NOGALES, AZ - The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas is eying deeper and wider influence across the U.S., and has enlisted two experienced industry mavens to lead the charge: Phil Gruszka and John Toner have each joined the team as Business Development Directors.

For Western shippers and distributors, Gruzka said in a press release, the growing importance of Mexican fresh produce in their supply chains highlights an opportunity. 

“California and other Western companies have made large investments in expanding their Mexican imports. Because of FPAA’s work in keeping the border running efficiently, joining the FPAA is a great way to safeguard that work,” he stated.

Gruzka founded California-based Gruszka Consulting in 2011 to offer full-service marketing and sales consulting to the food and beverage sectors specifically. Built on the principles of helping produce companies tackle marketplace challenges, create successful teams, and improve the company’s consumer presence, Gruszka observed such needs through his own time working in the industry with Grimmway Farms, among other roles.

Toner likewise brings great experience in both industry knowledge and its network, having made his industry mark at the United Fresh Produce Association and, later, at the International Fresh Produce Association, where he was Vice President of Political Affairs. Now, he is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Toner Insights—a consulting firm that specializes in trade show management, exhibitor strategy, event marketing, and relationship building—and acts as Vice President at Produce Business Magazine, where he works on the New York Produce Show and Conference. 

“I am looking forward to helping the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas expand a national footprint to service fresh produce industry members doing business on and through the border,” said Toner. “Together working with the entire industry, we can advocate for better working conditions and transit/inspection times.”

The FPAA noted that, while it has maintained a strong focus in Nogales since it was founded in 1944, members identified in a 2022 strategic review the value of being a national trade association. It is a move seen as aligning the FPAA with the high-level work already being done on behalf of the industry at large. To read in further detail, find the full release here.

“FPAA is the home for distributors of fresh fruits and vegetables from Mexico, no matter whether a company crosses its produce in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, or California,” said FPAA President Lance Jungmeyer. “Food safety issues, USDA inspections, and other market access issues occur at all ports of entry, and FPAA provides a national voice for all distributors of fresh produce from Mexico.” 

To provide a stronger network of support, Toner Insights and Gruszka Consulting will play key roles in FPAA’s work to expand the ranks of its membership from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

“In this endeavor, we are proud to work with John Toner and Phil Gruszka, accomplished industry veterans,” Jungmeyer said.  

We send our congratulations to all involved in this clear step toward a new chapter in growth.