San Antonio produce markets seeing more business, and price pressure

In the face of global challenges the past two years, the San Antonio produce market is seeing business activity as a good sign that things are changing. At the same time, wholesalers face ongoing and new challenges.

“On the landlord side of the business, we are 100% occupied at our market,” said Tom Preston, administrative director at the San Antonio Produce Terminal Market. “My conversations with our tenants are positive. I'm told they are very busy. Labor may be an issue with some.”

One wholesaler said labor is an issue for the business, as well as other concerns. Ultimately, price pressures are top of mind.

“Labor and fuel are the biggest concerns. But prices are much higher than two years ago. Diesel has doubled. We can only absorb so much,” said Nando Gonzalez, partner and general sales manager at River City Produce. “We’re seeing a lot more people who didn’t question cost before now being more price-sensitive in their purchases.”

River City Produce is a wholesale produce company that sells mainly conventional produce with occasional organics. The company supports local depending on what’s being grown, and sources regionally.

Gonzalez said he has seen some changes since business has picked up post-COVID-19.

“Everything seems to be different post-COVID. There have been unprecedented changes. The markets have been increasing,” Gonzalez said. “Consumers are moving more toward cheaper items. High-end produce items are selling less.”

Inflation is certainly on business owners’ minds. But Preston said it doesn’t seem to be a big issue from his vantage point.

“It's been my position after 22 years as administrative director that everyone here is very resilient,” Preston said. “Today's changes become tomorrow’s routines.”