Produce business seems to be doing well in the Twin Cities area as fall approaches, at least in part due to consumer reaction to the coronavirus pandemic.
With “strong and steady” demand, the 2020 California table grape season should be a positive one, said Kathleen Nave, president of the Fresno-based California Table Grape Commission.
The Twin Cities supermarket scene is as competitive as ever, giving local consumers an opportunity to spend their food dollars at any of a number of high-performing retail chains.
As in most regions of the U.S., supermarket business in Michigan has been strong since the COVID-19 pandemic hit earlier this year, and foodservice sales dropped dramatically before showing some signs of a rebound.
Mandarins have been taking market share from navel oranges for several years, grower-shippers say. But they may be helping the overall citrus category, said Casey Creamer.
The Sunripe Freshmarket location in the Hyde Park section of London, Ontario, offers a selection of citrus items year-round, but shoppers seem to prefer product from California, said Randy Jeffery, produce manager.
