Mari Barascout, 31
Director of Sales and Operations , Fresh Pro, Inc. , Longwood, FL
June 9, 2025 | 3 min to read
SHORT BIO
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Hobbies: Spending time with family, Hiking, Pilates
Family/Community: Married
Motto in life: Always give 110%, 100% of the time.
Barascout started her career in the produce industry in 2011 as a sales associate at a Florida citrus company, where she built a solid foundation in sales and customer service. Her passion for fresh produce led her to Topco in 2015 to senior category coordinator, overseeing the melon category with a special focus on watermelons. Through this role, she developed and demonstrated key skills in category management, vendor relations and retail collaboration.
In 2019, she joined Fresh Pro, where she has taken on a multifaceted role including sales, operations, logistics, and food safety. In her position, she manages essential relationships with growers and retail partners, oversees transportation and compliance across several locations, and leads training programs for new employees. She is responsible for managing some of the largest volume accounts in North America. She has been recognized for her adaptability and hands-on approach.
Q: How did you begin working in the produce industry and why?
My interest was sparked as a little girl when I went to work with my mom, who worked for a citrus company in Fort Pierce, FL. Between the smell of the citrus running through the belts and the citrus trees planted at my childhood home, I knew I would always have a thing for the produce industry. Once I graduated high school, I wanted to work for the same citrus company. After a few years, I left the industry and quickly found out I needed to find my way back. Returning in 2014, I found my niche in the watermelon industry.
Q: What do you know now you wish you knew when you first started your career?
The industry is big, yet so small, and relationships are everything. With hard work and dedication, success will follow.
Q: What advice would you give someone new to the produce industry?
The produce industry is constantly changing and evolving, always keep an open mind and ask questions (lots of them). Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and take a leap of faith; you never know where you will find success.
Q: How has the industry changed during your tenure?
Food safety and customer expectations are top of mind. Today, it’s more important than ever for all growers and shippers to meet both food safety and social compliance standards. With grocery stores and farmers markets competing for market share, the demand for top-quality produce continues to rise. Everyone wants to stand out, and that means raising the bar on quality.
Q: What challenges and opportunities do you see for the future of the industry?
Two of the most pressing challenges facing the industry are labor shortages, including those related to the H-2A program, and the ongoing impacts of climate change. The agricultural sector continues to struggle to attract and retain a stable workforce, which can lead to significant delays in planting and harvesting. At the same time, climate change is an undeniable reality, with extreme weather events becoming more frequent and disruptive to production.
Q: What do you think consumers will desire in the future?
Better produce and greater convenience through expanded fresh-cut produce options.
Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of in your career?
The greatest accomplishment in my career has been the strong relationships I’ve built. The people I work with trust and believe in me and truly enjoy collaborating with me.
NOMINEES
