Meet Dan Nagel of Commodity Distribution Service in Santa Fe Springs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dan Nagel.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am a second generation food producer and distributor, following in my father’s footsteps.

As a pioneer in the fresh fruit and vegetable industry, my dad helped round out my education in the many facets of this ever changing business. I grew up on the family farms, helping my father with most of the responsibilities that a Grower, Packer, and Shipper is challenged by. I consider this formidable training a key component in my ability to navigate in this exciting industry.

After college, I started to travel with my father throughout Mexico and Central America in the off seasons, to expand and our ability to service customer’s year around. Then Dan lived in Guatemala for two years to help start an export program to the US. Eventually I relocated to Los Angeles where I started my own business in 1981. While continuing to trade and work with my father, I also started to develop an Import/Export business as well, to take advantage of the rapidly expanding markets on the West Coast. It was in those days that the industry was transitioning from relying primarily on domestic I developed a few value-added packaging lines. In 2001, I started Commodity Distribution Service which I own and operate today. CDS now offers a full range of services which are provided to many different Import/Export companies. Currently, I’m developing a new company in Mexico which will assist in growing and packaging many different value-added items primarily to the US market. They also will start to develop a few organic lines which currently represent a rapidly growing sector of the market. In early 2017, I will start construction of a new facility in the Baja which will provide a home for his newly formed Mexican company VegPack.

Currently there are organic trials being conducted in Guanajuato and the Baja. Eventually the activities of these two areas will be linked.

Much of these activities are the result of an ever increasing demand from the market place for more unique and value-added items. Dan is very excited about the new prospects for these new projects and looks forward to growth and success in Mexico.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As most people know in this industry, dealing with perishable items is no easy task. Keeping up with the market can be a tough obstacle. Not to mention, being at the mercy of mother nature can also have it challenges.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
CDS is a unique offering to the fresh produce world. We offer a full line of storage, and packaging services. Which allows our customers to competitively meet all retail grocery demands.

Contact Info:

• Address: 10035 Painter Ave., Santa Fe Springs, CA 92670
• Phone: 9496807725
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: cdscold
• Yelp: CDS Commodity Distribution Service

Image Credit:
C.H. Robinson

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