Edin Saric, 40
President and CEO, Midwest Best Produce, St Louis, MO
June 12, 2026 | 3 min to read
SHORT BIO
Hometown: Saint Louis, MO
Hobbies: Sports, Cars, Traveling
Motto in life: Always strive to be your best in everything that you do.
Saric grew a company from a small local distributor into a nationwide grower and shipper. What began as a hands-on operation serving nearby farms and retailers evolved through his persistence, long hours, and deep industry knowledge. Midwest Best Produce has now expanded into a major supply partner for large-scale retail and foodservice customers across the country.
Saric began his career in 2002 as a bagger/produce associate at Sappington Farmers Market, where he unloaded daily produce delivery trucks and stocked produce coolers, took daily inventories, and helped place product orders.
In 2005, he became assistant warehouse manager at Midwest Best Produce, where his duties included overseeing a repacking crew, receiving/shipping inbound and outbound trucks, and inventory and product quality control. In 2008, he moved to operations manager, directing day-to-day operations for warehouse and office facilities, coordinating farm operations, and supervising sales and transportation.
He was promoted to vice president in 2021, where he provided executive leadership across multiple departments, strategic planning, operational efficiency, and revenue growth.
In 2024, he became president and chief executive. In his current position, he collaborates with growers to expand acreage, plan for upcoming seasons, and invests time and resources into strengthening both farming and import operations while also driving sales growth and building strong relationships with trading partners.
Q: How did you begin working in the produce industry and why?
At 16, I began working as a bagger and produce associate at a local farmers market grocery store, where I developed a strong interest in the produce industry. That interest quickly led me to take on a role in the produce department. As I became more engaged in all aspects of the business, I was inspired to pursue further opportunities and eventually applied to Midwest Best Produce.
Q: What is the one thing in produce that you are most passionate about?
I am most passionate about the relationships I’ve built over the years with colleagues, customers, growers and suppliers.
Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of in your career?
One of my proudest accomplishments is becoming the first Bosnian-American business owner in the industry.
Q: Where do you think growth happens the most?
Growth wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of everyone involved in daily operations, from the team picking the produce to those loading the trucks, and everyone in between, ensuring that the product makes it from the field to the consumers’ table.
Q: What are some trends you think fuel consumers to purchase more produce?
A growing focus on health and wellness, demand for locally sourced produce, and awareness of sustainability and environmentally friendly farming practices.
Q: What advice would you give someone new to the produce industry?
Take the time to learn every aspect of the business, from the fields to the customers. Build strong relationships and stay curious about each part of the process that impacts the final product. Every day is a new lesson. Hard work and patience are key and will be very rewarding in the end.
NOMINEES
