Organics & Locally Grown
In addition to an increase in ethnic fruits and vegetables, the Ontario produce industry has also seen an uptick in organics. “Organic sales continue to increase,” confirms Ian MacKenzie, outgoing president of the Ontario Produce Marketing Association (his replacement, Virginia Zimm, takes over in January). However, he points out that it’s hard to tell whether the trend is due to an increase in consumer interest for organic produce or steadily decreasing prices. “Supplies of organics have increased to the point that prices are coming down to be more in line with conventionally grown produce,” he explains.
ONTARIO FOOD TERMINAL MARKET STATS
Address:
165 The Queensway
Toronto, Ontario M8Y 1H8
Phone: 416-259-5479
Email: info@oftb.comEstablished: 1954
Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 4 am to 2 pm
Sunday: 6 am to 11 am
Deliveries accepted 24/7Size:
40 acres (1.74 million square feet)Cold Storage Space:
100,000 square feet of commercial cold storageNumber of Tenants:
21 warehouse tenants, 40 office tenants and
350 farmers’ market tenantsWholesale Buyers:
More than 5,000 registered wholesale buyersFarmers’ Market:
8 acres and 550 stalls
Open Saturdays, May through OctoberParking:
4 acres with space for 575 cars
“Forward-thinking retailers have a big interest in organics,” asserts Robert Chapman, vice president of sales and marketing with Pride Pak Canada Ltd. in Mississauga, Ontario. “The organic section in most supermarkets is increasing in size year over year.”
Consumer demand for locally grown produce has also skyrocketed in Ontario. “There is no stopping the interest in locally grown produce,” MacKenzie says. “Consumers prefer to buy local when they can, at reasonable prices, because they feel more comfortable knowing the produce came from the local growing area.”
