Editor’s note: The following profile is from the 2025 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.
Tonya Morel — Senior sourcing manager of grocery, FreshRealm
According to those who nominated her, Tonya Morel of FreshRealm is a valued industry partner who is a trusted collaborator who always offers her strong voice to help shape industry strategies. Through her distinguished career, she has been generous with her time and involvement, offering feedback and insights to help guide the future of the industry.
FreshRealm describes itself as a “food-as-a-service” company. What is that, and how does the model impact sourcing fresh produce?
“Food-as-a-Service” (FaaS) is a business model where food is provided on-demand through technology platforms, usually as a subscription or pay-as-you-go service. It blends food production, logistics and technology to deliver meals, ingredients or food experiences directly to consumers or businesses. This model is often driven by cloud kitchens, meal kit services, corporate catering platforms or AI-driven, nutrition-based meal planning.
The produce supply chain is one of the most critical areas to optimize for both sustainability and profitability. Achieving this requires strong, reliable farm partnerships and advanced inventory and forecasting systems that can anticipate and adapt to demand.
However, even with the best systems and vendor relationships in place, sourcing fresh produce presents unique challenges. Short shelf life, seasonal availability and fluctuating supply and demand all contribute to a complex and often volatile environment. Navigating these variables effectively demands not just operational excellence but also agility, transparency and constant communication across the supply chain.
I understand FreshRealm has been growing a lot lately. How has that changed your daily life there, and what do you look forward to for the future of the company?
The increased workload can be intense, but being part of a company during a high-growth phase is also one of the most exciting and impactful career experiences. You’re not just seeing the industry change; you’re actively shaping it.
As FreshRealm continues scaling, especially with the complexities of sourcing, logistics and innovation in meal solutions, there’s a lot of opportunity ahead for both professional growth and driving meaningful change in how people access fresh food.
I am excited to continue this journey with FreshRealm.
Where do you see the foodservice world going in the future? Where does it need to go?
The foodservice industry is evolving rapidly, driven by technology, sustainability concerns and shifting consumer behaviors. The future of foodservice isn’t just about convenience or scale; it’s about responsibility. We all should set the tone for what modern food systems should look like: smart, sustainable and equitable.
If you’re working in this space, you’re not just feeding people; you’re reshaping how food touches health, the planet, and culture. That’s powerful.
Folks I’ve interviewed in the southeast say the region is overlooked when it comes to produce. What’s your favorite and/or a routinely overlooked uniquely Southern or Georgian produce item, and why should everyone try it?
Muscadine grapes. There is nothing better than picking them right off the vine and eating them. They make the best wine if you are lucky enough to know someone who makes homemade — it’s the best.
