Dragonberry Produce, a world leader in specialty produce distribution founded by Amy Nguyen and based in the Canby industrial park is the 2021 recipient of the Global Trade Mid-Size Business Award presented by the Oregon Consular Corps.
Dragonberry is a family-owned, boutique distributor, importer and exporter known for its unique fruits and other products, such as Pacific Northwest premium rhubarb, organic Hidden Rose® apples, Green Dragon™ apples, organic black barley and, of course, dragonfruit.
“Thank you, Amy and Dragonberry Produce, for all your contributions to agricultural trade in Oregon,” Alexis Taylor, director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture, said in a statement. “Trade is crucial to Oregon’s economy and agricultural industry.”
In 2019, the state exported $2.3 billion in food and agriculture products to nearly 120 different counties, Taylor said.
“Amy’s entrepreneurial spirit, investments in energy efficiency, and dedication to delivering the highest quality products continue to build Oregon’s reputation worldwide,” she said.
Global Trade Award evaluators examined entrepreneurial aptitude, commercial knowledge, vision, ambition, and drive to build a thriving international enterprise in choosing winners.
Evaluators say they were impressed with how Dragonberry Produce developed new growth opportunities abroad, both the import and export sides, that resulted in increased sales, profit, market share, and geographical expansion.
Other award recipients include Tim Boyle, Columbia Sportswear, Erickson, Inc., Travel Portland, Scott Goddin and Karen Goddin.
The Oregon Consular Corps is an organization of career and honorary consular officials who serve or have served as representatives of foreign nations and jurisdictions in Oregon and in the Pacific Northwest.
OCC members represent approximately 40 nations as well as the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Seattle, Wash.
Each year, OCC hosts the a funding raising gala honoring scholars and trade-sector companies for their significant contributions to Oregon’s economic vitality and quality of life.
Due to the pandemic, this year’s event will be virtual and free, but donations are encouraged to help support its scholarship program.
The virtual Celebrate Trade event will be held April 8 beginning at 4 p.m. All individuals and companies are encouraged to register online.
The event raises money for the Oregon Consular Corps Scholarship Fund, a non-profit organization that provides scholarships to ten students at five Oregon universities.
