Tempe, Ariz.-based PBA Produce has named Mike Ciaramella as its new director of business development for the Southwest Area.
“Having been a customer of PBA Produce for the last three years, I was very impressed with their quality, service and care for my business,” Ciaramella said in a news release. “When the opportunity to help them grow their business came up, I knew this was a place poised for growth that aligned with my values and customer-first attitude.”
The Long Island native, now based in Phoenix, started his produce career with Stew Leonard’s Farm Fresh Foods. This is where a passion for produce developed as he helped Stew Leonard’s expand its footprint in New York as the produce manager for the New York locations in Farmingdale and East Meadow, according to the release.
“The dynamic nature of the produce industry keeps me on my toes, whether it’s keeping up with seasonal changes or discovering new varieties to delight our customers,” Ciaramella said. “It’s not just about fruits and vegetables; it’s about cultivating connections, fostering sustainability and embracing the joy of nourishing others.”
Ciaramella moved to Phoenix in 2021 to join US Foods as the produce specialist for Arizona. After two years of consistent produce market share growth, he was promoted to produce category operations manager for the Southwest Area (Arizona and Las Vegas), the release said.
“Mike’s background in retail and foodservice gives him a unique experience that our customers will find value in,” PBA Produce owner Brooks French said. “We are on a launch pad at PBA Produce, and we know Mike is the guy to help take our business to the next level.”
PBA Produce is a family-owned and -operated produce wholesaler serving Arizona since 1991.
