Last updated on October 13th, 2016 at 09:07 am
NatureSweet Tomatoes has named Manolo Reyes VP of business development. In his new position, Reyes is responsible for expanding the NatureSweet brand along with identifying and pursuing long-term growth opportunities to deliver sustainable profits for the company. He will report directly to CEO and President Bryant Ambelang.
“I am thrilled to be joining NatureSweet, a pioneer in the tomato and produce industry,” said Reyes. “I was attracted by the company’s sustainable greenhouse growing practices, strong potential for growth and its commitment to having a positive social, environmental and economic impact on local communities.”
Reyes brings 24 years of progressive and diverse leadership experience and proven strategic planning success in the retail industry. He comes to San Antonio, Texas-based NatureSweet from Walmart, where he served in various executive positions across the retailers’ global food sourcing, fresh foods and produce across North America. His leadership resulted in increased sales year over year, exceeding company objectives and the rest of the market. He designed and engineered a new prototype that set a solid foundation for growth and that has been adopted by more than 1,500 Walmart stores, according to NatureSweet.
Reyes started his career as a buyer for Costco and quickly rose to positions of greater scope and responsibility. During his tenure at Costco, he improved product quality and consistency across countries and brought about substantial savings by achieving horizontal synergies and strong collaborations, and by identifying market-based needs, differences and new suppliers, NatureSweet says.
“He is an excellent leader and a high-integrity change agent with a proven track record of success,” said Ambelang. “He will not only add a new dimension to our business development, but will help to broaden the perspective of our entire leadership team.”
