<p> The industry has lost one of its own. Chris Martin of NZG Specialties, Inc. and Gourmet Trading Company has passed away. The news was announced in a statement from Paul Martin, Co-Owner and brother to Chris Martin. Chris passed away on Monday July 23, 2012 in Santa Barbara, CA while on a family trip with his wife, Sharon and their four daughters, according to Paul's statement.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> In the release, Paul Martin, states, "Chris and I had a vision many years ago of providing a worldwide supply of asparagus, blueberries and other products to many countries around the world. Through Chris' vision and the support of his outstanding staff around the world, Gourmet Trading Company has become one of the premiere suppliers in our industry."<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> He continues, "We mourn the loss of Chris whose honesty, fairness and integrity have established the lasting values by which our company will continue to operate successfully as we move on."</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p> We extend our deepest condolences to his friends and family.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
