Produce Quiz Winner: CAROL DEFOOR

Vineland Cooperative Produce Auction Manager
Vineland, NJ

Carol DeFoor grew up going to her grandfather’s farm and packing potatoes, tomatoes and apples, as well as picking parsley. Her grandfather was an active member of the Vineland Cooperative Produce Auction in Vineland, NJ.

So, in 2011, when DeFoor was laid off from her position within the state government, it made perfect sense to take a management position at Vineland.

She handles a variety of functions on a day-to-day basis at the produce auction. “During our busy season, I am in the auction arena observing the sale and trying to handle any issues or concerns. I am a point of contact between the grower and the buyer. I also handle accounts payable as well as credit and many other functions needed by the staff, directors, members or buyers,” she says.

The Vineland Cooperative Produce Auction will be starting its 93rd season and she says, “being adaptable to the needs of the customers is very important.”

The produce is auctioned six days a week Monday through Saturday, from mid-April to the end of November. The facility has approximately 130,000 square feet of cross-dock loading and has state-of-the-art cooling facilities to maintain the cold chain.

When she isn’t working at the auction, you may find her reading, antiquing or at the beach.

“By reading Produce Business magazine, I have been able to follow changing trends in the produce industry,” says DeFoor.

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