Meet the Team: Sebastián Chávez de la Fuente

Written by Natalia Moya | Nov 11, 2026, 2:04:43 PM

At Loads, we believe the future of international food trade lies in combining smart technology with strong human relationships.

In this edition of #MeetTheTeam, we speak with Sebastián Chávez de la Fuente, Business Manager for Peru at Loads, about his work connecting growers, packing facilities and international markets, while coordinating export programs from origin to destinations across Latin America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. He also shares his insights on the importance of trust in international trade, his perspective on the impact of artificial intelligence on the agrifood industry, and how Loads will continue strengthening its presence at origin, building strategic partnerships and creating a more agile, connected and efficient global food market.

1. What’s your current role at Loads, and what’s your main focus right now?

I’m the Business Manager for Peru at Loads. My work sits at origin: sourcing, building and managing relationships with growers and packers, and coordinating export programs for markets across Latin America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Right now my focus is the Peruvian grape season, but also other products as garlic, mangoes and asparagus.

2. What’s a typical day like for you?

I usually start my day by reviewing emails and any open items from the day before. The rest of the day is focused on execution: reviewing our programs, negotiating with suppliers, and closing purchases. In the afternoon I go through industry statistics and look at new business opportunities. Before wrapping up, I review what’s pending so I can start the next day with clear priorities.

3. What’s something you’ve learned working in international trade at Loads?

That trust is the real currency of this business. Fruit is perishable, markets move fast and things don’t always go as planned. What keeps a program running is a grower who knows you’ll be transparent and a customer who knows you’ll tell them the truth early, even when the news isn’t good.

4. What’s the biggest shift you see coming in global food trade?

Reliability. That applies to both sides, to our customers and to the growers who trust us with their fruit.

5. If you had to describe Loads’ culture in three words, what would they be?

Trust, Agility and Partnership.

6. How do you see Loads evolving in the next few years?

I see Loads strengthening its presence at origin, with deeper and more structured programs with growers, a broader range of products and varieties.

7. How do you see Loads evolving in the next few years?

I see Loads strengthening its presence at origin, with deeper and more structured programs with growers, a broader range of products and varieties.

8. How do you see Loads evolving in the next few years?

Right now, our priority is delivering on the table grape programs we’ve committed for the holiday season in Latin America and Europe. This is one of the most important moments of the year, and meeting those commitments is key for our customers. At the same time, we’re already planning Q1, with pomegranates, avocados and other products.

9. Complete the phrases:

Innovation is… Finding a better way to do what we do every day, whether that’s a new variety, a smarter logistics route, or simply a better way to plan with a grower.

Leadership means… Being in the field when it matters, listening before deciding, and taking responsibility when things don’t go as planned.

The future of food trade will be… To be as agile as possible, more planned and more connected, with origin and destination working as one team.

Every strategy, every innovation, and every connection starts with the people behind
it. Stay tuned as we continue to highlight the leaders shaping the future of global food trade.

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