RIO RICO, AZ - SunFed® has reported plans to continue to expand its team, its portfolio, and its business; the company announced the hiring of Gretchen Kreidler Austin as SunFed’s new Director of Business Development. In her new role, Kreidler Austin will work to grow the company’s portfolio of products and pioneer new business, among other tasks, as well as orchestrate business development and oversee resource planning, reporting, and communications.

“SunFed’s innovation and growth is set to ‘full speed ahead,’ and I am honored and excited to be an integral part of the team that is going to grow this company” said Kreidler Austin, in a press release. “The vision, innovation, quality standards, and food safety strategy alone set SunFed apart as an industry leader, but you will see even greater things come from us in the future!”

Kreidler Austin brings more than 20 years of professional experience to her new role—implementing business strategies, establishing long-term growth plans, and helping SunFed meet the growing demand for its Perfect Produce®.

Kriedler Austin previously served as Grow Farms’ Director of Business Development, from 2015 to this year, and before that, she worked at IFCO Systems from 2011 to 2015, where she was Director of Retail Sales for Central U.S.

“I’ve known Gretchen for several years, back to her days at Rio Queen Citrus. She has always had a very positive spirit, with a can-do attitude.” noted Craig Slate, President and CEO. “We are excited to have her join the SunFed team. Her experience, energy, and vision will be a key addition towards the company’s expansion.”

In addition to expanding SunFed's portfolio of existing products, Kreidler Austin will be responsible for generating new business with retailers, foodservice accounts, processors and other customers; creating new items; participating at trade shows, industry events, and boards; coordinating the oversight for all trade shows and marketing-related events; being the trade contact for press releases and advertisement planning; creating packaging design, vendor alignment, and new item generation; and overseeing all materials inventory, price negotiations, and cost controls. Kreidler Austin will also develop new packaging designs and new business, which will then transfer onto the sales team to fully establish for long-term growth.

“SunFed has been barreling forward on a trajectory of growth, born of a retooled market approach and a closer integration with our production base," said VP of Operations Matt Mandel. “Gretchen is exactly the person we need promoting our differentiators and finding creative ways to marry the needs of our customers with our world-class growing operations. We couldn’t be more excited to have her joining the team, and I know she’ll be an instant hit.”

In her new role, Kreidler Austin will be based in Texas, working to maximize the company’s messaging and grow its presence nationwide.

For more fresh produce news, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

SunFed