Cory Reinle – Fresh Produce Buyer

Winn-Dixie

• Professional Positions:
  • Fresh Produce Buyer at Winn-Dixie
  • Sales internship at Duda Farm Fresh Foods
• Graduated University of Kentucky
• B.S. in Agricultural Economics
• Graduated University of Florida
  • M.S. in Food and Resource Economics, Agribusiness
• Reason for entering the industry:
  • Networking opportunities made possible by PMA Foundation Career Pathways Program

Exposed to agriculture through Future Farmers of America at a young age, Cory pursued both an undergraduate and a master’s degree in the agricultural business and economics field. While working on his Masters, he was a recipient of the 2010 Career Pathways Scholarship supported by The Jay and Ruth Pack Family Foundation. As a Career Pathways student, he had the opportunity to attend PMA’s Fresh Summit in October 2010. It was there that he was introduced to the numerous opportunities that the industry offers. Through a variety of networking opportunities, Cory connected with a Duda team member and accepted a sales internship position with the company.

While at Duda Farm Fresh Foods, he has been able to travel to Duda’s Belle Glade farm to see sweet corn being harvested, tour through that farm’s shipping facility, and has also visited the company’s citrus packing house in Fort Meade, Florida. Cory has been able to learn first-hand how a grower/shipper operates. His role at the company has introduced him to produce pricing schedules, production forecasts, and shipping logistics, and has also instilled a strong sense of teamwork and a deeper understanding of the produce supply chain.

After graduating from the University of Florida, Cory accepted a position as a fresh produce buyer with Winn-Dixie, a food retailer in the southeast United States. He currently is in charge of buying bananas, packaged salads, and some organic items for more than 480 retail locations for Winn-Dixie. Cory is gathering knowledge of how the food retail supply chain operates, and his past experiences with PMA Foundation Career Pathways Program and Duda internship is paying great dividends with his new position.

His advice for other students eager to learn about the fresh produce industry, “Don’t be afraid to write directly to companies and inquire about internship openings. Be creative in your job search. Reach out to companies for advice, mentorship, and growth opportunities.”