What is the single most urgent shift the produce industry must make today to ensure it remains sustainable and profitable in 2030 and beyond?
“As an industry, we have to recognize that sustainability includes both economic and environmental sustainability. Growers are being asked to manage rising costs, labor challenges, increasingly complex regulatory requirements and changing environmental conditions. At the same time, they are expected to deliver the quality, consistency and value the marketplace expects. … If we want a healthy and profitable produce industry in 2030 and beyond, we have to make sure the people at the beginning of the supply chain can build healthy and profitable businesses of their own.”
Kristina Lorusso is vice president of retail partner services for The Giumarra Cos., where she leads the company’s business development team to identify new retail opportunities, build customer-focused solutions, and expand service capabilities through strategic partnerships.
Lorusso joined Giumarra in 2015 as business development manager in the Midwest before expanding her responsibilities across the Midwest and Southeast as business development director in 2017.
She has led forward-looking supply chain initiatives, including autonomous flight and truck delivery tests with Gelson’s and Associated Wholesale Grocers. Appointed vice president of retail partner services in 2023, her role expanded this year to include leadership of the company’s overall business development function.
Prior to Giumarra, she spent seven years with Roundy’s Supermarkets as a category analyst and produce commodity buyer. Her experience on both the retail and supplier sides of the industry continues to shape her approach to developing practical, retailer-focused growth strategies.
