Produce Quiz Winner: MONICA LOVATO

Produce Operations Lead
Topco Associates LLC
Visalia, CA

Born and raised in Visalia, CA, Monica Lovato says the Central Valley is “truly a special place. We’re surrounded by the freshest fruits, with mountains in view every day, and the beach just a few hours away.”

Lovato also considers herself lucky in her career. When she began at Topco, she had no produce experience. She started on as a temp for two years, and she says it has led to “a lasting career.”

Lovato has been with Topco for 17 years, most of that time assisting the berry desk. More recently, she moved into produce operations. “The skills I built in member/vendor support — problem-solving, and keeping things running smoothly on the berry side — have carried over well into this new role,” she says.

She says the favorite thing about her career is “the growth and changes over the years, from system changes to coworkers, all of it has made this career such a great journey.”

When Lovato is not in the office, you can usually find her chasing after her toddler. “She keeps my world spinning and my schedule (and heart, of course) full!”

Lovato also loves Mexican food — “albondigas, pozole, chile rellenos — those are my go-to’s. And yes, I’ll still enjoy a steaming caldo, even when its 100-plus degrees outside!” She also recommends eating at Westwoods BBQ if you are ever in Fresno, CA.

What she enjoys most about Produce Business is “the informative content across the board, the innovative ideas and insightful interviews.”

As this month’s winner, she will receive a $200 Amazon gift card.