The sad news has just been shared of the death of business owner Jack Aronson. He became a household name in Michigan thanks to his food business Garden Fresh. We take a closer look at his impressive entrepreneurial career, as well as remembering his incredible life.
Meet the philanthropist and businessman
Jack Aronson is perhaps most well known for his salsa. He started out making small batches of the popular condiment before expanding into large company Garden Fresh Gourmet.
He used to make buckets of salsa in the kitchen of his barbecue restaurant alongside wife Annette. The pair also raised five children together.
Aronson was based in Ferndale, Michigan, but his company now operates out of Canada. Aronson has been the president and owner of Great Lakes HPP since 2013. Before that, he worked as a chef and restaurateur.
Aronson also recently launched the Clean Planet Foods option, which aimed to donate meals during the covid-19 pandemic. The initiative expanded production of the company’s Mindful Meals so they could be donated to local organisations.
Clean Planet Foods creates food that stays fresh for longer thanks to a high-pressure processing method using cold water.
The Aronsons sold Garden Fresh to the Campbell Soup Company in 2015 for $231 million.
Aronson was also a trustee for the Metro Detroit Youth Clubs organisation, and was heavily involved in charity work.
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Jack Aronson’s death announced
The death of Jack Aronson was announced on WWJ 950 radio, who confirmed the salsa entrepreneur had passed away at the age of 68.
He died on Tuesday after a battle with cancer that had lasted several years.
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Friends and colleagues share their respects online
Friends have taken to social media to share their fond memories of Aronson. Many remember how many lives he has touched with his work and charity initiatives.
Dave Coulter, executive for Oakland County, said Aronson’s “passion was authentic and contagious and lives on in everyone fortunate to know him”.
We send our condolences to Jack Aronson’s family at this difficult time.