The Berry Department

SPOTLIGHT ON THE BERRY DEPARTMENT

MEET THE TEAM

MARK RANDAZZO

Sales Professional AMC FAMILY MEMBER SINCE 2019

The Berry Department has been my home since I started with AMC. Before I worked here I owned a photography and design company, ran our family bar for a couple years, and was a Chicago rep for a small brewery. Personally, I love playing music. I’ve played piano since I was seven, and along the way picked up guitar, bass, a little violin, and a couple other instruments. It’s cathartic and relaxing for me. My first child was born at the end of last year, so when I’m not at AMC, I’m hanging out with him, my wife, and our two dogs.

MIKE LATA

Director AMC FAMILY MEMBER SINCE 2015

When I first started at AMC, I spent two weeks in the Banana Department, two days in the Tomato Department, and a little over a year in our Organics Department. I’ve been planted in Berries since 2016. Prior to AMC, I spent twentytwo years in retail grocery. I’ve ran two marathons and look forward to at least one more. I love golf, live music, and of course, good food. One of these days I’m going to take up boating and learn how to play the violin. I spent my first couple years at AMC in the Pepper Department. I worked with key retail accounts and then transitioned to the Tomato Department. For the last three and a half years I’ve been in Berries. In my spare time, I really enjoy spending time with my family and making memories with my three nieces and my fiancé. I like to golf, listen to live music, go on hikes, and spending as much time on Lake Michigan as possible.

NANCY CHAIDEZ

Sales Assistant AMC FAMILY MEMBER SINCE 2015

AMC was my first job ever! I started in Accounts Payable and became the Admin for the Berry Department three years ago. As the only woman in the department, I spend most of my time keeping the guys focused! I have two babies, my son Charlie is four and my daughter Luna is seven months. My Dad, brothers, sister, niece, brother-in-law, AND husband also work at AMC, it really is a family business to me!

KEVIN GUBITZ

Associate Director AMC FAMILY MEMBER SINCE 2014

MATTHEW MORALES

Sales Coordinator AMC FAMILY MEMBER SINCE 2021

I’m new to the team and I’m constantly on my toes and questioning, “what’s next?”. Berries are a highly perishable commodity which makes selling them a constant race against the clock. It’s very exciting. Prior to joining the AMC Family, I was a produce merchandiser and worked in a receiving department. I’m owner of two dachshunds that I love dearly and in my spare time, I like to drive down to my local Taco Bell and order a Mountain Dew Baja Blast or snuggle in bed and watch Netflix. I have a huge heart, but an even bigger Passion for Produce!

JOHN STAMAS

Commodity and Sales Professional AMC FAMILY MEMBER SINCE 2016

I’ve been with the Berry Department for nearly three years. Previously I worked in Operations at AMC and I have more than twenty years experience within the produce industry. I speak three languages, English, Spanish, and Greek. I have recently picked up golfing and like to spend as much time as possible on the course.

JOE KASPER

Commodity and Sales Professional AMC FAMILY MEMBER SINCE 2020

Before coming to AMC, I worked for five years within the produce industry as a broker. I’m a big Chicago Bulls fan and am a golfer. In my spare time I like to sit in the sun with a drink in one hand and a cigar in the other.

COOL & NEW IN BERRIES

PINEBERRIES PURPLE HAZE ASPARAGUS

“I’m a sucker for asparagus. Throw it in the air fryer for seven minutesand then cover in olive oil and parmesan cheese. Legend has it that if you eat asparagus before drinking, you won’t get a hangover the next day…” - Joe

“Driscoll’s Rainbow Pack is my favorite commodity we sell. We pack these in house....and they’re a great option for customers who want blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries all in one package.” - Mike

(ONE POUND OF RED AND ONE POUND OF GREEN GRAPES IN THE SAME BAG.)

“Want to know more about these? Contact the Berry Department. We love having items that are seldom seen, and relatively unknown, especially ones with such unique flavors.” -Mike

MUSCADINES & SCUPPERNONGS

OUR PRODUCTS

BLUEBERRIES

“Strawberries are my favorite fruit to eat, and they make the best margaritas.” – John

“I love strawberries, especially if they’re covered in chocolate!” – Nancy

“Green, white, and purple asparagus are available throughout the year. Peak season is during the Spring and Summer when local, domestic, and Mexico product are all available.” – Joe

CURRANTS

RASPBERRIES STRAWBERRIES

BLACKBERRIES

“Before joining AMC, I had no idea what a Gooseberry was. Now my wife makes desserts with them and they’re delicious when muddled at the bottom of a gin and tonic.” – Mark

CURRANTS

RHUBARB CRANBERRIES

GRAPES

ASPARAGUS HAWAIIAN PAPAYA

“Grapes are my baby now. There’s so much to learn about all the different varieties, how they taste, how they crunch, and how they were discovered. The grape breeding program is really fascinating to me.” – Kevin

“There are so many ways to eat avocados, they’re the original superfood. Just be careful of Avocado Hands!” – Mark

AVOCADOS

“Even though avocadoes seem to be on every menu, and in every kitchen, it’s still a new and growing commodity. Watching the market swings are exciting.” – Mike

GOOD TO KNOW

STRAWBERRIES FROM FLORIDA WILL BE AVAILABLE IN MARCH AND APRIL.

ASPARAGUS FROM MICHIGAN HITS IN JUNE.

GRAPES WILL TRANSITION FROM OFFSHORE TO MEXICO. EXPECT SOME TIGHT MARKETS.

THE

DIFFERENCE

“By partnering with our customers, we can help them increase sales and have a more profitable produce department. We are happy to share our knowledge and experience to bring them success!” - Mark

“We are dedicated to taking the time to truly communicate with our customers, to understand their needs and challenges. We treat them like our own family!” - Matthew

“We love developing relationships with new growers and shippers and are proud our our long standing partnerships with top industry leaders.” – Mike

NICK MORGAN

Senior Director of Sales and Business Relationships (Former Director of the Berry Department) AMC FAMILY MEMBER SINCE 2011

Berries are in my blood, and there’s no way you’re going to get them out. I was fortunate to learn from some of the best in the industry, and develop some of the greatest partnerships with our vendors and customers. I am so proud of this team and the work that they do. Although I have additional responsibilities now with AMC, I’ll always be a part of the Berry Department…. Whether they like it or not!

To contact the Berry Department, send an email to berry@amarano.com or call 773.321.7540