IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO — Kingston Fresh, LLC., announced that industry veteran Sandy Gatanio has joined the Kingston team and will fill the newly created position of Product Manager, Specialty Vegetables and Berries. With over 35 years experience in fresh produce sales and marketing, Sandy’s immediate focus will be on establishing these new categories and markets to add to Kingston’s expanding product lines.
Gatanio is the most recent hire in what has been a very active year at Kingston Fresh. When asked about this expansion, Kingston President, Ken Nabal, commented, “It is no secret that Kingston Fresh is in growth mode. We understand that a company is only as valuable as its team. Since 2011, we have been aggressive in adding fresh talent to what is already a very strong team of professionals. It’s all about meeting our customers’ growing needs.” When asked about his decision to join Kingston, Gatanio said, “Kingston’s strong reputation in the produce industry for both product quality and customer service made me immediately interested in the opportunity. I am excited to join the team and utilize my industry knowledge and relationships to help further expansion plans”
Sandy comes to Kingston as a seasoned veteran in the industry, holding key sales and product management roles at other major produce firms in South Florida, including that include Fru-Veg Marketing, Southern Specialties and Harvest Fresh International. Prior to moving to Florida in 2002, Gatanio worked for various companies on the Hunts Point Terminal Market in New York. Kingston Fresh President, Ken Nabal, comments, “Sandy has a broad wealth of knowledge as it relates to specialty vegetables like sugar snap, sno peas, french beans and asparagus but we are particularly excited in utilizing his experience in berry programs.” Nabal went on to comment, “Kingston has a growing imports division and these programs fit perfectly in servicing our customer base. I have known Sandy for some time and he has an excellent track record and is a tenacious salesperson. His experience in selling these products compliments our continued growth.”
On the position, Kingston CEO David O. Kingston comments, “At Kingston, we continue to focus on positioning our company for further success. That starts with ensuring we remain vigilant in our brand promise: a relentless commitment to customer service, product quality and food safety. By expanding our product portfolio and adding talented produce professionals like Sandy, we take yet another step towards achieving our goals.”
Mr. Gatanio graduated from Bergen Community College, in Paramus, N.J. where he graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Business Management. He is originally from Bayside, Queens in New York but currently lives in Ft. Lauderdale, FL where he will work out of Kingston’s Pompano Beach sales office.
About Kingston Companies:
- Kingston Fresh is one of the largest distributors and marketers of produce products including fresh potatoes, onions, citrus, melons, sweet pineapples, and much more (http://www.kingstonfresh.com).
- Kingston Cross Dock and Cold Storage is a state-of-the-art produce storage and shipping facility in Pompano Beach, FL. Learn more at http://www.kingstoncrossdock.com
- Associated Trucking provides refrigerated, non-refrigerated, and flatbed transportation to all 48 states in the continental USA. We provide transportation services to the fresh produce, nursery, furniture and other industries.
Source: Kingston Companies
