Both Carla San Martin Burneo and Chris Taylor bring extensive experience in soft fruit sales as producer continues to supply top European retailers with premium blueberries
Californian fruit supplier Family Tree Farms has strengthened its UK and EU sales teams with two experienced hires.
Carla San Martin Burneo joins the producer, which specialises in blueberries and stonefruit, as European commercial director. Meanwhile, Chris Taylor comes in as head of UK commercial.
Andy Muxlow, owner of Family Tree Farms, said: “We’re excited to welcome Carla and Chris to our international team. Their experience in the berry category and fresh produce industry makes them the perfect fit as we continue our mission to deliver premium blueberries to top retailers across Europe and the UK.”
San Martin Burneo brings 17 years of produce expertise. She started out in asparagus, avocados and grapes, before focusing on berries in 2016 with El Grupo Rocio.
San Martin Burneo later joined Hortifrut in Peru and moved to the Netherlands in 2019 to lead the supplier’s commercial efforts in northern Europe for blueberries and raspberries.
“I’m excited to join Family Tree Farms and support the growth of flavourful berries across this dynamic diverse market,” she said.
Taylor, meanwhile, has over 21 years of experience in retail and produce. He began his career at HJ Heinz in London, later running a strategic consultancy, before moving into fresh produce.
He served as head of citrus UK at Muñoz, followed by five years at Angus Soft Fruits as head of commercial for strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to join Family Tree Farms and to be part of such an exciting period of growth alongside incredible growers and partners,” said Taylor.
Doug LaCroix, the Californian supplier’s director of sales and marketing, added: “The addition of Carla and Chris has brought significant industry expertise and energy to our team. We’re grateful to have them as part of the Family Tree Farms family.”
