Vanguard Group International is adding citrus to its North American sales and distribution arm, Vanguard Direct. The company has more than three decades of experience working with growers throughout the world exporting fresh produce to the most demanding markets. This experience includes all major produce categories, solidifying grower confidence in the company's ability to drive sales and generate value.
Now established in the North American markets servicing customers with table grapes from four origins as well as importing Chilean cherries, Vanguard Direct is harnessing its global team's sourcing expertise to bring U.S. and Canadian customers a full lineup of import citrus availability. This includes mandarins and oranges from top growers in Egypt, Israel, Morocco, and South Africa, along with all major South American citrus-producing countries.
L-R: Dirk Winkelmann, Madalyn McCracken
"While Vanguard Direct was founded to sell and distribute our production of Peruvian table grapes, the Group's vast resources and relationships were quickly recognized as additional opportunities to service our customers," said Dirk Winkelmann, chief commercial officer, Vanguard Group International. "Our teams are strategically located near all major growing regions, allowing us to build strong relationships with growers and to ensure fruit quality by having visibility from packing through to distribution.
To help lead the company's evolution into citrus, the Group has elevated Madalyn McCracken to the role of business development manager – citrus. Originally brought on board in late 2024 to focus on grower relations and procurement development of U.S. citrus exports, McCracken's work ethic and industry experience as a U.S. citrus category manager were quickly seen as invaluable for the import team's new offerings.
"This dual role allows me to work with and add value to both Vanguard International and Vanguard Direct," said McCracken. "It is extremely rewarding to have the opportunity to grow and be recognized so quickly with the company and to truly contribute to the citrus industry's evolution on a global scale."
For more information:
Andrea Mansilla Hirsch
Vanguard Group International
[email protected]
www.vanguardteam.com