MIAMI — The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies (PMMI) has named Anthony Zapata, marketing and sales specialist at Hiperbaric, as one of 10 recipients of its 2021 On the Rise Award.

The award recognizes young professionals in the packaging and processing industries who have worked with a PMMI member company for at least one year.

Anthony Zapata, marketing and sales specialist at Hiperbaric. (Photo courtesy of Hiperbaric) 

Zapata joined Hiperbaric, a high pressure processing (HPP) equipment manufacturer, nearly two years ago. Since he joined the company, he has maximized its $1 million marketing budget to generate more than 1,700 leads and $80 million in marketing-originated opportunities, of which $22 million was new HPP machinery business, the company reported.

Additionally, Zapata has improved the company’s sales operations, data analysis and lead management practices, Hiperbaric shared.

“We are honored to have Anthony as part of the Hiperbaric team,” said Roberto Peregrina, director at Hiperbaric USA. “Since day one, Anthony has shown initiative and dedication to move Hiperbaric forward as a company. He has immersed himself in the industry and our company, working alongside our diverse and global team. He is a true asset to our company.”

This year’s winners were chosen by PMMI’s Emerging Leaders Committee and recognized during PMMI’s Annual Meeting in Detroit on Nov. 9. They will also be included in the winter issue of PMMI’s official publication, OEM Magazine.

“PMMI and the Emerging Leaders Committee are excited to honor these young professionals for their extraordinary leadership qualities in the packaging and processing industry,” said Jackie Sessler, North America marketing director of BEUMER Group and chair of the PMMI Emerging Leaders Committee. “Their efforts continue to make an impact on the future of our industry. On the Rise Awards provide these rising stars with an opportunity to further their professional development in packaging and processing, meet others in the industry and learn more about PMMI.”

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.