Peruvian Avocado Commission Honors Barnard and Lucy

The Peruvian Avocado Commission (PAC), through its flagship brand Avocados from Peru, honored Stephen J. Barnard and Bob Lucy with the Global Leadership Award in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to the avocado industry.

The awards were presented April 8, during a dinner at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, CA, in honor of the recipients, the evening prior to the PAC 2026 annual membership meeting.

Barnard, co-founder and chief executive officer, Mission Produce, was recognized as a pioneer who helped transform avocados into a global staple through innovation in ripening, global sourcing and category development. Over more than four decades, he built Mission Produce into a vertically integrated, billion-dollar business spanning more than 25 countries.

His early and visionary investment in Peru helped establish the country as a leading global supplier, including founding the largest avocado packing operation in the world in Peru and becoming one of the largest avocado growers in the country.

Lucy, co-founder of Del Rey Avocado Company, was honored for his nearly five decades of leadership and service to the avocado industry. A respected pioneer, Lucy played a key role in shaping the U.S. avocado market and expanding the global presence of the category.

He served for many years as chairman of the Peruvian Avocado Commission’s Marketing Committee and as a member of its board of directors.