Philip “Phil” Henry, who served as president of the Henry Avocado Corp. in Escondido, Calif., died June 30, 2025 of natural causes at the age of 80. He led the company’s global presence for more than four decades.

Born on June 23, 1945, in Long Beach, Calif., Phil earned his degree from Cal State University at Long Beach in 1968. Although he initially pursued a career in agricultural real estate after earning his license in the late ‘70s, Phil soon joined the family enterprise. Phil brought visionary leadership to Henry Avocado, serving as President from the early 2000s until stepping back recently, while remaining part of the managing owners group.

Phil was instrumental in steering the company toward strategic growth. His support for imports, including early endorsement of Peruvian avocados under the Hass Promotion and Research program, earned him admiration from industry peers.

Phil’s impact extended to Western Growers, where he served on the Board of Directors from 2001-2008. Henry Avocado had just celebrated its 100-year anniversary as a business, which started in 1925. The company has been a member of Western Growers for 41 years.

Western Growers extends our deepest condolences to Phil’s family, friends and colleagues.