Diversity
There is no question Georgia’s demographics have shifted significantly in the past decade. Between 2000 and 2010, the state’s Hispanic population doubled to more than 850,000 people. Of the Peach State’s most populous cities, Atlanta had the greatest Hispanic population with 21,815 residents. The most recent U.S. Census figures show Latinos and Hispanics comprise 9.1 percent of the entire state’s population, as compared with approximately 5.0 percent in 2000.
“The diversity helps [business] because people eat a wide variety of produce around here—everything,” says Hubert Nall III, president and treasurer of Hubert H. Nall Company, Inc., a longtime broker on
the market.
Scott Chapman, vice president of sales with produce distributor Nickey Gregory Company, LLC, says he’s seen an increase in ethnic vendors, particularly those specializing in Hispanic produce, at the Atlanta State Farmers Market.
“There are kind of two parts to this market,” explains Randy Lineberger, executive vice president for General Produce, Inc., the largest full-line wholesaler in the Southeast, which is headquartered at the Atlanta Market. “What we call ‘up on the hill’ is all the large wholesalers, and there are a couple of Hispanic companies within this group that are doing really well. Further, he explains, are merchants and dealers in what he terms as the other end of the market—the open air stalls area—which Lineberger says is dominated by Hispanic buyers and sellers.
In addition to the area’s growing Hispanic population, Atlanta has also seen a sharp rise in Asian residents—a trend that mirrors population changes across the nation. According to a 2012 U.S. Census report, the U.S. Asian population increased four times faster than total U.S. population in the decade from 2000 to 2010. Georgia was among the top five states with the most Asian growth. Of course, this is fabulous news for Atlanta’s produce businesses. “The state’s diversity only adds to the opportunities to source and sell additional commodities,” says Young.
Georgia Grown
While demand for specialty and ethnic produce continues to grow, Georgia dealers have noticed another positive trend: consumers are demanding more locally grown fruits and vegetables.
