Chris Martin, president of Gourmet Trading Company, died of an apparent heart attack on Monday 23 July in Santa Barbara, California.
Martin was on a family trip with his wife, Sharon, and their four daughters at the time, according to a statement from his brother Paul Martin, co-owner of Gourmet Trading / NZG Specialties.
“Chris and I had a vision many years ago of providing a worldwide supply of asparagus, blueberries and other products to many countries around the world,” Paul Martin said.
“Through Chris’ vision and the support of his outstanding staff around the world, Gourmet Trading Company has become one of the premiere suppliers in our industry.”
Martin was also co-West Coast chair of the Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association (PAIA) and is credited as being one of the leaders in the business.
Established in 1982, Gourmet Trading is a grower, packer, shipper and distributor of fresh green, white and purple asparagus, blueberries and blackberries.
The Los Angeles-based company operates farms in California and Peru as well as a state-of-the-art packing facility in Washington.
