Many Texas distributors say they’re in kind of an in-between mode — between the sales bump of the holidays and the next buildup that starts as spring nears, tourists arrive and conventions come to town.
With the arrival of the holiday season coupled with the general trend toward more healthful eating, business among Chicago-area produce distributors seems to be thriving.
Suppliers say business is booming at Toronto’s Ontario Food Terminal, where dozens of produce companies provide customers with an extensive variety of fresh fruits, vegetables and other items.
There were fears last summer that a review conducted by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs might recommend a new location for the largest wholesale produce distribution center in Canada.
J.E. Russell Produce Ltd. has hired Mike Pirri, a 21-year veteran of the produce industry with experience in wholesale and retail, to head up a new melon and grape program, said Hutch Morton, senior vice president.
