Sekoya team expands to meet increased demand for premium blueberry varieties

The Sekoya B2B network has recruited two new team members from the industry to meet increasing worldwide demand for its high-end blueberry varieties. Marianela Rodriguez Bejarano joined the team in October 2023 as additional business operations specialist, while Mark W David will strengthen the team as general manager in the Americas.

“We are very pleased that Marianela and Mark chose to join us. With the strong talent in our Sekoya team, we are well-equipped to execute our goals for 2024,” says general manager Holger Brandt. “Marianela and Mark both have worked in the industry for many years and bring the fundamental experience we were looking for.”

Sekoya says Rodriguez’s 14 years of management and project development experience in the fresh produce business make her a valuable asset, her insights in field production and export operations positioning the platform well in its global expansion strategy. During her career, she has managed the commercial businesses of citrus giant CPF (Consorcio de Productores de Fruta) in Peru, interacting with 55 associates/growers and more than 100 clients. In 2017, Rodriguez joined Spain’s SanLucar where she spearheaded projects for exotic fruits, managing the company’s procurement of seven different products.

“I am very happy and excited to start a new chapter in my professional life and be part of the Sekoya family. Although blueberries are a new product for me, I am sure my background and experience qualify me well in supporting the inspiring vision and approach that attracted me to Sekoya in the first place. I look forward to the many new insights and great experiences that lie ahead,” Rodriguez says.

In his new role of general manager North America David will lead Sekoya strategy and innovation projects as the B2B network continues its global expansion.

David brings over 15 years of sales and marketing experience in the fresh produce industry having worked for large growers in Australia and across the Americas. With most of his career focused on supplying major retailers around the globe, Sekoya says this role positions him well to drive its strategic initiatives and continued growth trajectory.

Prior to joining Sekoya, David served as director of sales for four years with United Exports (OZblu). “I’m humbled to join the team at Sekoya,” he says. “I’ve admired the progress they have made in the premium blueberry category, especially as it relates to innovation and providing a solution for 52-week supply with the new Sekoya high chill varieties.

“I look forward to putting my experience in building brands and growing customer engagement to use. Our goal is to drive both consumption and category growth by ensuring customers can have the best eating blueberry experience every week of the year. I’m excited to work with the talented team at Sekoya, our grower members and retailers to achieve this.”