Ruben Penunuri, 39

Senior Sales Representative, Del Campo Supreme, Inc., Nogales, AZ

June 12, 2026 | 3 min to read

SHORT BIO

Hometown: Nogales, AZ
Hobbies: Golf, Soccer, Reading, Running
Family/Community: Married, 2 children, Casa Hogar de Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos Cristo Rey I.A.P.
Motto in life: I strive to lead by example, demonstrate resilience in every aspect of my work, and remain consistently goal-oriented.

Penunuri brings 15 years of experience in the fresh produce industry, with the past four years spent at Del Campo Supreme.

In his current role, he manages and supports some of the industry’s most demanding retail accounts. These programs require precision execution, strategic pricing, and constant coordination between growers, operations and retail partners. He excels in this environment and has become a trusted point of contact for both customers and growers. He is frequently relied upon in high-pressure situations where supply is tight, markets are unpredictable, and customer expectations remain high.

After graduating from the University of Arizona in 2010, he began his career at EuroFresh Farms as a pack house lead, where he managed labor teams and focused on improving pack house efficiency and productivity. In 2012, he transitioned into the quality and compliance department, where he was part of the team responsible for implementing SQF certification.

Following EuroFresh Farms’ acquisition by NatureSweet, he remained with the quality team and played a key role in ensuring a smooth operational transition, while implementing NatureSweet’s quality standards.

In 2014, he moved into sales, accepting a sales representative role with Farmer’s Best International, where he built a strong foundation in customer relationships, account growth, and market development over seven years. In 2021, he was recruited to join Del Campo Supreme as a senior sales representative.

Q: What do you wish you knew when you first started your career?

I wish I had understood earlier how critical communication and relationships are in this industry. Success isn’t just about doing your job well — it’s about earning trust, being consistent, and understanding the challenges faced by growers, retailers, and customers alike.

Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of in your career?

I am most proud of my sustained performance and recognition as Salesman of the Year for four consecutive years at Del Campo Supreme. This achievement reflects not only sales results, but also consistency, leadership, and the trust built with customers and internal teams over time.

Q: What do you think drives growth the most in the industry?

Growth is driven by reliability and execution. Retailers want partners who can consistently deliver quality product, strong service, and solutions — not just competitive pricing.

Q: What are some trends you think fuel consumers to purchase more produce?

Consumers are increasingly focused on health, convenience, and transparency. Value-added packaging, consistent quality, and trust in the brand all play a major role in driving repeat purchases.

Q: What advice would you give someone new to the produce industry?

Learn every side of the business, stay humble, and be willing to work hard. The produce industry rewards those who put the work in, remain resilient, and build relationships based on trust and performance.