Kingston & Associates Marketing announces hire of Lynda Guzman of Globalex, expands import programs

IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO-December 5th, 2011-Kingston & Associates Marketing LLC, one of the largest distributors and marketers of fresh produce to the restaurant and cruise line industries, announces Lynda Guzman as the new International Procurement Manager for its growing Florida division. Lynda brings her knowledge of international programs and long-standing grower relationships to the Kingston team. Having started and grown her own company, Globalex, for the past 11 years, her procurement background will be utilized to continue Kingston's growth in the import markets. Specifically, Lynda will focus on sourcing high quality produce in Central and South America and integrate these programs into the Kingston family of products. Kingston Marketing President, Ken Nabal, explained, "Lynda is an excellent addition to the Kingston team. We continue to expand our Florida operations and her vast procurement knowledge and experience in import programs are the perfect ingredients for our continued growth in the region. Our team is very excited to have her on board."

When asked about her recruitment to Kingston, Lynda commented, "I am very proud to join the Kingston team. I have wanted to expand these grower programs for some time and with Kingstons distribution network and cold storage facility, I feel t this opportunity is the perfect fit." Lynda's background encompasses nearly 20 years in the produce industry where the importation and sales of fresh products like mangoes, asparagus, onions, avocadoes, beans, lemons and other programs have given her a great network of grower relationships.

Concurrent with the addition of Lynda to the team is the opening of a new import and sales office in Pompano. This expansion, combined with the continued integration of its local warehouse facility, Kingston Cross Dock & Cold Storage, give Kingston a strong logistical presence in the Florida marketplace. "Between the expansion of our international procurement activities, opening of our new sales office, and integration of our warehousing and trucking divisions-all in South Florida, the Company is definitely in growth mode," noted Dave Kingston, CEO and majority-owner of the family of Kingston Companies. Kingston continues, "With much of our customer base located in the East and Southeast United States, it is critical that Kingston be strategically positioned to service these customers. A large part of that service entails broadening the selection of quality programs for our customers to source."

Ken Nabal, concluded, "With Lynda's addition, we will be better positioned for future growth with new programs. The key, as usual, will be to maintain the highest in customer service while identifying new opportunities that are customer-driven. At Kingston, our core brand promise continues to be a relentless commitment to product quality, food safety and customer service. Expanding our Florida division will better help us deliver on this promise."

About Kingston Companies

• Kingston & Associates Marketing is one of the largest distributors and marketers of produce products including fresh potatoes, onions, lettuce, broccoli, sweet pineapples, and much more (http://www.kingstonmarketing.com).
• Kingston Cross Dock and Cold Storage is a state-of-the-art produce storage and shipping facility in Pompano Beach, FL. Learn more at http://www.kingstoncrossdock.com
• Associated Trucking provides refrigerated, non-refrigerated, and flatbed transportation to all 48 states in the continental USA. We provide transportation services to the fresh produce, nursery, furniture and other industries.