Others rely on imports to keep their numbers up, bringing a broad range of fruits and vegetables across the border. Maglio Companies is already hedging its bets with Mexico, and recently opened a new facility in McAllen, Texas to help maintain supply when Midwestern weather wreaks havoc. “We’re finding that Mexico is a much more consistent source of supply going forward,” comments Maglio.
Shipping and freight rates
Another supply chain impediment for receivers and brokers, whether they import and truck the commodities to their warehouses or source from local, regional, or national growers, is the labor crunch, both in the field and behind the wheel of trucks.
FRESH FORUM
How does your business this year compare to last year?Bob Kirch, Caito Foods Service, Inc., Indianapolis, IN
We’ve been blessed to experience strong growth over the last year.Christian Comito, Capital City Fruit Company, Des Moines, IA
Our business pretty much looks the same as it did a year ago; however, the one thing that will be different is we’ll have more locally grown and organic items as we partner with more local growers. We’re constantly searching for and adding more local growers to our supply network to add more locally grown items during the growing season.Joe Cavalier, Cavalier-Gulling-Wilson Company, Inc., Cleveland, OH
Business has been improving: with the Cavaliers winning, Indians on a hot streak, and the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, we’re looking for a banner year.John Bennett, JohnCo Distributing, Inc., Indianapolis, IN
Our business is good; we’re on pace to have a similar year as last year.Gene Loffredo, Loffredo Produce, Des Moines, IA
Our business this year is up over last year; our major markets other than Des Moines, in Kansas City, Omaha, Madison, and Milwaukee continue to carry a lot of potential. We’re seeing some growth in these areas, especially in Omaha. We have a very positive outlook on the future of our business.Sam Maglio, Maglio Companies, Milwaukee, WI
We’re expecting to see large increases in imported produce in 2016, and for many years beyond.Rocky Ray, Ray & Mascari, Inc., Indianapolis, IN
Fantastic, really—we’ve been truly blessed with a loyal and consistent customer base. The last three years have probably been the biggest years of our company’s 78-year history.Kerry Byrne, Total Quality Logistics, Cincinnati, OH
We’ve seen an increase from last year in some imported produce lanes, and overall we remain strong in the produce market. The foundation of our company was built around shipping produce, and we are very proud of this.
Fortunately, most suppliers did not experience the same kind of field-hand shortage as the West Coast or Florida, and the carrier crunch of the last several years has abated somewhat. For some, there were lower rates, and this was a welcome bonus.
