The Colombia Avocado Board just made a strategic move that’s going to shake up the retail avocado game. They’ve brought on Meg Buchsbaum as their new Retail Account Manager, and if you know anything about the produce industry, you know this is big news. With over three decades of experience under her belt, Meg isn’t just another hire – she’s the kind of industry veteran who knows how to move product and build lasting partnerships.
A Seasoned Professional with Serious Credentials
Meg’s resume reads like a who’s who of the food and beverage industry. She’s spent the last seven years with the National Mango Board, where she’s built a rock-solid reputation for creating programs that actually deliver results. We’re talking supply chain optimization, temperature management, sourcing strategies, merchandising that moves product, and marketing campaigns that connect with consumers.
But here’s what makes Meg special – she doesn’t just understand one piece of the puzzle. Her background spans the entire supply chain, from her early days with C&S Wholesale to her time at Whole Foods Market. That’s the kind of comprehensive experience you can’t fake, and it’s exactly what the Colombia Avocado Board needs as they continue expanding their presence in the U.S. market.
Building Bridges Between Growers and Retailers
What sets Meg apart in the food and beverage services landscape is her ability to connect the dots between different players in the supply chain. She’s not just working with East Coast retailers to design strategic initiatives – she’s creating partnerships that benefit everyone from Colombian growers to American consumers.
Her approach to retail account management goes beyond traditional selling. Meg understands that sustainable growth in the food and beverage industry comes from building programs that drive category growth, not just individual brand success. That’s the kind of strategic thinking that makes food and beverage companies take notice.
From Farm to Boardroom: A Personal Connection to Produce
Here’s where Meg’s story gets really interesting. While she’s crushing it in corporate boardrooms, she’s also getting her hands dirty as the owner and operator of Tapestry Hill Farm in Colchester, Connecticut. Talk about walking the walk.
“Produce has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember,” Meg shares. “From my childhood days on the farm to the early mornings I now spend among the orchard, vegetable fields, flowers, and bees: listening to the chickens: I find endless inspiration in the land and the food it provides.”
This isn’t just feel-good marketing speak. When you’re negotiating with food and beverage managers about shelf space and pricing, having someone who understands the challenges of actually growing food makes all the difference. Meg brings authenticity to every conversation because she’s lived both sides of the equation.
Strategic Value for the Colombia Avocado Board
Manuel Michel, Managing Director of the Colombia Avocado Board, didn’t mince words when explaining why Meg was the right choice. “Meg’s experience in creating and cultivating retail partnerships will be key to the CAB’s retail initiatives,” he said. “She has a deep understanding of how to connect with retailers and shoppers alike, and her proven track record of building successful produce programs will bring tremendous value to our partners.”
This hire signals that the Colombia Avocado Board is serious about competing in the increasingly crowded avocado market. With Mexican avocados dominating U.S. shelves, Colombian producers need someone who can articulate their value proposition to food and beverage directors and procurement directors across the country.
What This Means for Retail Partners
For hospitality managers and foodservice executives, Meg’s appointment represents new opportunities for partnership and category growth. Her background with the National Mango Board shows she understands how to work with institutional buyers to create programs that drive sales while managing costs.
The food service industry has been looking for reliable avocado suppliers who can deliver consistent quality and supply chain stability. Colombian avocados offer year-round availability that complements Mexican production, and having someone like Meg managing these relationships means smoother operations for restaurant owners and food and beverage companies alike.
Industry Impact and Market Positioning
The Colombia Avocado Board’s decision to bring in someone with Meg’s credentials reflects broader food and beverage trends toward premiumization and supply chain diversification. As consumer demand for avocados continues growing, retailers and foodservice operators are looking for suppliers who can deliver not just product, but strategic partnership.
Meg’s experience with temperature management and sourcing will be particularly valuable as the industry grapples with sustainability concerns and food safety requirements. Her work with Whole Foods Market gives her insight into the organic and premium segments, while her C&S Wholesale background means she understands conventional retail dynamics.
Building Consumer Awareness
One of Meg’s key challenges will be building consumer awareness of Colombian avocados in a market dominated by other origins. Her marketing background with the National Mango Board shows she knows how to create consumer pull-through that supports retail programs.
The food and beverage industry has seen how effective origin marketing can be – just look at the success of Champagne, Parmigiano-Reggiano, or even specific coffee regions. Colombian avocados have their own unique story to tell, and Meg has the experience to help tell it effectively.
Looking Ahead: Trade Show Connections
If you’re planning to attend the New York Produce Show, make sure to stop by Booth #405 to learn more about the retail programs and tools available to support category growth. This is your chance to connect directly with the Colombia Avocado Board team and understand how their programs can support your business objectives.
Trade shows remain crucial networking opportunities in the food and beverage industry, and having face-to-face conversations about supply chain partnerships, pricing strategies, and promotional support can make all the difference for your bottom line.
The Bottom Line
Meg Buchsbaum’s appointment as Retail Account Manager for the Colombia Avocado Board represents more than just a personnel change – it’s a strategic investment in building lasting partnerships across the food and beverage supply chain. Her combination of corporate experience, retail expertise, and personal connection to agriculture makes her uniquely qualified to help Colombian avocados gain market share in the competitive U.S. market.
For food and beverage professionals, this hire signals new opportunities for partnership, innovation, and growth. Whether you’re a restaurant owner looking for reliable avocado suppliers, a hospitality manager seeking premium ingredients, or a food and beverage director planning promotional strategies, having someone with Meg’s experience managing these relationships is good news for everyone.
The Colombia Avocado Board is clearly serious about competing in the U.S. market, and with Meg leading their retail efforts, we can expect to see some innovative programs and partnerships in the months ahead. Keep an eye on this space – the avocado wars just got more interesting.
For more information about the Colombia Avocado Board’s retail programs and tools, visit avocadoscolombia.com or contact Manuel Michel, Managing Director, at mmichel@AvocadosColombia.com.
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” for founding American Wholesale Floral. Politz is also the founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
