Importer Insight with Amanda Horney – Real Talk on Global Trade
Go beyond the headlines and into the high-stakes world of importing, logistics, and entrepreneurship. From fresh produce to fashion, freight to finance, Importer Insight unpacks market trends, risks, and opportunities with industry pros who navigate global trade daily.
Fresh insights in every episode—stay tuned!
When a Produce Deal Goes Wrong: How Importers Can Protect Themselves | DRC
What happens when a produce deal goes wrong — and do you actually know how to protect yourself?
In this episode of Importer Insight, Amanda Horney sits down with Jaime Bustamante, Vice President of Trading Assistance and Business Development for the Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC), for a conversation every importer, exporter, grower, shipper, buyer and seller should hear.
With more than two decades of experience at the DRC, Jaime has seen firsthand where commercial relationships go wrong — and the seemingly small details that can have major consequences when a dispute occurs.
We get into:
• The mistakes importers and exporters make before a dispute even begins
• DRC vs. PACA and how each can protect businesses
• FOB, delivered terms and international Incoterms
• Who actually carries the risk when product is in transit
• Inspections, claims and accepting a load
• Warning signs when a customer starts paying slowly
• Due diligence before extending credit
• Protecting advances and investments with growers
• The legal-entity mistake that can cost a company its dispute-resolution rights
• Why texts, WhatsApp messages and emails may not document a deal as well as you think
• Air and maritime freight claims
• What importers should discuss before entering a new business relationship
One of Jaime's biggest pieces of advice? Don't wait until there's a problem to discuss what happens when something goes wrong.
In an industry built around perishable products, tight timelines, international borders and enormous financial risk, the details matter.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Welcome to Importer Insight
00:16 Meet Jaime Bustamante & the DRC
01:44 How the DRC Was Created
04:27 Why Importers Use the DRC
07:09 DRC Membership & Trading With Canada
09:33 Common Importer Mistakes & Produce Disputes
11:10 FOB Shipments, Acceptance & Inspections
13:08 Mexican Exporters & International Risk
15:01 Protecting Advances & Investments in Mexico
16:35 The DRC's Global Reach
18:02 Education, Consultation & Member Resources
24:12 A Memorable Dispute: The Legal Entity Mistake
28:13 Warning Signs: Slow Pay & Financial Trouble
30:25 Incoterms vs. North American Trade Terms
35:08 Air & Maritime Freight Disputes
37:06 How Technology Changed Produce Contracts
40:54 Advice for New Importers
44:40 Final Thoughts
🌎 ABOUT THE DRC
The Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC) is a membership-based organization providing commercial dispute prevention and resolution services to the fresh produce industry.
Learn more: FVDRC.com
🎙️ ABOUT IMPORTER INSIGHT
Importer Insight goes behind the products, people and supply chains connecting the world to the U.S. market.
Hosted by Amanda Horney, Importer Insight brings you conversations with the importers, exporters, growers, suppliers and industry leaders who understand what it really takes to move products across borders.
If you work in international trade, subscribe to Importer Insight and join the conversation.
What industry insider should we talk to next? Tell us in the comments.
