The Eastern Market is also reaping the benefits of some major upgrades. Shed 5, one of the major wholesale facilities, recently underwent an $8.5 million renovation. The makeover included a new “community kitchen” for food start-ups and the DTE Energy Plaza, a large patio where visitors can relax and enjoy a snack.
A few wholesalers at the terminal market are also considering future growth. “Here at Ben B., we’re bursting at the seams and planning for expansion,” Stone reveals. “Every square inch in the existing building is being used. People can say what they want about Detroit, but real estate at the Detroit Produce Terminal is definitely at a premium.”
MARKET STATS
Detroit Eastern Market
Founded in 1891; the largest historic market in the nation, spanning 4.5 acres. Features both retailers and wholesalers who sell more than 70,000 tons of fresh produce each year.
Location: 2934 Russell Street
Office Hours: Mon-Sat 8 am – 4 pm
Public Market Hours: Sat 6 am – 4 pm
President: Daniel S. Carmody
Contact: (313) 833-9300
www.detroiteasternmarket.comDetroit Produce Terminal
Established in 1928; easy access to rail and ports of entry, including the Fort Street Cargo Facility, Detroit Service Port, and Detroit-Windsor Truck Ferry.Location: 7201 W. Fort Street
Hours: 6 am to 8 pm, 7 days per week
Manager: Arthur McHardy
Contact: (313) 841-8700
Market Trends
Wholesalers on Detroit’s two markets have noticed that across the board, demand for fresh fruit and vegetables is on the rise. “I can’t think of a category that’s not growing,” Stone says. “Certainly exotics and tropicals are getting a lot of focus as well as organics. In general, there’s just more produce going through the system than ever.”
Part of the drive to eat healthy has pushed salads and slaws to the forefront, from standards like iceberg and romaine lettuce to broccoli and kale slaw mixes. “We don’t delve a whole lot into specialties,” Russo explains, “but I will say the lettuce market, for example, has become so diverse in what we offer and what our customers are looking for—it’s so many different types of pack styles, lettuces, salads mixes, and the big explosion with kale sales. So it’s been evolving, and it’s been a plus for us.”
