About the Founder

Hi I’m Christine.

I have been working in the global produce industry for over 30 years. I love my job and the industry that I work in. What fuels my passion is the PEOPLE  I have and continue to meet throughout my professional journey. Out of everything I have experienced, it is the relationships with people that  mean the most to me.

Traveling is an excellent way to meet new people and I’ve been a frequent flier since birth. I was born in the Philippines and have lived all over the United States. My father worked for the airlines and our family traveled extensively. One of my most memorable family vacations was a trip to Nairobi, Kenya in 1972 at a time when Africa was not a popular tourist destination. My parents encouraged my sister and I to see the world from perspectives different than our own.

Throughout the last 30 years, I have learned a lot about the process and the people who produce our food. This I know to be true: these people have their own life challenges and despite these they are passionate and dedicated to their vocation and their community. The individuals you will meet in the Growers Table are unassuming, considerate and care for the world beyond themselves. They are not seeking accolades. They do the work because the work itself is important enough.

One of the best ways to gain knowledge about the people and their culture is through the course of a meal. Traveling has given me the opportunity to eat some incredibly fresh food with so many different flavors. Traditional foods are an important part of a country’s heritage and I enjoy experiencing the regional cuisine when I am traveling. As a self-proclaimed gourmet cook, I am eager to learn how to prepare these foods myself. This is one part of their lifestyle I can bring home to share with my family and friends.

I also want to share stories and photographs from the intriguing places I have visited. Many of these destinations do not rank as popular tourist attractions. Instead, they offer unique cultures, some tasty cuisine and fascinating people who are proud to share their heritage.

I hope you will find the Growers Table to be interesting, informative and inspiring.

Back to Top