Vanguard Group International, an industry-leading vertically integrated grower/packer/shipper with commercial teams in seven countries, is responding to supplier and customer interest by adding citrus to its North American sales and distribution arm, Vanguard Direct. Vanguard has more than three decades of experience working with growers throughout the world exporting fresh produce to the most demanding markets. This experience includes all major produce categories, solidifying grower confidence in the Vanguard Group’s ability to drive sales and generate value.

Now well-established in the North American markets servicing customers with table grapes from four origins as well as importing Chilean cherries, Vanguard Direct is harnessing its global team’s sourcing expertise to bring U.S. and Canadian customers a full lineup of import citrus availability. This includes mandarins and oranges from top growers in Egypt, Israel, Morocco and South Africa, along with all 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 vast resources and relationships were quickly recognized as additional opportunities to service our customers,” said Dirk Winkelmann, chief commercial officer, Vanguard Group International. “Our teams are strategically located near all major growing regions, allowing us to build strong relationships with growers and to ensure fruit quality by having visibility from packing all the way through to distribution.”

To help lead Vanguard Direct’s evolution into citrus, the Group has elevated Madalyn McCracken to the role of business development manager – Citrus. Originally brought onboard 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 was quickly seen as invaluable for 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 with the Vanguard Group and to truly contribute to the citrus industry’s evolution on a global scale.” With the support and experience of the Group’s unparalleled global footprint, Vanguard Direct is prepared to become one of North America’s most trusted and reliable citrus suppliers.