Raleigh, N.C.-based L&M Cos. has an ample supply of Carolina produce commodities in the months ahead, company leaders said.
Available fresh produce from the marketer includes cabbage, broccoli, cucumbers, bell peppers, chili peppers, summer squash, hard squash, tomatoes, onions, and red, yellow and sweet potatoes, said Lee Anne Oxford, director of marketing for L&M Companies, Raleigh, N.C.
The region has had slightly cooler and slightly more wet than usual weather. Overall, growing conditions have been very good for vegetables, potatoes and onions.
“On the vegetables, supplies look to be steady and uninterrupted through the transition up from Georgia all the way through the North Carolina season,” Oxford said. “Potato and onion supplies look to be above average this season.”
Oxford said cabbage volume will be higher on the front end of the vegetable season for L&M, while chilies and hard squash will be plentiful later in the season.
In addition to conventional volume, the marketer offers organic options for broccoli, tomatoes, squash, peppers and cabbage, she said.
Promotional support
L&M offers retailers local signage, bags, labels, trays and tags to help promote Carolina produce, in addition to grower profiles, recipes, photos, ad and display support, Oxford said.
The company has made investments in value-added products, she said.
“We have upgraded our facility to increase ability and efficiency of tray packed and wrapped produce – in order to keep up with demand,” Oxford said.
The company also is well positioned for timely deliveries, she said. “The opportunity to consolidate bulk and packaged and organic items all at our Raleigh Facility provides freight efficiencies and local packaging and marketing opportunities for our customers.”
Significantly rising farm input costs is the biggest challenge for growers, she said, but there are reasons for optimism.
“The biggest opportunities are consumer support for local growers and demand for local food, summer social and travel demand and importantly, freight advantages for keeping product local.”
