Mike Zobel

Mike Zobel serves as the Executive Director of Ingredient and Food Service Sales at Cherry Central Cooperative, where he leverages his extensive experience in the food and beverage industries to drive growth and innovation. With a robust background in sales, management, and marketing, Mike plays a pivotal role in overseeing the cooperative's diverse portfolio of tart cherry products, which includes frozen, dried, concentrate, puree, and NFC juice. His expertise in food safety, GMP, and supply chain management ensures that Cherry Central maintains the highest quality standards while meeting the evolving needs of its customers.

In his current role, Mike is instrumental in forging strategic partnerships with food service operators and ingredient manufacturers, enhancing the cooperative's market presence and expanding its reach across North America. His leadership in cross-functional teams fosters collaboration between R&D, marketing, and sales, enabling the development of innovative products that resonate with consumer trends. Mike's adeptness in contract negotiation and relationship management has been crucial in securing advantageous agreements with growers and suppliers, ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality tart cherries sourced from key growing regions in the U.S. and eastern Canada.

As Cherry Central continues to navigate the complexities of the food industry, Mike's strategic vision and commitment to excellence position the cooperative as a leader in the tart cherry market. His passion for the industry and dedication to sustainable practices not only benefit the cooperative's growers but also contribute to the overall health and wellness of consumers. Through his efforts, Mike Zobel exemplifies the intersection of quality, innovation, and sustainability in the food service sector.