Following its 30th anniversary celebration in 2018, The Perfect Purée of Napa Valley has announced a new ownership structure and the formation of its first board of directors.

Founder Tracy Hayward now shares ownership with co-presidents and long-time employees, Chief Marketing Officer Michele Lex and Chief Financial Officer Medhane Kidane. The decision by Hayward is a commitment to the future of the leading U.S. producer of premium fruit purées, zests, and signature blends for culinary, pastry, and beverage application.

“The new management direction at The Perfect Purée of Napa Valley is a testament to the success and the potential of independent business. It affirms my commitment to growth by partnering with two trusted long-time managers,” says Hayward. “I have a unique situation. The company enjoys having many long-time employees. This overture to make Med and Michele owners ensures that we have broader options for courses of action and accountability for the company moving forward. We are excited for this new bridge into our future and the ability to share our growth and continued success as a family inside a dynamic company that is held by many unique relationships.”  

“Medhane and I are thrilled to lead The Perfect Purée into the next 30 years,” says Michele Lex. “The last 10 years have been pivotal growth years as we jumped head-first into beverage application with impressive results. We know there is still much to achieve, including the launch of two new flavors later this year, Peach Ginger and Red Jalapeño Purée, and we look forward to the challenge of continuing to provide a high-quality product to our customers.”

A new five-member board of directors has been established to continue The Perfect Purée of Napa Valley’s role as a leader in the specialty foods industry. Comprised of Hayward, Lex, Kidane, Sangeeta Patel, PhD (founder and principal scientist at Product Solutions Research, Inc. and the chief scientific officer at TriKomBio and Just One Organics), and Michael Roy (president and managing director at Pacific Marketing Partners, Inc.), the board will support the company’s growth with independent perspective and provide legal responsibility and obligation to support the company’s goals.