Favorita USA Corp, Part of the Favorita Fruit Company Group, Welcomes Dionysios (Dennis) Christou
CORAL GABLES, FL - Here at AndNowUKnow, we love the chance to celebrate our friends as they step onto new paths and enrich their produce repertoires. This summer, one of those chances have arrived as we celebrate Dionysios (Dennis) Christou and his move to Favorita USA Corp. as the company’s Director of its U.S. Division.
“The Favorita Fruit Company group is truly unique as a dedicated family business with an unparalleled commitment to sustainability,” Dennis shares with me. “This, combined with a long-term vision and approach to the business, was a challenge I just had to be a part of. In this short but very active period, we have been setting the foundation for our development in the North American market.”
Dennis joined Favorita USA Corp., part of the Favorita Fruit Company group, in July of this year.
In Dennis’ role with the company, he is responsible for introducing Favorita USA and its banana business to the North American market. The Favorita Fruit Company group has been in business for over 40 years, and its subsidiary, Reybanpac, is one of the largest banana producers in Ecuador.
“Our company has a well-earned reputation in the European Union and Japan, and now our plan is to establish ourselves in the North American market to become a major player in the long term,” Dennis expresses. “Our mission is to provide healthy and nutritious fruit that is produced in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. While our first contacts in North America are with key retailers, our long-term plan is to partner with members across all distribution channels.”
Dennis adds that the key strength for The Favorita Fruit Company group lies in its ability to stay focused on being the best at what it does without the daily pressure to maximize short-term profits at the expense of long-term value for all stakeholders.
“Our strategy allows us to concentrate on product quality, maintain our commitment to the land and the people that farm it, plus operate with maximum flexibility to allow us to deliver a product that can be customized to meet every North American customer’s needs,” Dennis says. “We also have a tremendous capacity in terms of volume and infrastructure, ensuring uninterrupted supply to all major global markets.”
From packaging to private label and more, the company can tailor programs fit for excellence.
Dennis, originally from the country of Cyprus, received his BA from the University of Minnesota and a Master of International Business Studies from the University of South Carolina. Early in his career, he joined Chiquita Brands International, working in Sales and Marketing in the U.S., Italy, Greece, and Belgium. After Chiquita, Dennis joined Fresh Del Monte Produce in Coral Gables, Florida, as the Vice President of Marketing. Dennis is married to Tara and has three adult children working in the U.S. and abroad.
“I spent my entire career working with some of the largest and best global players in the industry,” Dennis reflects. “When the opportunity came up to join Favorita USA Corp. and help a new, smaller, and nimbler banana player launch their business in North America, I saw it as an exciting opportunity to put to practice my experience.”
With produce demand higher than ever, so is the demand for individuals who can help take companies to the next level, and Dionysios (Dennis) Christou is one of those people. Congratulations, Dennis, on your new role and the exciting path ahead!
