Andrew Walsh of Vida Fresh Inc. retires
After 30 very successful years, Andrew Walsh, owner and CEO of Vida Fresh is venturing into a different kind of field … retirement.
Walsh said, “This decision has been long and heartfelt as we have so many wonderful friends, employees, and business associates in the fresh produce industry.” He and his wife, Roxane Mancini, plan to retire and enjoy their time spending longer stretches with their families who are in different parts of the world.
Walsh’s accomplishments with Vida Fresh have been hard won. The journey started in 1988 when he met Ross and Claudia Vail, Owners of Sueño Tropical, while surfing in southern Baja. With next to nothing, they began a farming partnership together. Vida Fresh was established in the mid 1990’s when Andrew became the exclusive marketing arm for Sueño Tropical.
Over the years, together they purchased land and developed them into 8 beautiful ranches (7 Organic), and tackled organic and sustainable farming, food safety practices as well as fair labor practices long before it was required. Vida Fresh grew from those modest beginnings into a $15 million company with a reputation for conducting business with integrity and dependability. The company has always had a dedicated and resilient sales team, and sales numbers outpaced themselves year after year. “We care greatly for our staff and wish them the best future they can have. Their expertise and fine work have been an important part of our success, and we know their talents will benefit their future endeavors.”
With forward-vision, generosity and fairness as the backdrop to all decisions, the company positioned itself in the fresh produce industry as a food safety leader and supplier of consistent high quality. Walsh says he is most proud of being a pioneer in organics and food safety practices, and for taking care of employees at every level of the operation. “It’s always been about better food, better water and soil for future generations, better quality, better lives for those we are associated with,” says Walsh of what motivated him over the years. As well as land and produce stewardship, Vida Fresh and its owners have helped several of families they work with to purchase homes; they have sponsored the high school education of three students per year in the town of Pescadero where they farm; they have supported humanitarian programs with satellite computers and supplies, and targeted important local and global programs for funding every New Year, to mention some of Vida Fresh’s contributions to their communities.
During Vida Fresh’s years in business, the owners have enjoyed strong and fruitful relationships with their farming operation, Sueño Tropical, and warehouse operation, Pereida Inc.; relationships which continue to this day. Vida Fresh will finish its last harvest with Sueño on August 11th, and will remain open and available until all accounting is complete. Sueño Tropical is available for growing programs being run by Ross’s sons, Logan and Diego, and Pereida Inc. will remain available for warehousing and herb sales.
