The 2023 Packer 25 — Mark Sambrailo

Editor’s note: The following profile is from the 2023 Packer 25, our annual tribute to 25 leaders, innovators and agents of change across the fresh produce supply chain. (You can view all honorees here.) This feature has been edited for length and clarity.

Mark Sambrailo — President, Sambrailo Packaging

What has been the most significant change that you’ve observed in the industry during your career?

By far the most significant change that we have observed was my father’s invention of the plastic clamshell for produce in 1987. It protected fruit and vegetables lending them to be stacked on the retail shelf. It increased freight and cooling efficiencies, while showing off the fruit and making it shelf ready. That one idea revolutionized the world of produce.

What is something that inspires or motivates you and your work, and why?

Participating in the network of employees, industry colleagues, vendors and friends in the industry is a huge motivator for me, as we have built decades of relationships, which have produced many successful projects and business opportunities. It has been quite rewarding to see the progress of this industry and how we have been an integral part of that evolution.

More about Mark Sambrailo

During high school and college, Mark Sambrailo worked various summer jobs for the company founded in 1923 by his grandfather, Charles. He came aboard full time in 1981, handling purchasing, eventually taking on roles in sales and managing operations.

Sambrailo became company president in 1996 and positioned it as leader in agricultural packaging design, assembly and distribution in California. Since then, the company’s size has increased fivefold.

In 2000, the company developed and patented the MIXIM Packaging System giving cooling and freight efficiencies. In 2001, Sambrailo saw the opening of the Mexican packaging company, SambraMex.

Seeing a need to offer a paper replacement for plastics in produce, Sambrailo spurred the creation of the ReadyCycle basket program. The company has been recognized at produce shows with awards for innovative packaging.

Sambrailo has a bachelor’s degree in small business administration from the University of Colorado, Boulder.