#ImporterInsight #FreshProduce #InternationalTrade #Importing #Exporting #DRC #ProduceIndustry #SupplyChain
8 Apr 2026
Feeding the Future Mangoes with Michael Warren of CAPCO Farms
In this episode of Importer Insight, I sit down with Michael Warren of Capco Farms—one of the most respected names in the produce industry.With nearly 50 years of experience and a third-generation legacy behind him, Michael shares what it really takes to build a successful mango program and why his focus has remained on delivering quality fruit that supports healthier lives.From family roots in produce to specializing in mangoes, this conversation dives into the realities of the business, the evolution of the market, and the responsibility of “feeding the future.”If you’re in produce, retail, foodservice—or simply care about where your food comes from—this is a conversation worth listening to.🌐 Learn more about Capco Farms: http://capcofarms.comChapters00:00 The Legacy of a Produce Family03:11 Developing Central American Agriculture05:48 Innovations in Crop Exporting08:14 The Rise of Snow Peas in Guatemala10:43 Honeydew Melons and Market Expansion13:18 The Mango Journey Begins15:53 Mango Varieties and Preferences18:31 Understanding Mango Cultivation21:23 The Complexity of the Mexican Mango Season24:35 The Mango Market Dynamics27:46 Marketing Strategies for Mangoes31:11 Food Safety and Sustainability in Agriculture34:45 Labor Challenges and Social Responsibility37:57 Future of the Mango Industry43:23 Advice for Future Generations in Produce48:49 Conclusion to Importer Insight and Michael's Work49:16 Importer Insight Disclaimer#ImporterInsight #FreshProduce #Mangoes #ProduceIndustry #ImportExport #SupplyChain #HealthyLiving
3 Apr 2026
Grape Futures and Crisp Truths with Tony Morimoto
Grapes might be one of the most misunderstood—and overlooked—categories in produce.In this episode of Importer Insight, I sit down with Tony Morimoto from The Kunkel Company for a real, unfiltered conversation about the grape industry.Tony brings a rare mix of experience, honesty, and humor—and he doesn’t hold back.We get into:• What’s actually driving today’s grape market• Where the industry gets it wrong• The realities behind quality, shelf life, and supply• The impact of imports and seasonality• And what the future of grape varieties really looks likeIf you’re in produce, retail, or foodservice—or just want the real inside view of how this category works—this episode is for you.🔗 Learn more:Molly Pop Grapes → https://mollypopgrapes.com/The Kunkel Company → https://www.kunkelco.com/Trading Produce (Substack) → https://substack.com/@tradingproduce📌 About Importer InsightImporter Insight breaks down global trade, fresh produce markets, and supply chain realities from an importer’s perspective—real conversations, real insights, no fluff.⏱ Chapters00:00 Intro: Why Grapes Are One of the Most Misunderstood Categories03:30 Too Many Varieties? The Real Challenge in Grapes06:07 What Consumers Actually Want (And What They Don’t Say)09:02 Quality vs Shelf Life: The Constant Trade-Off11:32 Seasonality, Imports, and Market Shifts Explained14:18 What Caused Last Season’s Grape Market Collapse17:04 The Future of Grape Varieties & Changing Trends26:31 Harvesting & Storage: Where Things Go Wrong29:05 Mexican Grapes: Opportunity or Disruption?30:33 Brix Explained: The Truth Behind Sweetness Claims32:14 Launching Trading Produce on Substack33:43 USDA Pricing: Transparency or Confusion?36:22 Communication Breakdowns in Grape Imports39:39 The Molly Pop Brand Vision 🍇44:09 Hard Lessons from the Produce Industry48:41 Final Thoughts: Where the Grape Industry Is Headed49:06 Importer Insight Disclaimer | Industry Insights, Not Financial Advice👍 If you got value from this:Like 👍Subscribe 🔔Share with someone in the industry
23 Feb 2026
Food Operators Under Attack and How Fraud Is Hitting the Produce Supply Chain
Fraud in the fresh produce industry is rising — and it’s becoming more targeted, more organized, and harder to spot.In this episode of Importer Insight, I sit down with Dante Galeazzi, President and CEO of the Texas International Produce Association, to break down what’s really happening inside the produce supply chain. From buyer impersonation and truck broker fraud to internal phishing and payment scams, we talk through how food operators are being targeted — and what companies can do to protect themselves.This conversation was recorded months ago, but its relevance has only grown. Since then, more industry leaders have begun speaking out, enforcement activity has increased, and awareness is finally spreading. If you work in produce, logistics, importing, exporting, or food operations, this is a discussion you need to hear.In this episode, we cover:The most common fraud schemes hitting the produce industryHow scammers impersonate buyers, brokers, and even internal staffWhy fraud thrives in fast-moving food supply chainsWhat warning signs companies often missPractical steps food operators can take right nowThis episode is about awareness, prevention, and protecting the people who keep food moving every day.