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BRONX, N.Y. — You might think weather affects mostly the farmer in the produce supply chain, but Hunts Point Produce Market wholesalers and distributors watch the weather closely too.

Sun Belle Inc. has a lot to celebrate this year.

The Chicago retail scene remains strong, despite a few tweaks sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic, said Craig Carlson, president/CEO of Chicago-based Carlson Produce Consulting LLC.

Most Chicago-area produce distributors seem to have survived the pandemic in fairly good shape, and they appear to be looking forward to a busy holiday season.

The Ruby Co., Buffalo Grove, Ill., was founded in 1966 and has not stopped growing.

As foodservice operators open their doors once again and expand their hours after lengthy COVID-19-related shutdowns and restrictions, many Chicago-area produce distributors say they can begin a return to normalcy.

The Packer gathered these business updates for the Dec. 6 Chicago Know Your Market Coverage.

The historical Maryland’s Best Expo, now in its 18th year, will once again give buyers from supermarkets, schools, foodservice operations and food distributors a chance to mingle with farmers and other food producers.

Things may have gotten off to a slow start in some areas, but it appears business will be booming during late summer and fall for Michigan produce suppliers.

Produce suppliers in Michigan and throughout the industry are struggling to cope with ever-increasing freight costs.