The Safe Quality Food Institute, a division of FMI, The Food Industry Association, has named Jackie Galarza director of business development for North America.
Galarza has more than a decade of experience in the food, beverage, spirits and packaging industries.
“As a natural connector and results-oriented leader, Jackie will focus on strengthening our Certification Body and key-account relationships and support continued growth across North America,” said Gigi Vita, chief food safety assessment officer and SVP for SQFI. “We welcome her highly collaborative nature and relationship-building talents to our team.”
Galarza previously built Gamer Packaging’s craft spirits business, generating $19 million in revenue and developing domestic and international partnerships. She has more recently led strategic partner relationships and joint business planning in the food and beverage sector.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural journalism and strategic communications from the University of Missouri.
The hire is the second SQFI addition from Gamer Packaging in roughly a year. Rachel Anderson, named VP of business development in July 2025, previously served as executive director of strategy there.
The Safe Quality Food (SQF) program is hosted by SQFI. SQF is a global food safety and quality certification and management system recognized by retailers, brand owners and foodservice providers globally.