🔗 Read the full article on Importer Insight Substackwww.importerinsight.comTakeawaysFraud in the produce industry is a significant and growing concern.Fraudsters are knowledgeable about industry practices and exploit them.Companies must increase awareness and vigilance against fraud.Extreme due diligence is necessary when dealing with new sellers.Referrals are crucial for verifying the legitimacy of business partners.Law enforcement often lacks the resources to address fraud cases effectively.Industry collaboration is essential for sharing information about fraud patterns.Reporting fraud incidents can help build a repository of information.The I-95 corridor is a hotspot for stolen produce.Companies need to advocate for better support from authorities.Chapters00:00 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcIOsW2uS4Y) Understanding Fraud in the Produce Industry12:04 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcIOsW2uS4Y&t=724s) Preventing Fraud: Best Practices and Recommendations16:45 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcIOsW2uS4Y&t=1005s) The Role of Law Enforcement and Industry Collaboration23:56 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcIOsW2uS4Y&t=1436s) Disclaimer#ImporterInsight (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/importerinsight) #ProduceIndustry (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/produceindustry) #FoodSupplyChain (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/foodsupplychain) #FraudPrevention (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/fraudprevention) #ProduceImports (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/produceimports) #Logistics (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/logistics) #FoodSafety (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/foodsafety)
27 Aug 2025
Avocado Takeover: How Colombian Avocados Are Changing the U.S. Market
Host Amanda Horney interviews Manuel Michel, Executive Director of the Colombian Avocado Board, about how Colombian avocados are reshaping the U.S. market and their competitive advantages.
28 Jul 2025
Avocado Visionary Giovanni Cavaletto on Fair Trade, Innovation, and the Jalisco Edge
Giovanni Cavaletto discusses the rise of Jalisco in global avocado trade, the impact of Fair Trade, and farming innovations with Amanda Horney in this interview.
20 Jun 2025
Citrus Powerhouse Trent Bishop on Leadership, Strategy & Giving Back
Zano Fresh President Trent Bishop speaks with Amanda Horney about his citrus industry journey, discussing sourcing from Mexico, private labeling, and challenges facing citrus today in this interview.
11 Jun 2025
Sisters in Trade: Launching Go Produce & Building Through the Storm
Amanda Horney interviews Olivia Avellaneda, co-founder of Go Produce, about launching a fresh produce company and navigating the challenges of a global industry, offering insights into entrepreneurship.
8 Apr 2025
Lime Board Incoming! Tariffs, Advocacy & the Future of Limes in the U.S.A.
On Liberation Day, we got real about tariffs, trade, and the growing push to create a National Lime Board.🎙️ Join me, Amanda Horney, along with David Villaseñor (Villamex Farms), Diego Morales (D Produce), and Alfonso Sandoval (Limonik Produce), as we reflect on the journey we began a year ago — and where we go from here.Whether you’re an importer, grower, retailer, or just love limes, this conversation breaks down:Why the lime industry needs a unified voice...How tariffs are shaping decisions...What a board could mean for transparency, marketing & trade stability...👋 Come meet us at Viva Fresh Expo — let’s talk limes in person! Amanda at Booth 701 and Diego at Booth 900!👉 Subscribe for more fresh perspectives from the people behind produce and imports from around the world. TakeawaysThe formation of the National Lime Board is a significant step for the lime industry.Tariffs have a direct impact on the pricing and availability of limes in the market.Collaboration among producers is essential for the growth of the lime industry.Consumer demand needs to be increased to maintain the value of limes.The lime market is facing tough competition from other countries.New leadership in COPELP is revitalizing the lime industry in Mexico.The industry must adapt to changing market conditions and consumer preferences.Education and awareness are key to improving standards in lime production.The upcoming VivaFresh Expo is an important event for networking and collaboration.The journey of creating a research and promotional board takes time and effort.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Importer Insight Podcast01:32 Impact of Tariffs on the Produce Industry03:00 Formation of the Emerging National Lime Board06:10 Challenges and Opportunities in the Lime Market07:51 Growing Consumer Demand for Limes12:06 Addressing Hesitations About the Lime Board16:34 Collaboration with the Mexican Lime Board19:36 Future of the Lime Industry and Closing Remarks22:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts23:31 Disclaimer#LimeBoard #ImporterInsight #FreshProduce #AgPolicy #Tariffs #VivaFresh2025 #Limes #ProduceTalk
12 Mar 2025
Red Pepper King Paul Manfre: From NYC Corner to Produce King – The Secrets to Staying Hungry & Thriving!
