Alain Cruanes, Founder of Overseas

In 1977, Alain Cruanes, the son of a French Algerian Olive oil exporter, first began trading olive oil in Morocco for an Italian clientele. It was when the Italians began dominating the olive oil market that Alain made a decision to move to New York in 1983.

What started as a focused olive oil business soon grew into something more. Alain began importing a variety of Mediterranean products, including capers, anchovies, and pasta; laying the foundation for what would become Overseas Food Trading.

Today, Overseas Food Trading continues to reflect Alain's passion for authentic Mediterranean ingredients impressed by America's unending appetite and his commitment to quality and tradition.

Stephane Picard, Managing Partner and CEO

Stephane joined Overseas Food Trading in 2001 and quickly became instrumental in expanding the company’s product portfolio beyond Mediterranean staples. With a passion for premium European foods, he forged relationships with high-end suppliers across France and beyond, bringing a new focus to the business: sweets and specialty snacks. 

In 2002, Stephane co-founded Chocmod USA with a leading French truffle maker, then expanded into sourcing gourmet confections like cookies and chocolates, bringing top European brands to the U.S. Recognizing market shifts, he led Overseas' entry into frozen specialty foods for Food Service clients.

His vision continues to fuel the company’s growth as a premier U.S. importer of premium sweets and specialty products.

Nicolas Jourdan, Managing Partner Sales

Nicolas Jourdan joined Overseas Food Trading in 2011 to strengthen and diversify the company’s sourcing of specialty products. Through his strategic vision and expertise, he successfully expanded the company’s import network across key European markets, including Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany; and more recently extended the company’s reach into Asia, broadening Overseas’ global footprint. 

Beyond expanding the product line and supplier network, Nicolas shaped the sales team into a group of experts focused on understanding both customer and supplier needs while delivering swift, effective project execution. Since becoming a partner in 2019, he has led the sales team with visionary leadership and a strong ability to identify and capitalize on emerging opportunities. 

Anne-Sophie Dehau, Managing Partner Operations 

Sophie joined Overseas Food Trading in 2002 to develop the company’s trading operations, with a focus on olive oil sourcing and commodity trading. With over 20 years of experience in the food industry, she has played a key role in expanding operations and building strategic supplier partnerships across Europe, North Africa and South America. 

From sourcing expertise and supply chain management to fostering a collaborative team culture, Sophie has been instrumental in driving the company’s growth. In 2022, Sophie became a partner, focusing on operations and working alongside the executive team to shape the company for long-term success. With deep knowledge in the olive oil industry, Sophie has developed and strengthened relationships with suppliers, built a seamless resilient supply chain, while promoting a culture of quality, transparency and excellence.  

In Loving Memory of David Bensadoun 

Partner, Visionary, and Friend (1974–2024) 

David Bensadoun joined Overseas Food Trading in 2001 and quickly became a driving force behind the company’s growth and transformation. With deep passion and strategic insight, he led the expansion of our olive oil business, building global partnerships across South America, Europe and the Middle East. David’s contributions to the olive oil world were profound, but his kindness, generosity, and integrity left an even greater mark on those who knew him. He was not only a brilliant entrepreneur but a beloved colleague, partner, and friend. 

Though David passed away in 2024, his legacy lives on in every partnership we build, and every step we take toward the future he believed in. 

He is deeply missed and forever remembered.