Editor’s note: The following profile is from the 2024 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.
Daniel Spivey — National director of produce, Sprouts Farmers Market
Daniel Spivey serves as the national director of produce for Sprouts Farmers Market, where he leads the fruit team with over 20 years of industry experience. Spivey is instrumental in developing and executing strategic business plans aligning with departmental and company-wide objectives.
His expertise includes sourcing and merchandising — overseeing critical aspects of product assortment, marketing, pricing and promotions; operations and management — leading national purchasing activities, vendor negotiations and program implementation; and sales strategy — crafting effective sales strategies that drive results.
Known for his commitment to operational efficiency and a strong business acumen,
Spivey excels in data analytics and team leadership, fostering a collaborative environment that inspires success.
Outside of work, he is a devoted husband and father to four adult children in Phoenix. He enjoys traveling with his wife of 25 years, Amparo, and cherishing moments with their five grandchildren. An outdoor enthusiast, he loves camping, hunting and fishing in his leisure time.
What sets your work and Sprouts apart in the produce industry?
At Sprouts, our mission is to help people eat and live better. Our customers trust us to provide the freshest, peak-season produce that fulfills that mission. Our unwavering commitment to quality and freshness sets us apart in the produce industry. We prioritize sourcing the freshest fruits and vegetables, often from local farmers, ensuring that our offerings are delicious and environmentally responsible.
I enjoy visiting our stores and witnessing our team members engage with customers, especially during sampling events. Watching customers react to eating great fruit brings my team immense fulfillment. This personal connection is vital to our community focus as we strive to educate and inspire our customers about eating healthy produce. Additionally, our diverse range of organic and specialty produce, along with our innovative approaches to product selection, allows us to cater to the unique preferences of our shoppers. At Sprouts, we’re not just selling produce, but rather fostering a community that values health and wellness.
What’s your favorite produce item and how do you like to enjoy it?
Peak season fruit — so it changes throughout the year. Currently, my go-to is sliced yellow peaches with a sprinkle of Tajín.
