In 1947, Richard Franco made his first trip to southern India to meet cashew suppliers. Upon returning, he quickly found a ready market for cashews and opened a small office in Tribeca, New York—then the specialty commodities trading capital of the USA. Thus, The Richard Franco Agency, Inc. (RFA) was born.
Over the next thirty years, Richard grew the business carefully and conservatively, always seeking out the most honest and trustworthy suppliers and customers in the tree nut market. Gradually, RFA expanded into Brazil nuts, developing close ties with leading Brazilian exporters. Through Richard’s leadership, RFA became known as a service-oriented, trustworthy, and fair broker.
New Leadership, Same Dedication
In 1978, Richard Franco passed away unexpectedly. In 1979, David took over with the support of Leatrice, dedicated to upholding Richard’s values and rebuilding the business to maintain RFA’s strong reputation.
Throughout the 1980s, Leatrice gradually passed the business to David, who led RFA into new territories. By the early 1990s, David had assumed full leadership, carrying forward the tradition of quality and integrity that Richard had established.
Leadership Evolution
David has stepped back, and while he still does some trading and serves as Chairman, day-to-day operations of the company have primarily been taken over by his sons Marc and Rich. With a shared commitment to upholding the values and expertise that have defined the company for decades, Marc and Rich bring fresh perspectives and innovative strategies to ensure continued growth and success in the ever-evolving industry.
RFA Through the Years
1949
Richard Franco founded the company and began representing Indian cashew exporters, utilizing cable communication for transactions.
1949
Richard Franco founded the company and began representing Indian cashew exporters, utilizing cable communication for transactions.
1950s
Expanded to include Brazilian nut exporters and CNSL exporters, strengthening relationships with key suppliers.
1950s
Expanded to include Brazilian nut exporters and CNSL exporters, strengthening relationships with key suppliers.
1975
RFA started representing Brazilian cashew exporters.
1975
RFA started representing Brazilian cashew exporters.
1978
After Richard Franco's passing, David Rosenblatt led the agency through a period of rapid change, transitioning to Telex communication.
1978
After Richard Franco's passing, David Rosenblatt led the agency through a period of rapid change, transitioning to Telex communication.
1981
Began representing African cashew exporters, establishing connections with about a dozen African countries.
1981
Began representing African cashew exporters, establishing connections with about a dozen African countries.
1991
Shifted focus to Bolivian and Peruvian Brazil nuts and began representing macadamia exporters, with U.S. imports growing significantly from 2000 onward.
1991
Shifted focus to Bolivian and Peruvian Brazil nuts and began representing macadamia exporters, with U.S. imports growing significantly from 2000 onward.
1994
Became the first broker to sell Vietnamese cashews in the U.S., opening an office in Vietnam and partnering with Hergott & Wilson to establish the first American cashew brokerage in the country.
1994
Became the first broker to sell Vietnamese cashews in the U.S., opening an office in Vietnam and partnering with Hergott & Wilson to establish the first American cashew brokerage in the country.
2000
RFA pivoted to a trading model, servicing both suppliers and buyers while expanding its brokerage services.
2000
RFA pivoted to a trading model, servicing both suppliers and buyers while expanding its brokerage services.
2007–Mid-2010s
Represented Brazilian exporters of coconut water and honey; these products were later discontinued.
2007–Mid-2010s
Represented Brazilian exporters of coconut water and honey; these products were later discontinued.
2018 Onwards
RFA evolved to hold inventory and sell positions, enhancing brokerage and trading to reduce risk and meet customer needs. Expanded services to include buying, selling, and financing for suppliers and clients.
2018 Onwards
RFA evolved to hold inventory and sell positions, enhancing brokerage and trading to reduce risk and meet customer needs. Expanded services to include buying, selling, and financing for suppliers and clients.
Ongoing
Maintains a strong role in the raw cashew nut (RCN) trade, using extensive experience to guide processors and improve service to suppliers and kernel customers.
Ongoing
Maintains a strong role in the raw cashew nut (RCN) trade, using extensive experience to guide processors and improve service to suppliers and kernel customers.