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.
Dez Forsythe — Vice president of supply chain, NPC Powered by Foodbuy
Dez Forsythe is vice president of supply chain at NPC Powered by Foodbuy — the produce arm of one of the largest foodservice procurement solutions organizations in North America (Foodbuy LLC, parent company Compass Group North America). Forsythe has held various roles within NPC over the past 15-plus years, and she currently specializes in negotiating and executing national contracts directly with grower shippers across the globe and implementing them with regional distribution partners in all 50 states.
Forsythe says she has a true passion and commitment to the produce industry, her partners and valued clients. While her role focuses on fresh fruits and vegetables, it’s the relationships that she has cultivated throughout her career that are of the upmost importance to her. She says she’s thankful for a career working alongside such innovative and passionate individuals, which supports her drive to continue to push the limit in the industry.
Forsythe resides in North Texas with her wife, Angela; daughter, Kolby; and bonus son, Bryce.
What is a key aspect of addressing partner needs or challenges in the ever-changing produce industry?
Being knowledgeable of every step within the supply chain is crucial. It takes so many segments of the industry to meet the needs and expectations of clients and consumers — each sector with their own set of challenges. Taking the time to understand the day-to-day challenges and ultimate goals of your partners will help you proactively educate and inform the end user and come together, truly as partners should, to solve the issue at hand. With ever-changing market conditions and shifts in consumer demands, flexibility and adaptable strategies are key.
What is something that inspires or motivates you and your work, and why?
The opportunity to grow this amazing category, educate consumers and mentor the next generation is extremely exciting. The incredible strides forward in food safety and sustainability initiatives are what push this industry forward and motivate me every day.
I am continuously inspired by the individuals I work alongside. I can’t think of a more innovative, passionate and competitive group of people. We will push each other to the absolute limit while at the same time will be the first to offer a helping hand, and I couldn’t be more appreciate of the relationships built professionally and personally over the years.
And I can’t forget the challenges. I love a good challenge. There’s nothing like being put up to a difficult task that really pushes your limits and then seeing it through successfully. We all know this industry has plenty of those.
What would you say drew you to this career path?
I am the third generation in my family to work in produce. That being said, I actually didn’t see myself getting into the industry half a lifetime ago when this journey began, but I think most would agree that once you’re in produce, there is no leaving. I am extremely grateful that my family introduced me to the industry, as I have gained an extended produce family throughout my career.
