The German tropical fruit importer and distributor HLB Tropical Food GmbH is announcing some major personnel changes in its Kelsterbach headquarters. A few months ago, Mr. Lorenz Hartmann de Barros has joined the company as co-managing director. He brings almost 20 years of experience in the family business, and a lifelong enthusiasm for exotic fruits and vegetables. The company also proudly announces its 30-year anniversary this year. In July Mr. Hartmann de Barros emigrated with his family from the United States, where he was Director of Sales at HLB Tropical Food’s sister company, HLB Specialties in Florida. “Our team is very happy to welcome him, and we look forward to his rich experience and passion about papayas, mangoes, and the other tropical items we carry,” notes Mrs. Susanne Raiß, managing director at HLB Tropical Food GmbH. “I’m excited to join the German HLB team and I appreciate the opportunity to bring my expertise of working with large retailers and wholesalers in the US and Canada,” adds Mr. Hartmann de Barros. Mr. Hartmann de Barros’ addition is very fitting, as the company celebrates 30 years in business. Founded by his father, Homero Levy de Barros, the company first focused on fresh fish imports from their native Brazil. In 1992 the company shifted the business to importing air-flown papayas and helped transform the fruit from a niche item to a staple in retail stores. Since then, the company has distinguished itself with other items, most recently with being the only grower-packer-shipper to import organic Formosa papayas year-round to the North American market.
