Importer Insight

In this episode of Importer Insight, I sit down with Michael Warren of Capco Farms—one of the most respected names in the produce industry. With nearly 50 years of experience and a third-generation legacy behind him, Michael shares what it really takes to build a successful mango program and why his focus has remained on delivering quality fruit that supports healthier lives. From family roots in...

Grapes might be one of the most misunderstood—and overlooked—categories in produce. In this episode of Importer Insight, I sit down with Tony Morimoto from The Kunkel Company for a real, unfiltered conversation about the grape industry. Tony brings a rare mix of experience, honesty, and humor—and he doesn’t hold back. We get into:• What’s actually driving today’s grape market• Where the industry g...

Fraud in the fresh produce industry is rising — and it’s becoming more targeted, more organized, and harder to spot. In this episode of Importer Insight, I sit down with Dante Galeazzi, President and CEO of the Texas International Produce Association, to break down what’s really happening inside the produce supply chain. From buyer impersonation and truck broker fraud to internal phishing and paym...

The Avocado Takeover is here. Colombian avocados are rapidly reshaping the U.S. market — doubling exports, creating tens of thousands of jobs, and giving Mexico serious competition. In this episode of Importer Insight, host Amanda Horney sits down with Manuel Michel, Executive Director of the Colombian Avocado Board, to reveal:🚢 How Colombian avocados are entering the U.S. at record pace🌎 Why su...

In this episode of Importer Insight , host Amanda Horney welcomes Giovanni Cavaletto , U.S. Division President of GLC Cerritos, for a deep dive into the future of the avocado industry. Raised on an avocado and lemon farm and now leading U.S. operations for one of Mexico’s top exporters, Giovanni shares insights on: The rise of Jalisco in global avocado trade What makes the Mendez variety a strateg...

In this episode of Importer Insight , host Amanda Horney interviews Trent Bishop , President of Zano Fresh and a highly respected leader in the citrus industry. With over 30 years of experience, Trent shares his journey from produce sales to executive leadership—offering insights into the realities of sourcing from Mexico , the rise of private labeling , and the evolving challenges facing citrus t...

In this episode of Importer Insight , Amanda Horney sits down with her sister, Olivia Avellaneda , co-founder of Go Produce , to talk about what it really takes to launch a fresh produce company from the ground up. They reflect on growing up in a trade-focused family, the leap into entrepreneurship, and how Olivia is carving her own path in a fast-paced, global industry. 🎧 A real, behind-the-scen...

On Liberation Day, we got real about tariffs, trade, and the growing push to create a National Lime Board.🎙️ Join me, Amanda Horney, along with David Villaseñor (Villamex Farms), Diego Morales (D Produce), and Alfonso Sandoval (Limonik Produce), as we reflect on the journey we began a year ago — and where we go from here. Whether you’re an importer, grower, retailer, or just love limes, this conve...

In this powerful episode, Paul Manfre, the 'Red Pepper King', takes us on a journey from humble beginnings selling produce on the streets of New York City to becoming a leading figure in the fresh produce import business. 🚜🌶Learn the secrets to his success as he shares insights on:Why staying hungry is the key to never losing groundEmbracing technology in the ever-changing marketNavigatin...

In this conversation, Amanda Horney interviews Greg Golden, a veteran of the fresh produce industry and co-founder of Amazon Produce Network. They discuss Greg's journey into the fresh produce business, the establishment and growth of Amazon Produce Network, and the importance of building relationships and trust in the industry. The conversation also covers challenges such as compliance, susta...