**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. October 11, 2024 – Eastern Quality Foods, a wholesale protein distributor operating for over 70 years, proudly welcomes Ricardo J. Soto and John Dunn to its team of protein professionals.
Ricardo J. Soto brings over a decade of extensive international protein trading experience to Eastern. Originally from Venezuela, Soto moved to Texas in 2000 to complete his degree at the University of Houston. His deep product knowledge and established network, cultivated during his tenure as Senior Manager of Sales and Procurement at Sierra Supply Chain Services, position him as a key asset for Eastern’s continued growth.
Soto has a proven track record of serving his customers a diverse mix of beef, pork, and poultry. He will assume the role of Director of International Sales and Procurement, operating out of a newly established office in Dallas, TX.
John Dunn, from Los Angeles, California, started his career in commodity sales at IBP, where he worked alongside Nick Abeyta selling beef to foodservice and retail customers on the west coast. When Mr. Abeyta took over Eastern’s Los Angeles sales office in January of this year, he quickly reconnected with his old friend and colleague and recruited him to join his team to focus on offering beef, chicken, and seafood to their customer base in southern California.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ricardo and John to our sales team,” said Ted Rueger, CEO of Eastern Quality Foods. “Their wealth of experience and industry knowledge along with their commitment to servicing their customers will make them perfect additions to the Eastern team.”
Eastern Quality Foods operates 11 sales offices across the United States, backed by a seasoned sales team with an average industry tenure of over 15 years. As the company looks toward the future, we continue to prioritize long-term relationships and expert service in the protein industry.