Blake B. Anderson Visalia, California Senior Vice President New Business Development California Dairies Inc.
What education are you bringing with you to this position?
I have more than 35 years of commercial and business experience across the food and beverage industry (domestic and international). I earned a bachelor's in business administration from Georgia College and State University. I also have completed the Food Executive Program at Cornell University.
Please describe your agricultural background.
My grandparents were dairy farmers in northwest Pennsylvania. As an adult, I worked in the fresh produce (mushrooms, tomatoes, cucumbers) business during my time at Campbell Soup Company. At Dean Foods, I led the Specialty Foods Group, which, at the time, was the largest buyer, processor and marketer of cucumbers for pickles and relish in the U.S.
What are your new responsibilities?
As the SVP of New Business Development, my responsibilities include evaluating and developing new business opportunities that align with CDI’s strategy and goal of increasing its global presence.
In addition, I will work on CDI’s butter business to optimize go-to-market methodologies and enhance the value proposition with its customer base. Lastly, as CDI further evolves its specialty powders business, l will work with cross-functional teams to best leverage CDI’s capabilities in this strategic growth area.
What previous positions have you held?
Most recently, I held the position of global director of specialty ingredients and global accounts at Fonterra Cooperative Group Ltd., overseeing its ingredients operations in North America, Europe, Japan and Korea, and managing relationships with global food companies.
Previously, I held executive positions with Symrise Inc., Dean Foods and Campbell Soup Company.
What excites you most about working in your new role?
The opportunity to work with a progressive, forward-thinking organization like CDI is exciting. I look forward to contributing to the achievement of its growth strategy, and delivering a larger return on investment to its member-owners.
How will you be of most help to producers in your region or area of expertise?
My area of expertise lies in developing new business opportunities and go-to-market methodologies that leverage the size, scale and assets of the company, as well as optimizing CDI’s existing core business.
For CDI member-owners, the growth of and expansion into new markets and new dairy product categories will lead to increased profits for CDI and its member-owners.
Why did you choose this company?
It has a great reputation within the industry. Furthermore, its progressive leadership and strong employee base are focused on the future, which positions CDI to take advantage of growth opportunities that exist in the industry.
What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
I would like to engage the newly refreshed strategy and mission, build a world class dairy sales and marketing team, and grow CDI’s global business to include a diverse portfolio of products and services. PD
