OUR TEAM
Our team brings practical industry experience, fresh perspective, and real relationships to specialty food growth.
Heather Iafrate
Founder, HI Intercoastal Group
Heather Iafrate founded HI Intercoastal Group to help manufacturers, retailers, and importers/distributors grow their business in the U.S. market through strategic sales development, market expansion, and customized retail solutions.
Since 2009, Heather has worked in the specialty cheese industry with a focus on launching and building European premium imported cheese brands in North America. Her expertise includes sales strategy, market development, assortment planning, retail program execution, and relationship-driven business development.
Through HI Intercoastal Group, Heather works across the specialty food supply chain to help partners increase distribution, strengthen brand positioning, align product offerings with consumer demand, and create practical programs that support long-term growth.
Committed to continuous learning and professional growth, Heather earned her master’s degree in 2019 while working full time, which reinforced her disciplined, solutions-oriented approach to leadership and business development.
Heather is passionate about the specialty cheese industry and actively supports its growth and evolution. She serves on multiple committees with the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association, including Events, International, and Market Research, and she engages younger generations in the trade.
Outside of work, Heather enjoys yoga, golf, tennis, spending time outdoors with her dog Birdie, reading and writing poetry, following Iowa Hawkeyes football, and discovering her new home state of Oregon.
Anna Getner
Sales and Marketing Coordinator
Anna Getner brings a fresh perspective to HI Intercoastal Group, with experience in communications, social media marketing, nonprofit leadership, and brand engagement.
A recent graduate of the University of Iowa, Anna earned a degree in Enterprise Leadership and a Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Philanthropy. Her academic background focused on organizational strategy, leadership development, and mission-driven work, with a strong interest in how businesses and organizations create meaningful, sustainable impact.
Anna has hands-on experience supporting content creation, audience engagement, and social media marketing through internships in both nonprofit and corporate settings. She also attended the 2024 IDDBA industry show in Houston, where she strengthened her skills in product promotion, networking, and professional communication within the specialty food industry.
Her connection to food and international business was shaped in part by her experience working with an international French cheese company, which deepened her appreciation for global food systems, specialty products, and brand storytelling.
Outside of work, Anna is passionate about animal welfare and has a lifelong connection to caring for dogs and advocating for their well-being. She also enjoys photography, music, exploring new foods, and traveling.