The Jackfruit Company Expands Leadership Team During Major Growth Period with Roles in Finance and Sales and Marketing

BOULDER, Colo., Feb. 28, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Jackfruit Company, maker of convenient, delicious, sustainably-sourced jackfruit products, today announced the addition of two new industry experts to the company's leadership team. Dave Yonk joins The Jackfruit company as vice president of finance, and Gordon Cooper brings years of experience in the natural and organic food space to his new role as senior vice president of sales and marketing.

As the leading jackfruit brand in the market today, The Jackfruit Company is working to bring a variety of innovative new meat-alternatives to consumers who are integrating plant-based foods into their everyday cooking and eating habits. Within the past year, The Jackfruit Company went through a rebrand and launched a variety of new offerings, including a new line of single-serve Frozen Entrees, shelf-stable Complete Jackfruit Meals and Smoked Pulled Jackfruit.

"Adding two talented and insightful industry leaders to our team is an exciting milestone for our company," said The Jackfruit Company founder, Annie Ryu. "We continue to see amazing growth in our business, and interest in our products. Dave and Gordon are proven leaders who can bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise at a major growth point for our brand."

With more than 20 years as a sales and marketing leader in the natural and organic food space, Cooper brings a keen sense of the industry and its consumers, adding immense insights to the growing meat alternative brand. As senior vice president of sales and marketing, Cooper will oversee a team focused on business development, sales and marketing, including internal staff and external partners, to harness the entire commercial power of The Jackfruit Company. Cooper brings his insights as the internal strategist and external spokesperson showcasing the growth and competitive advantage of The Jackfruit Company to its customers. Before joining The Jackfruit Company, Cooper held sales and marketing leadership roles at Larabar, Ancient Harvest, Lucy's and most recently at Teton Waters Ranch.

"The Jackfruit Company is uniquely positioned as a leader in the plant based industry, and it's a story I'm so excited to share," said Cooper. "In addition to filling the needs of customers and consumers looking for new, unique ways to integrate plant-based options into their lives, Annie's vision has nurtured a company that's about even more - human health and farmer prosperity. I'm thrilled to be a part of it."

For the past decade, Yonk has supported strong financial performance and success for a variety of growing food and beverage brands, including Boulder Brands, Conagra Brands and PepsiCo. As the vice president of finance, Yonk will be responsible for maximizing operating results through contributions to The Jackfruit Company's growth strategy, and through oversight and management of all finance, accounting, banking, institutional financing, tax, insurance, legal, and other general corporate activities.

"At a time of immense growth, I'm thrilled to be joining The Jackfruit Company's leadership team," said Yonk. "Annie and her team have worked hard to build a company that is on such a successful growth trajectory. I look forward to rolling up my sleeves in support of continued growth."

The Jackfruit Company's mission is to drive mainstream consumption of jackfruit -- the planet's meatiest plant -- for the good of farmers, consumers, and the planet. The company was founded by Ryu, and today works with more than 1,000 farming families in southern India to source organically-grown jackfruit to bring delicious meal starters, complete meals, and plant-based meat alternatives to the US market.

For more information about The Jackfruit Company and its products, visit thejackfruitcompany.com.

About The Jackfruit Company:
The Jackfruit Company (TJC) is the #1 jackfruit brand in the U.S, producing convenient, whole food, plant-based products from jackfruit. The Jackfruit Company's mission is to mainstream consumption of jackfruit -- the planet's meatiest plant -- for the good of farmers, consumers, and the planet. The company was founded by Annie Ryu, and today works with more than 1,000 farming families in southern India to source organically grown jackfruit to bring delicious meal starters and frozen entrees to the US market. The Jackfruit Company products are available nationwide at more than 8,500 retailers including Albertsons-Safeway, Fred Meyer, HEB, King Soopers, Meijer, QFC, Raley's, Ralph's, Roundy's, Shop Rite, Smith's, Sprouts, Von's, Walmart, Wegman's, Whole Foods and independent natural food stores. For more information, visit thejackfruitcompany.com and engage with the brand on social media @thejackfruitco.

SOURCE The Jackfruit Company