GREENWOOD VILLAGE, COLO. — Ted Gardner has been named president at 505 Southwestern, bringing over 30 years of experience to the green chile brand’s helm.
Mr. Gardner has held leadership roles at several United States and Mexican owned food marketing and distribution companies, including General Mills, Heinz, Conagra and Unified Grocers. Previously, he was president of Authentic Specialty Foods and the owner of the La Victoria & Embasa salsa and pepper brands. Before that, he led the U.S. operation of Herdez.
505 Southwestern produces green chile-based products. The brand’s core lineup includes Hatch Valley salsa, sauces and flame-roasted green chile as well as frozen stews, diced green chile and queso.
In conjunction with the personnel appointment, 505 Southwestern’s board of directors approved a multi-million-dollar investment in the company’s manufacturing and distribution facilities in New Mexico.
“As our business has grown, sales have expanded from London to Los Angeles,” said Rob Holland, executive chairman at 505 Southwestern. “We needed a leader with deep experience in the salsa and sauce categories. Ted fits this bill perfectly.”