For centuries, Chicago has served as a critical center of trade for the Midwest. In fact, the city was first developed in the 1780s because it was well situated for commerce.
Once the city incorporated in 1837, its geographical position enabled the village of Chicago to grow at lightning speed. By 1889, it was already the second largest city in the nation after New York, earning the nickname “Second City,” which is still used today for its famous comedy troupe.
Many Chi-Town businesses continue to benefit from this prime location today. Suppliers on and off the Chicago International Produce Market (CIPM) handle heaps of commodities from across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and beyond. These merchants supply a massive local food industry, including more than 7,300 restaurants and more than 260 grocery stores.
Of course, the city’s produce suppliers have faced their fair share of challenges in recent years—from freight issues and weather woes to ongoing consolidation. Yet no matter which way the breeze blows, Windy City produce always seems to come out on top.
The largest terminal market in the Midwest, the CIPM enjoys a number of valuable benefits, from a favorable location to a state-of-the-art facility. Located at South Wolcott Avenue on the outskirts of the city, the CIPM is only minutes from three major interstate highways.
Built in 2001 to replace the old South Water Market, the new CIPM is a high-tech 450,000-square-foot facility featuring one million cubic feet of refrigerated space, enclosed loading docks, and ripening rooms.
The facility also offers a host of value-added services to its customers, including custom repacking and packaging, as well as loading services. With nearly 20 merchants pulling produce from the East Coast, West Coast, Canada, and Mexico, this bustling market handles an estimated 500 inbound trucks per week.
While Brian Holzkopf, senior procurement specialist for Ruby Robinson Company, Inc., BB #:102013 is located 30 miles away from the CIPM in the northern suburb of Buffalo Grove, he sings the praises of the folks who work on the market.
“Some of the greatest advantages on the CIPM are all the people,” Holzkopf said.
“Hardworking people who are very passionate about what they do, taking care of their own businesses whether they are owners, salespeople, or buyers. This is an advantage because these people make all of us just a little bit better, stronger, and just as passionate.”
This is an excerpt from the most recent Produce Blueprints quarterly journal. Click here to read the full version.
