About Jambo Trading

Specialty foods unique beyond their nutritional benefits.

Jambo Trading, the brainchild of Mark and Luis Carlos, stands not just as a for-profit entity but as a vital bridge connecting global entrepreneurs with the markets of the U.S. and Latin America. What sets us apart is our commitment to supporting businesses that are not only ethically responsible but also have a sustainable impact on the wider community. At the heart of Jambo Trading’s mission is our dedication to equipping these companies with the necessary tools to realize their full potential. From facilitating market access and processing innovations to logistics, and distribution services, we’re here to help businesses thrive and bring their unique products to the global stage.

Our pursuit at Jambo Trading goes beyond the ordinary; we’re on a constant quest to discover products that are not just unique in their essence but also possess a significant market potential worldwide. This keen insight into market dynamics, combined with our partnership with local and regional producers, ensures that these products not just meet U.S. and Latin America compliance standards but also excel in quality packaging and value. Our ultimate goal? To delight customers in both the U.S. and Latin America, proving that specialty foods offer more than just nutritional benefits—they bring cultures and communities together.

Our offices manage all logistical steps including

Founders Story – Mark Washburn

Mark Washburn’s journey began in Morgan Hill, California, where an early exposure to international business, thanks to his father’s connections in Costa Rica, set the stage for his global career. This connection led Mark to spend his junior year of high school living with a local “tico” family in Costa Rica, igniting a profound connection with the country that would beckon him back for a lifetime. After earning his BA in Marketing from Chico State, Mark’s ambition and negotiations secured him a position with Chiquita in Costa Rica in the late 1980s, marking the start of his enduring journey there.

Not long after his tenure with Chiquita, Mark teamed up with his father to launch Alimentos Pro de Costa Rica. Together, they dove into the business of exporting frozen fruits to markets across Europe, the USA, Canada, and Japan. This period also saw Mark nurturing his growing family in Costa Rica and expanding his business horizons as the smoothie industry surged in the United States during the 1990s.

By 2004, Mark ventured into a new chapter by opening Polo Norte Cold Storage in Costa Rica, following the sale of Tropeak. His expertise also led him to consultancy roles, where he lent his knowledge to organizations like DAI under USAID, and other governmental bodies. Mark’s commitment to improving agricultural practices and expanding market access took him beyond the borders of Costa Rica. He spent several years in Afghanistan, working closely with local growers and processors to enhance their methods and meet the export standards of the US market. His efforts in Africa were aimed at identifying products with potential for the US market and implementing organic certification programs for growers and processors, further showcasing his commitment to sustainable and ethical business practices.

Throughout his career, Mark Washburn has not only been a pioneer in the food industry but also a bridge connecting diverse agricultural communities with the global market, underpinned by a dedication to ethical and sustainable growth.

Integrated Operations and Service

Source Responsible

We work with our suppliers to ensure that the product they deliver conforms to the specifications of our customer base.

logistics

Logistics

We work hard to seek out advantages in freight to get your product directly to the end user. With a wide network of quality supplier and buyers,

Customer Service

Consistency and attention to detail is crucial to a smooth flow of business. We stay “on top of it,” proving to be a true asset to both our suppliers.

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