Tanimura & Antle Expands Canadian Sales And Marketing Efforts
August 2009
Strong Local Representatives To Support Canadian Customers
SALINAS, CA – As part of its growing commitment to the Canadian market, Tanimura & Antle is pleased to announce the addition of Martin Desrochers and B. Terry Lindemann to its team. Leading the Canadian team is Martin Desrochers. He will be based in Montreal managing sales and marketing services for both retail and foodservice customers in Canada. Martin partners with Terry who is based in Calgary to focus on retailers in western Canada and foodservice operations throughout Canada. They are charged with deepening current customer relationships and building new partnerships in the region.
Both men are industry veterans who bring a wide breadth of experience to their posts. Desrochers brings 16 years of experience in sales and management as past owner of HydroSerre Mirabel Inc. Lindemann’s experience includes more than 30 years working with Bridge Brand Food Service, Markon and Gordon Food Service.
Desrochers and Lindemann have both been recognized for their dedication to the industry. Desrochers was recently honored as the 2008 QPMA Pillar Award and the 2006 CPMA Canadian Produce Man of the Year. He currently serves on both the QPMA and CPMA board of directors and was founding member of the DRC board of Directors for over 8 years. Lindemann’s commitment to the industry is evidenced by 21 years as a CPMA board member and two years of service on the PMA board. Terry has not only been recognized in the industry as the CPMA Produce Man of the Year 1999, but in 2008 he also received the prestigious CPMA Lifetime Achievement Award. Terry has been a board member of Easter Seals for ten years and in 2006 received the Gary Wright Humanitarian Award, which is presented to a member of the foodservice and hospitality industry who has contributed to the improvement of the community at large.
“There is no doubt that Terry will play a major role in increasing our sales in Western Canada. Martin is helping us foster stronger working relationships with our Canadian partners,” said CEO, Rick Antle. “Martin’s leadership, paired with our production innovations as well as our realigned sales and marketing initiatives, our goal is to increase our market share in Canada.”
In the last 12 months, Tanimura & Antle has invested in operational improvements and introduced new products. These milestones include the introduction of Artisan Lettuce, Artisan Sweet Red Onions, Living Lettuce as well as the KWIKTrak’r technology - its PTI and food safety solution. The addition of Martin Desrochers and Terry Lindemann is one more way the company continues to meet the demands of the market.
“Our day to day operating functions continue to be conducted from our Salinas, California office under the direction and supervision of Bob Antle, however Martin Desrochers will be our lead man in Canada,” said Antle.
Rick Antle recently joined the Canadian Produce Marketing Association’s board of directors, further bolstering the company’s dedication to its Canadian customers.
For more information about the company’s products and expansion in Canada, visit Tanimura & Antle’s website, www.taproduce.com.
About Tanimura & Antle
Tanimura & Antle is an industry leader whose commitment to premium quality produce has remained strong since its formation in 1982. The Tanimura & Antle families combined more than 50 years of experience and knowledge to establish a produce company unrivaled in its quality products, innovation and dedication to growers, customers, consumers and employees. Today, as one of the largest independent lettuce growers in the United States, Tanimura & Antle farms more than 30,000 acres of rich, fertile farmland and ships a full line of premium fresh produce products throughout North America, Europe and Asia. For more information, please visit www.taproduce.com.
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