Want to Fully Understand The United States Fresh Produce Sector? Then Join United Fresh!

United Fresh is an amazing Trade Group. Their members represent the full breadth of the produce supply chain in the USA. From small family businesses to large international corporations, United fresh member companies bring together companies across the produce industry to speak with one unified voice.

As we as all know the fresh produce industry thrives on vital connections. From family businesses to global corporations, United Fresh has got a great reputation for bringing together members across every segment of the supply chain to build relationships that are as solid with a handshake as with a contract. They empower industry leaders to join forces to shape sound government policy in the US. They deliver the resources and expertise companies need to succeed in managing complex business and technical issues. In addition they provide the training and development individuals need to advance their careers in produce. Through these endeavors, they unite the industry with a common purpose – to build long-term success for their members, and grow produce consumption.

A number of international companies are keen to find connections to create new sales routes in the USA or to sell their products and services to the Fresh Produce community State Side! United Fresh is totally geared up to assist you to achieve that success.

On our Beanstalk Broadcast, we meet with key individuals from United Fresh to find out how they can assist you to potentially open up the USA as a market for you and why it will be highly beneficial to be a member of United Fresh to boot!

The broadcast panel includes:

Mark Munger is Vice President of Sales and Marketing for 4Earth Farms, where he is responsible for leading the sales team, developing new customer opportunities and guiding the companies strategic direction. Mark joined 4Earth Farms in February 2013 after 10 years as Vice President of Marketing with Andrew Williamson Fresh Produce.  While at Andrew Williamson, his primary responsibilities included strategic marketing, public and trade relations and business development. Prior to joining A&W, Mark served eight years as the Director of Marketing at Driscoll Strawberry Associates.  He has also held positions with the Produce Marketing Association, and various California commodity boards.  He has been working in the produce industry for 34 years.  Mark attended University of California, Davis and has a BS, Agricultural Science and Management.  Mark is currently sits on the United Fresh Board of Directors and Chairs the United Fresh Produce Marketing Merchandising Council.

Mayda Sotomayor-Kirk is the CEO of Seald Sweet and President of Greenyard USA. She has been in the industry for over 30 years. She is originally from Havana, Cuba.

In 2000, Ms Sotomayor-Kirk accepted a position at Seald Sweet and was instrumental in developing the company’s imports programs. In 2004 she was promoted to Senior Vice President. She advanced again in 2008 becoming the company’s first female CEO in its 100+ year history. Under her leadership Seald Sweet’s imports has grown to represent 80% of its turnover and has expanded to include other commodities. 

She was awarded Produce Woman of the year in 2011 and has served on several industry boards and committees. In 2017 she was appointed to a position on the Board of Directors of the United Fresh Produce Association and chairwoman of the International Advisory board. In 2018 Mayda was named “Produce Person of the Year”, a very important industry recognition given by The Packer Newspaper. In 2020 she was honoured by the Produce Business Vanguards Award as one of the 35 Innovators who shaped the industry over the past 35 years.

Natalia Gamarra is a native of Argentina who chose to relocate to the United States to pursue her education and professional future. She is a living example of cultural integration, a natural leader with a deep sense of teamwork, back by a highly professional and strategic approach to business challenges and opportunities.

She joined United Fresh Produce Association in August 2018 as Manager of International Members Relations, where she is responsible for leading the international market. She has been in the industry for over nine years and her career in produce enabled her to help members grow by providing connections that expands business opportunities and increases sales and consumption.

She was awarded Delaware Valley’s Most Influential Latinos in 2012. Currently, she sits on the Board of Directors of Global Women Fresh, the International Advisory Board at United Fresh, and the Perishable Committee at the port of Miami and port Everglades.

Your host is Max MacGillivray – Editor In Chief at Beanstalk.Global

Click on the picture below to view the video recording or click on the Podcast icon to listen to the Podcast.

To find our more on the workings or to join United Fresh, click this LINK

If you would like to become a Partner Sponsor to promote your products or services with this unique international Beanstalk interview series, please either email: info@beanstalk.global  or call +44 (0) 1284 715055.