Sendik’s Food Markets has hired industry veteran Dan Spain, most recently VP of sales and marketing for Kingsburg Orchard, as its produce director.
Dan Spain
In this role, Spain will use his wealth of experience to procure product, build grower relationships and set strategy for the family-owned grocer.
“Dan is someone we have done business with and admired for many years,” said family co-owner Patrick Balistreri. “He shares our passion for produce and is well respected by growers and partners throughout the country. Because of his experience and industry connections, Dan makes our strong team even stronger.”
Prior to Kingsburg Orchards, Spain worked in strategic business development and marketing as director of national accounts for Sunkist Fresh Fruit. He also has longtime professional produce industry relationships with the Produce Marketing Association, United Fresh Fruit Association, Fresh Produce & Floral Council, Southeast Produce Council, Eastern Produce Council and the National Grocers Association.
Moving back to the retail side of the business, Spain returns to his roots. He began his career in retail with Vons Grocery Co., where his creativity, drive, leadership and coaching ability caught the eye of top executives. He was quickly promoted and held leadership positions within stores as a produce manager and store manager and throughout the company as field merchandiser and category manager.
“I could not be more excited to be joining the Sendik’s family,” Spain said. “I’ve had the pleasure of visiting retailers in nearly every state and Sendik’s has as fine a produce operation as I’ve seen. I look forward to building on their well deserved reputation.”
Spain may be reached directly at Sendik’s at dan.spain@sendiks.com or (414) 491-7999.
The Balistreri family has been serving the greater Milwaukee community since 1926. Sendik’s currently operates 12 stores throughout Southeastern Wisconsin, including locations in Elm Grove, Franklin, Germantown, Grafton, Greenfield, Hartland, Mequon, New Berlin, Wauwatosa, West Bend and Whitefish Bay, as well as a Sendik’s Fresh2GO store in Bayside.