties to discussing how growing conditions affect crops, Aaron opened Victoria’s eyes to how fascinating the produce world truly is.
“Aaron gives direction by focusing on the result rather than dictating every step along the way. That approach allowed me the freedom to explore ideas, test strategies, and make mistakes,” Victoria says. “His advice was always simple: Communicate your thinking and work through decisions together. That trust created an environment where I could learn quickly and develop confidence in my role.”
President Keith Fox’s leadership has also influenced Victoria’s work, offering practical advice and instilling her with the confidence to move forward with new ideas.
“When I first pitched the idea of creating an internal marketing department, Keith’s response was simple. He said, ‘Alright Vic, go get ’em.’ Keith believed marketing could help tell the story of who Fox Packaging is—not just the products we make, but the people behind the company and the work we are doing to support the fresh produce industry,” Victoria remembers. “Whenever I bring something new to the table, his approach has consistently been supportive and steady.”
Another key pillar in Victoria’s career journey is Kathleen Triou, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fresh Solutions Network, whom she met at an industry brunch early in her career.
“Whenever sustainability topics or packaging questions came up, Kathleen would reach out and ask for my perspective. She treated me as a resource and encouraged me to participate in industry conversations,” shares Victoria. “Those small acknowledgments meant a great deal and reinforced that the work was being seen.”
"Communicate your thinking and work through decisions together. That trust created an environment where I could learn quickly and develop confidence in my role"
Onion 52’s Tiffany Cruickshank has also been an important mentor, developing a candid and open working relationship with Victoria through trade shows and collaborating on retail stock programs.
“Our conversations often revolve around the realities both packers and packaging suppliers face. That honest dialogue is refreshing and reminds me that the best work happens when people speak openly and solve problems together,” Victoria explains.
Several other leaders have supported Victoria’s journey, including Mr. and Mrs. Fox and the many retail partners and growers she has worked with throughout her career.
“One of the most important lessons I have learned is that strong collaboration comes from bringing different perspectives to the table,” Victoria says. “When people with different experiences work together, the result is a better product, better service, and a better experience for the growers, retailers, and communities we serve. I often remind myself that I work in flexible packaging, and that means I must remain flexible as well. The produce industry is always changing, and the best thing we can do is stay curious, keep asking questions, and continue the conversation.”
And that, my friends, is exactly why Victoria Lopez is the perfect mentor for the produce industry’s next generation.
“When Victoria joined our company in 2017, it did not take long to see her potential, and it became abundantly clear that she thrives on challenges. This allowed her to be given more responsibility, and quickly she began assisting me with marketing management. Here, her creative, out-of-the-box thinking blossomed. Her passion, eagerness, and commitment to learning have carried her into her current role as Marketing and Business Development Manager.
Victoria’s enthusiasm for our business and industry is passion-filled and contagious. Her authentic and likable approach to relationship-building has enabled her to build a list of contacts spanning all levels of the industry, and her beyond-her-years professionalism has earned immense respect among her peers. She is an exceptional team player who hates to lose. This dedication and determination not only supports but raises the level of expectation for herself and everyone involved. I could not be prouder of Victoria and, as her mentor, am humbled to see her dedication and commitment to the produce industry honored and recognized.”
“One thing that has always stood out about Victoria is how much she genuinely wants to do the right thing for the customer, for the team, and for the business. Over the years, I’ve seen her continue to develop her skills. She is straightforward in communicating what she can and cannot do, and she has learned when to push forward and when to hold the line, especially in moments where a promise cannot realistically be made. That ability to say no when needed—while still maintaining trust and helping explain the realities of flexible packaging within the supply chain—is not easy, and Victoria has developed that skill thoughtfully.
Victoria has a strong instinct for both people and business. She pairs what she knows with a good gut instinct, allowing her to make decisions that are not just right for the project but also for the team she is working with. She takes ownership, thinks things through, and shows up consistently. It has been rewarding to watch her grow into the professional she is today, and I am proud of the way she represents Fox.”
“Victoria Lopez was a terrific partner as we explored more sustainable packaging options for fresh potatoes. Our goal was to reduce plastic use, increase recycled content, and identify solutions that would work both for fresh potatoes and products designed for microwave cooking. Victoria approached the project with curiosity and determination. She worked hard to research available materials, gather technical information, and help us evaluate options that balanced sustainability, performance, and consumer convenience. Her willingness to learn and dig deeper made the process much more productive.
Just as important, Victoria brings a thoughtful, customer-focused approach to her work. She listens, asks smart questions, and is genuinely committed to helping her partners succeed. That combination of professionalism, curiosity, and collaboration makes her a pleasure to work with and a strong ambassador for Fox Packaging. She represents the kind of partner you want on complex projects where innovation and persistence really matter.”
“Victoria is someone I have truly enjoyed working with over the years. In her role at Fox Packaging, she brings a strong balance of creativity and execution, which is not always easy to find. She does a great job of keeping projects moving forward and making sure details do not get lost along the way.
What stands out most is her ability to collaborate. She is thoughtful in her approach to conversations, open to feedback, and focused on finding solutions that work for everyone involved. That mindset makes her a valuable partner and someone people want to continue working with. She is building a strong foundation in both marketing and business development, and it is clear she takes pride in her work and the relationships she builds. I am excited to see how she continues to grow in the industry.”
