Salvatore Zingale, president of The Sanson Company in Cleveland, OH says, “We’re a full line distributor and are certified to handle all organics. While organics are high maintenance and you have to buy correctly to manage inventory, it’s an important product line for Sanson and our customers.”
Western Missouri Fruit’s Blomberg also echoes reservations when it comes to handling organic produce. “Organics are not a big factor for us. People want to see how the apples and pears look and they’re very sensitive about price. Very few buyers call us about organics—it’s not a huge trend for us.”
Pupillo, at Independent Fruit & Produce, relates, “We’re finding that organics are just starting to move after the recent poor economy shrunk demand for them. Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods do a big business in organic produce, but the higher prices put organics out of reach for most people. In certain high-end areas there is more demand, but in general, organics are staying steady.”
Justin Howell adds, “We don’t handle many organic items at this time, but we do plan to increase the volume as demand for them in our area increases.”
Kirch puts it this way: “We don’t have a crystal ball, but I think we’ll see more organic and local products grown in the Midwest.”
All Hail Kale
Beside the steady demand for locally grown, Walker has seen more interest in both fresh-cut products and leafy greens. “Kale has been big in the last couple of years—anytime a university study or celebrity mentions the health properties of an item, it becomes a trend.”
Although several Midwestern states grow kale and other greens, as well as increasing amounts of herbs, demand continues to outstrip availability. Fortunately, the nation’s top grower of kale, California, is just a day or two away.
California kale production has continued to climb, from under 1,500 acres in 1995 to nearly 3,250 acres in 2012. The value of kale—as more consumers discovers its healthful properties and restaurants add the leafy green vegetable to their menus—has risen even more, from $11.6 million in 1995 to $50.3 million in 2012 according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service.
Specialty & Ethnic Commodities
Kirch has also seen a number of specialty produce items from outside the Midwest growing in popularity.
“Over the last decade, the Midwest consumer/customer has become more educated about nutrition, flavor profiles, and taste, etc. Consumers are craving high flavor, wholesome items. Avocado growth has exploded. We manage over 18 different SKUs and have seen double-digit growth over the last five years,” he says.
