During the annual meeting of the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) on November 1st, association president Lance Jungmeyer presented the FPAA Member of the Year Award to Matt Mandel from SunFed. The Member of the Year is nominated by FPAA members and defined as someone who goes above and beyond in working for the betterment of the industry and its membership.
“I’d like to dedicate this great honor to my peers at SunFed whose tireless work and flexibility have allowed me to dedicate time to working on behalf of the industry I love,” said Mandel, vice president of finance and legal of SunFed. “I am humbled to walk in the shadows of giants and hope I can continue to contribute to making the FPAA stronger for future generations to come.”
Matt Mandel of SunFed (right) accepts the Member of the Year Award from Lance Jungmeyer, president of FPAA (left).
Mandel has worked in the produce industry for 11 years and has served on the Arizona Governors Rural Business Development Advisory Council. He currently sits on the International Fresh Produce Association’s Grower/Shipper Council and the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Cruz County Board of Directors. His continuous support and participation have managed to further the industry relationships with both state and national political representatives, as well as with FDA, USDA, Homeland Security and Commerce. He is also a past chairman of the FPAA.
Recently, Mandel has been on the FPAA committee guiding the efforts of the Trade Fellowship/Trade Practicum with the Rogers College of Law at U of A. “While we face constant threats, this strategic initiative informs and guides our legal and trade strategies,” said Jungmeyer. “Matt sees trends and positions himself to contribute because he wants the best for his business.”
Some of Mandel’s other distinctions include the Rising Star Award awarded by Produce News and the 40 under 40 Award from Produce Business. Mandel seems to be everywhere, but where he likes to be best is with his beloved family. He is happily married with two feisty children and an even feistier blue heeler.
Each year’s honoree is presented with a custom metal sculpture made by Tucson artist Matt Harper. Prior honorees of the award include:
- 2020-21 – “The Essential Worker”
- 2019-20 – Jose Antonio Martinez of Divine Flavor
- 2018-19 – Jimmy Mungia of Del Campo Supreme
- 2017-18 – Bobby Bennen Jr. & Gerado Ritz
- 2016-17 – Chris Ciruli of Ciruli Brothers
- 2015-16 – Sabrina Hallman of Sierra Seed Company
- 2014-15 – Scott Vandervoet of Vandervoet & Associates
For more information:
Lance Jungmeyer
Fresh Produce Association of the Americas
lance@freshfrommexico.com
www.freshfrommexico.com
Allison Moore
Fresh Produce Association of the Americas
amoore@freshfrommexico.com
www.freshfrommexico.com