Group will source mandarins and oranges from growers in South America, Egypt, Israel, Morocco and South Africa
Vanguard Group International has announced that it is adding citrus to its North American sales and distribution arm, Vanguard Direct, in response to customer demand.
Already well-established in the North American markets, servicing customers with table grapes from four origins as well as importing Chilean cherries, Vanguard Direct said it was now harnessing its global team’s sourcing reach to bring US and Canadian customers a full lineup of import citrus availability.
This includes mandarins and oranges from growers in Egypt, Israel, Morocco, and South Africa, along with major South American citrus producing countries.
“While Vanguard Direct was founded to sell and distribute our own production of Peruvian table grapes, the group’s vast resources and relationships were quickly recognised as additional opportunities to service our customers,” said Dirk Winkelmann, chief commercial officer, Vanguard Group International.
“Our teams are strategically located near all major growing regions, allowing us to build strong relationships with growers and to ensure fruit quality by having visibility from packing all the way through to distribution.”
To help lead Vanguard Direct’s evolution into citrus, it has elevated Madalyn McCracken to the role of business development manager – citrus.
Originally brought onboard in late 2024 to focus on grower relations and procurement development of US citrus exports, Vanguard noted that McCracken’s work ethic and industry experience as a US citrus category manager had quickly been seen as ”invaluable” for the import team’s new offerings.
“This dual role allows me to work with and add value to both Vanguard International and Vanguard Direct,” said McCracken.
“It is extremely rewarding to have the opportunity to grow and be recognised so quickly with the Vanguard Group and to truly contribute to the citrus industry’s evolution on a global scale.”
