Latino Food Industry Association Appoints Grocery Industry Veteran Lupillo Ramirez as President

The Latino Food Industry Association (LFIA) last week announced the appointment of a Lupillo Ramirez, Sr. Director of Innovation and Product Development at Northgate Gonzalez Markets, to President of the organization. Ramirez will now lead the nation’s first national association representing Latinos involved in every aspect of the food industry.

“We are honored that Lupillo has accepted our offer to lead the Latino Food Industry Association as we launch into our next era of growth and expansion of our services for our members,” said Ruben Smith, Chair of the LFIA Board. “His years of experience in the grocery industry, respect by his grocery colleagues and dedication to the innovation and product development in the arena of Latino food products will serve as a real asset to our organization.”

At Northgate Gonzalez Markets, Ramirez plays a major role in analyzing and identifying some of the nation’s hottest Latino food trends.

“I’d like to congratulate Lupillo on his new role as President of the Latino Food Industry Association Board,” said Miguel Gonzalez, Co-President of Northgate Gonzalez Markets. “He is a long-time trusted member of the Northgate team where he has consistently set new standards for how products are identified, developed, brought to market and enjoyed by the general public proving to be a real asset to the company.”

Ramirez began his career at Northgate in 1986, six years after the first store opened, as a deli/dairy clerk then earned his way to front end store management, eventually becoming a well-known buyer. He also helped establish a well-functioning marketing department at Northgate Markets.

Ramirez is a graduate of the Pepperdine University and pursued his MBA at the same university. He has also served on the Board of the Deli Dairy Bakery Association.

“I am honored that the Board asked me to take the helm of this dynamic and influential organization,” said Ramirez. “LFIA’s focus and purpose has been to advance the growth and influence of Latinos working in one of the nation’s most lucrative and influential business arenas and I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues on the board to advance hat effort.”