Cancel OK

Cali Commerce: Setting Trends

Brain teasers on the nation’s perishables powerhouse
Test Your Knowledge

As with any business, some items are particularly trendy. According to Angie Pappas, spokesperson for the California Restaurant Association, “kale is everywhere. People can’t get enough of it,” she enthused. Other trending vegetables included heirloom varieties of tomatoes, radishes, and even beets—yes, beets—which are available in different colors like the pink and white ‘watermelon beet.’ “They’re popular, and not just in fine dining anymore—casual places and at small places too.”

“I think people are coming around to the idea that you can have both taste and health,” Pappas says. “It wasn’t that long ago, vegetable options were boiled or steamed, and that was it.”

Pappas finds the symbiotic relationship between chefs and area growers has inspired chefs and cuisine, to the benefit of both as well as consumers. “There’s been a huge shift even in the last two or three years in terms of people seeking out local, natural, sustainable foods.”

INNOVATIVE RETAIL: Whole Foods Market has not only increased its presence in the Los Angeles area, and Northern California in general, but offers customers home-delivery service.
True: While grocery delivery services are available in California, the concept has yet to become commonplace. “Folks are trying new things,” Means confirms, but says, “some are catching on, some may not.” Fresh produce, however, is on an upward swing. “Produce is hot,” she emphasizes. “Produce is profitable and folks want to get on the bandwagon.” At the same time, she notes, “Technology is changing and consumers are changing how they want to receive things. I think it’s going to continue to have an impact.”

Jeff Oberman, vice president of trade relations at Washington DC-based United Fresh Produce Association, says there has been a great deal of talk about online delivery involving retailers like Fresh Direct, Peapod, Amazon, and Whole Foods. “What we’re seeing is that consumer demand is driving online success. Consumers want this option; retailers are either in this now or looking at the possibility.”

But Oberman cautions the demand represents just a portion of the industry. “Online is growing, but I really think the independents are strong in California.”

Carissa Mace, president of the Fresh Produce & Floral Council in La Mirada, agrees, saying, “The strongest markets are the independents and their niche markets. Ethnic communities aren’t going to be affected by e-produce deliveries.

You have large ethnic grocery chains, and they buy a ton of produce per store, even more than major chains do. They tailor themselves to buying for their particular communities: Hispanic, Korean, etc., while major chains are buying the same stuff across the board.”

Twitter