Steve Taylor, the innovator who helped develop the packaged salad industry during his tenure at Fresh Express, passed away on Aug. 21, 2022 at the age of 67. Taylor served on the Western Growers Board of Directors from 1993-1996.

According to the Monterey Herald, Taylor became chairman and CEO of Fresh Express in 1993 after his father died in 1991. Between 1991 and 1994, Fresh Express increased revenues almost six-fold, led by the retail business. After building the company up to $550 million in sales, it sold in 2001 for about $300 million. In 2006, Taylor helped found Organic Girl organic salads.

Taylor was born and raised in Salinas, where he attended Salinas High School. He was a graduate of UC Berkeley and Harvard Business School.

Steve Taylor is survived by Kate, his wife of 43 years; three children and their spouses; his mother, Joanne Taylor; his brother Bruce Taylor; and his sister Carrie Taylor. He is pre-deceased by a brother, Jeff Taylor, who died in  2020. Western Growers extends our deepest condolences to Taylor’s family, friends and colleagues.

Taylor will be honored at a celebration of life at Compass Church in Salinas, 830 Padre Dr., on Sept. 4, at 3 p.m., with a reception to follow.