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About Us

Specialty foods unique beyond their nutritional benefits.

Jambo Trading, Mark Washburn’s dream company, is a for-profit business that serves as a bridge between global entrepreneurs and the U.S. market. We are especially supportive of companies whose products are ethically created and have a sustainability impact that reaches the broader community. Our job at Jambo Trading is to provide the tools of support needed for businesses to come to fruition and then we take their products to the world market.  These tools include market access, processing innovations, equipment, Logistics and distribution.

Jambo Trading searches the world for distinctly unique products that have high market potential in the World.  We combine this 6th sense as we partner with local/regional producers in order for them to become U.S. compliant, provide quality packaging and value; all with the end result of satisfied customers.

Our offices manage all logistical steps including

  • Quality control documentation and verification
  • Documentation
  • Contracting ocean and inland freights with specific carriers
  • Handling clearance through all U.S. or International Government agencies
  • Freight forwarding
  • Claims management

Source Responsible

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

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 suppliers and buyers, our goal is to assist both in reaching your targets and creating long lasting, meaningful business.

Costumer 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 and customers in the development and carrying out of business.

Founders Story

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Mark Washburn

Born in Morgan Hill California in the U.S., through his dad’s business contacts in Costa Rica, Mark spent his junior year of High School as an exchange student with a local tico family. Costa Rica would begin an eternal calling for Mark to return and as soon as he completed his BA in Marketing from Chico State, he negotiated a job for himself with Chiquita in Costa Rica in the late 1980s and the rest is history. He has been in Costa Rica ever since.

After a year with Chiquita, Mark and his dad went into business together; forming Alimentos Pro de Costa Rica, which provided frozen fruits to Europe, the USA, Canada and Japan. Mark started and raised his 3 kids in Costa Rica and grew his business larger with the Smoothie industry taking off in the United States during the 1990’s.

In 2004, Mark opened a solo business in Costa Rica called Polo Norte Cold Storage after eventually selling Tropeak. At the same time, he began consulting for companies like DAI under USAID and other governmental organizations.

Connecting entrepreneurs with buyers is what Mark is about. Many specialty food, like purees, dried fruits, spices and Tree nuts are among the products which Jambo Trading sell from East and South Africa into the U.S. specialty food markets. Mostly importantly, Mark was inspired to start the company because he could help support women entrepreneurs from East and South Africa, one of the central initiatives of the AGOA Trade Agreement.  With specialty products being part of a “male dominated” world, Mark met with amazing women all over Africa who simply needed the expertise and institutional support he could provide so that their companies are successful.