Vanguard Direct Expands into Citrus Imports

Vanguard Group International has announced the addition of citrus to its North American sales and distribution arm, Vanguard Direct, in response to customer demand. Already established in North American markets providing customers with table grapes and imported Chilean cherries, Vanguard Direct will leverage its global team's sourcing network to offer US and Canadian customers a complete lineup of imported citrus. This includes mandarins and oranges from growers in Egypt, Israel, Morocco, and South Africa, along with major South American citrus-producing countries. "While Vanguard Direct was founded to sell and distribute our own production of Peruvian table grapes, the group's extensive resources and relationships quickly presented additional opportunities to serve our customers," said Dirk Winkelmann, chief commercial officer of Vanguard Group International. "Our teams are strategically located near major growing regions, enabling strong relationships with growers and ensuring fresh fruit quality through visibility from packing to distribution." To lead Vanguard Direct's expansion into citrus, Madalyn McCracken has been promoted to business development manager for citrus. Initially hired in late 2024 to focus on grower relations and procurement development of US citrus exports, McCracken's work ethic and industry experience as a US citrus category manager proved invaluable to the import team's new offerings. "This dual role allows me to work with and add value to both Vanguard International and Vanguard Direct," said McCracken. "It is extremely rewarding to have the opportunity to grow and be recognized so quickly within the Vanguard Group and contribute to the citrus industry's evolution globally."