Black River Produce, based in Proctorsville, hasannounced today that Sean Buchanan has been appointed president of the company effective immediately. Buchanan previously held the position of Business Development Manager.
“Sean has been an invaluable manager through a time of dynamic change for our company,” said Steve Birge, Co-Owner and Founder of Black River Produce. “Our company and customers demand strong logistical skills, personal integrity, and a keen culinary palate. Sean’s mastery of these attributes plus his appealing sense of humor, make him the right candidate for leading our company into a time of growth.”
As Business Development Manager, Buchanan has spearheaded opportune projects including the launch of Black River Meats, a line of regionally-sourced natural meats, a campaign to develop larger market channels for Vermont food producers, and a reorganization of the company’s work flow systems. Prior to joining Black River Produce, Buchanan served in numerous positions that put him on the front line of food market trends and complex project management including Executive Chef at Stowe Mountain Lodge, Writer and Producer of Vermont Public Television’s “Feast in the Making,” Treasurer of the Vermont Meat and Poultry Processors Association and member of the New England Beef to Institution Task Force.
Co-Owners Mark Curran and Steve Birge launched Black River Produce 35 years ago to fill a market gap in availability of high quality fresh produce. Curran was recently named 2014 recipient of the VBSR Terry Ehrich Award for Excellence in Socially Responsible Business for the role Black River Produce has played in promoting environmental, social, and economic benefits for Vermont. Curran stated, “Steve and I started this company to bring fresher food, good business practices, and economic empowerment to our Vermont community. Sean shares these values and has the expertise to carry this vision forward.”
Black River Produce is a wholesale distributor of produce, organics, natural meats, seafood, gourmet cheese, and specialty dry goods, and floral items.