In this powerful episode, Paul Manfre, the 'Red Pepper King', takes us on a journey from humble beginnings selling produce on the streets of New York City to becoming a leading figure in the fresh produce import business. 🚜🌶Learn the secrets to his success as he shares insights on:Why staying hungry is the key to never losing groundEmbracing technology in the ever-changing marketNavigating the complexities of supply and demandOvercoming challenges from large retailers and food safety regulationsThe urgent need to increase fresh produce awareness and consumer consumptionPaul’s story is a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and entrepreneurial hustle. Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned pro, you’ll walk away with valuable lessons for success. 🚀Follow Paul Manfre:👉 Instagram: @redpepperking👉 LinkedIn: Paul Manfre👉 Website: RedPepperKing.com#StayHungry #RedPepperKing #FreshProduce #EntrepreneurLife #HustleHard #FoodIndustryInsightsChapters00:00 The Journey Begins: From Street Corner to Industry Leader04:26 Lessons Learned: Staying Hungry in the Produce Business10:26 Embracing Technology: The Future of Produce Distribution13:29 Navigating Regulations: The Impact of Food Safety Modernization Act19:19 Understanding Supply and Demand: The Produce Market Dynamics24:26 Retail Challenges: The Struggle with Oversupply and Pricing28:18 The Dynamics of Crop Selection29:48 Market Fluctuations and Strategic Planning32:48 The Importance of Retail Experience37:23 Advice for Newcomers in the Produce Industry41:06 Understanding the Journey of Produce46:08 The Need for Increased Consumption49:42 Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook49:43 Disclaimer
28 Feb 2025
Partnering & Performing: 25 years of Mangoes with Greg Golden
In this conversation, Amanda Horney interviews Greg Golden, a veteran of the fresh produce industry and co-founder of Amazon Produce Network. They discuss Greg's journey into the fresh produce business, the establishment and growth of Amazon Produce Network, and the importance of building relationships and trust in the industry. The conversation also covers challenges such as compliance, sustainability, and the impact of technology on the produce market. Greg shares insights on consumer preferences, market trends, and offers advice for newcomers in the industry. Tune in for expert advice on navigating the evolving world of fresh produce and global trade with the largest mango importer in the United States.
If you would like to reach out to Amazon Produce Network about mangoes, please email sales@amazonprod.com
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Importer Insight
00:36 Exploring the Import Industry
01:43 The Journey Begins: Greg Golden's Introduction to Produce
04:26 Building Amazon Produce Network: The Early Days
07:17 Growth Through Transparency: Establishing Trust with Growers
10:11 Expanding the Business: Adding Team Members and Partnerships
12:54 Navigating the Market: Sourcing from Multiple Countries
15:34 Challenges and Opportunities: Compliance and Crop Intelligence
17:55 The Importance of Relationships in the Produce Industry
21:52 Facing Challenges: Customer Compliance and Market Changes
26:58 Mango Supply Trends and Projections
30:18 Navigating Crop Shortages and Market Dynamics
30:34 Understanding Sustainability in the Mango Industry
34:03 Technological Innovations in Mango Production
37:01 Exploring Mango Varieties and Consumer Preferences
42:11 The Importance of Branding and Compliance
45:32 Growth Strategies and Industry Relationships
49:46 Looking Ahead to Future Episodes
50:23 Disclaimer
Who has been a guest on Importer Insight
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Manuel Michel
Giovanni Cavaletto
Trent Bishop
Olivia Avellaneda
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
10,588
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 36 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
26
Social presence
0
YouTube
85
Engagement
32
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Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
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Amanda Horney host the show. Published by Importer Insight.
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